FAQ about the AIU Study Abroad Program

London Internships FAQ

Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about London Internships, part of the AIU Study Abroad Program.

If you have a question that is not addressed here, we invite you to contact us or call 1.800.255.6839.

Questions about London Internships through the AIU Study Abroad Program

What types of internships are available?
When will I find out about my placement?
Where have interns been placed in the past?
Are paid internships available?
Is my internship placement guaranteed?
What is required for entry into the UK?
What are the deadlines for my application?
Do I need a portfolio?
Why do I have to go to an interview?
My school requires that I work 20 hours per week. Is this possible?
Is it possible to be hired by the company where I intern?
I really just want to come to London for work experience. Is AIU London the right place for me?
If the credit doesn't transfer back to my home institution can I just do the work experience and audit the academic aspect of the program?
Do I have to take classes with my internship?
How much tutor contact will I have?

What types of internships are available?

Part-time internships in Business, Fashion, Interior Design and Liberal Arts are available during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer I and II terms. Media Production internships will only be available in the Winter term. Visual Communication internships will only be available in the Fall and Spring terms.

When will I find out about my placement?

Placement is not known until the interview process is complete. An internship coordinator will be in contact with you before the start of term to advise you on placement.

Where have interns been placed in the past?

Your admissions advisor in our Hoffman Estates office can provide a list of prior internship placements.

Are paid internships available?

No - but some employers offer extras like travel or lunch expenses, while others offer attendance to conferences and free products. These extras vary by employer.

Is my internship placement guaranteed?

No, we can only guarantee that we will do our best to place you in an internship. Ultimately, the employer makes the decision to take you on as an intern. AIU London's internship placement success rate is very high.

What is required for entry into the UK?

All interns MUST obtain a UK Entrance Clearance/Visa prior to their departure to London. The UK Entrance Clearance/Visa is a sticker or vignette issued to travelers who have been granted leave to enter the UK. Visa applicants are also required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and pictures). To assist visa applicants with the collection process, an arrangement has been established whereby the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collect the biometric data of UK visa applicants from their network of application support centers. This arrangement with the Department of Homeland Security provides wide coverage of biometric collection points in the US. Unless otherwise advised, all visa applicants must provide their biometric data. Because UK immigration laws are subject to change, you should consult http://visa4uk.fco.gov.uk for the most current information on UK customs regulations.

What are the deadlines for my application?

Winter – October 17, 2008
Spring – December 31, 2008
Summer I – March 31, 2009
Summer II – May 1, 2009
Fall – July 31, 2009

Do I need a portfolio?

If you are a design major who wishes to intern in-field, a prospective employer will want to see a preview of your work. If you have an e-portfolio, make your advisor aware, so that you can email it to London. This will improve your chances of gaining a design internship.

Why do I have to go to an interview?

Employers are not willing to offer an internship without an interview. You may be asked to undertake some challenging work assignments during your internship. An employer wants to have the opportunity to find out whether you are capable to undertaking the challenging assignments.

My school requires that I work 20 hours per week. Is this possible?

Yes, the 20 hour work week may vary, but remember that all preparation work for the 3 assignments counts toward your internship work week.

Is it possible to be hired by the company where I intern?

It has happened on the rare occasion. It's likely you would need a permanent UK work permit to stay and work in the UK. Most employers will not consider hiring you unless you have this permit. The burden is on the employer to start Home Office proceedings, which is costly and very time consuming. You should not expect to receive a job offer.

What are the requirements of a part-time internship?

A part-time internship requires you to work two full days a week. You will also be required to keep a journal, do an oral presentation and submit a 3000 word report.

I really just want to come to London for work experience. Is AIU London the right place for me?

It could be. We have developed fantastic links with employers and we will do our best to place you with a company where you can grow personally and professionally. However, the internship is very demanding and the academic component of the program should be taken very seriously. You will need to submit a written report, a journal and we will expect you to do an oral presentation. You need to devote hours of research time to ensure that the work you submit is of the highest standard. You gain academic credit for the program by producing good academic work. We will help you to produce work that will be useful for your future career but we will expect you to work as hard on your academic work as you do in the office.

If the credit doesn't transfer back to my home institution can I just do the work experience and audit the academic aspect of the program?

Technically this is possible but we do not encourage it. You will get a more balanced experience if you complete the academic work. By researching the company and the industry you will be more valuable to the employer and return home an expert in your field. If you intend to audit the class you will need to have written permission from your home institution before you arrive at AIU London.