I spent this week finding out everything I could about internships and I am here to update you completely on what is available and what you will have to do to get involved, all in one post.
THE GATEKEEPERS
Three people you should know about as you begin preparing for your internship experience:
1. Jourdan Hafen-facilitator for the French internships and right-hand woman to Dr. Lebras, number two on the list. Jourdan works in 101 HRCB (Kennedy Center) and she is available to you between 1.30 and 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. She is a wealth of knowledge and resources and will get you started on your journey.
2. Dr. Yvon Lebras-the mastermind behind the whole scene, the man with his finger on the pulse of France itself, his middle name IS internship. Not to mention that he will be the man who decides whether or not you are qualified to go abroad. Now you can't get to him without going through Jourdan (even I couldn't manage it), but you can't get to France without going through him. He has spent a lot of time in France, networking and finding quality internships for students in the department. We owe a lot to him.
Contact info: 3135 JFSB, 801-422-2288
3. Dean Scott Sprenger-a unique individual, he is highly invested in the Brussels Seminar, a new program that will mirror the Washington Seminar with a foreign twist. He has pioneered this program that is still growing every year. If Brussels is you target, Dean Sprenger will be your sights. He is the main contact for the Brussels Seminar.
THE COLD HARD FACTS
Before I move on to the actual details of the internships, there a few things I feel you should know that I have learned over this week of research.
1. A foreign internship is not a way to get rich.
Yes, some of these internships are paid, but they are also expensive. You have to cover airfare and tuition, living and eating expenses, and don't forget that the Euro is way stronger than the dollar right now. With that said, if you are smart you can break even. But in most cases you won't. If making money abroad is your goal, try teaching English instead, a longer time commitment but a chance to actually come home with some money. These internships are not about the bottom line, they are to differentiate you, they are to give you invaluable experiences abroad as you expand your horizons, improve your language abilities, and help you set your course in life.
2. Internships are a lot easier if you're single than if you're married. With the exceptions of the Brussels seminar and the English teaching programs (which will not be discussed in this post) these internships are much more suited for single students (unless of course your spouse is also going to be doing the same internship). You'll be responsible for coming up with your own housing and your spouse will have to figure out a way to spend his or her days...
3. Internships are hard work. The application process has to be completed and a lot of legwork is required from the students. If this is something that you really want to do, finish reading this blog and then get started right away. You haven't a moment to lose. Not a moment.
THE POSSIBILITIES
I'll discuss the Brussels seminar in a different section. This will cover everything else.
1. Universite Catholique de Lille-two spots are available here. You will be working with students here at the university located in northern France. A common activity by last year's interns was helping French students practice their English through mock internviews as they were preparing to earn MBAs in the States. A number of other activities of course will be on the docket. This is one of the more competitive and prestigious internship positions.
2. Les Petits Freres des Pauvres-The majority of potential interns will be embarking with this charitbale organization. They have locations all over France including Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, and Lille. They offer companionship to otherwise solitary elderly people. A generous stipend and occasions to travel are all part of the perks of this very popular program.
3. Maison de l'Europe-This is a relatively new program and I couldn't find a whole lot of info on it. It is located in Lyon so if you're in Dr. Hudson's 435 class, this is your chance to go see the famous city.
4. LDS Family History Department in Torcy-You can bet they jumped at the idea of having BYU students intern for them so prepare yourself for a hospitable greeting and a predictable work load. Torcy is in the eastern suburbs of Paris so its a good opportunity to get a good taste of Parisian life.
5. Don't forget teaching assistantships. They are available year round and are unforgettable experiences.
REQUIREMENTS
OK, well, you've got to speak French. We're talking 321 level and up. Not there yet? Consider study abroad. Next, you've got to commit to the time of the internship, since we're talking spring and summer that's around six to eight weeks. Third, you'll have to take a one-credit prep course during Winter Semester so that you can hit the ground running. There are also some recommended activities like reading certain books, practicing your language skills and becoming a French major or minor (preference is given to them).
BRUSSELS SEMINAR
This is cool. I'm serious. Totally unpaid so lets just get past that right now. Dr. Sprenger has been traveling there regularly arranging everything. Brussels is of course home of the EU (European Union) and so its a very exciting and multi-cultural place. There are a ton of opportunities within the EU itself (Parliament, Committee of Religions, etc.) AND each member nation has ancillary institutions where other internship opportunities are available including but not limited to...museums, libraries, publishing firms, corporate headquarters, literary journals, cultural institutions, regional councils, trade organizations, NGOs, law offices, etc. etc. etc. Seriously, if you want it, come and get it, its here.
Including tuition you're looking at about 5000 dollars but there is specila funding through grant programs that you should apply for at the same time as you apply for the program. You could get as much as 2500 knocked off. Students need to have a 3.0 GPA and have to be juniors, so this is definitely not for everyone and this internship will definitely require more out of its interns then most. We're talking writing briefs, doing research, preparing press releases, and otherwise aiding the nations of the world in their delicate dance. An opportunity that won't just pad your resume but will stretch you as a person.
THE PROCESS
If you've never been to the Kennedy Center, get to know it. All applications are done online at the Kennedy Center website (https://kennedy.byu.edu/isp/online/app/home.php). There is a 25 dollar application fee. A lot more information is available there. Lots of counselors are available at the center to further inform you about the opportunities and find out which will be best for you.
Once your application has been accepted you will start the interview process and you will meet with Dr. Lebras for the French internships and Dr. Sprenger for the Brussels seminar. They will both judge you on your french and your intellectual capacities to see if you are fit for the job.
If we opt for the France internships, Dr. Lebras will be the one who decides where you will be going for the summer and he will help you prepare for you experience. And then you will go overseas and your life will be changed forever.
If you are pining for Brussels and its EU sauce, Dr. Sprenger will be the master of your destiny.
Best of luck to all of you in all your future endeavors.
And now a word from Jourdan (this is a direct quote):
"here are several organizations with whom we have internships in France for the upcoming spring/summer. The immersion, both linguistically and culturally, will be very beneficial to anyone planning on continuing in French or who simply wants an international experience. The internships are also paid, something hard to find in the States! The deadline for spring/summer applications has beenmoved back to 31 December."
and remember:
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Much love,
Pete
