Outgoing Global Internships and Research Abroad

“Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend this transformative experience to other students. The amalgamation of academic excellence at the Lassonde School of Engineering and the hands-on exposure at the NASA Kennedy Space Center is unparalleled. The cross-cultural insights, leadership opportunities, and global network established during this journey have equipped me to lead and inspire others. Just as I have been motivated by mentors and leaders, I believe this experience can catalyze the growth and aspirations of future students, allowing them to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.”

— Rehan Rashid (Global Internship to NASA, USA)

Interested in gaining international experience and building a global skillset to boost your resume? Apply for a global internship with one of our host organizations, offering placements across diverse sectors such as research, industry, NGOs, and more. Spend 3 to 4 months abroad putting your studies into practice, expanding your global network, and gaining hands-on experience that supports your transition to employment after graduation. Internships are typically available in the summer (May-August) or fall (September-December).

EXPLORE

Senior full-time undergraduate and first-year graduate students registered in a degree program at the University
Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 (B)
Undergraduate students must have completed at least 18 credits at YorkU at the time of application.
Students must be returning to York University for at least one semester after their internship i.e. students who are graduating in the summer will only be eligible if they are returning to York for at least one semester in the fall.
In addition to the general criteria, specific eligibility requirements, including language proficiency, are outlined for each position.
The following will also be considered additional assets: academic and professional fit, prior volunteer or professional experience, proven ability to adapt to new environments, capacity to communicate effectively across cultures, willingness to take initiative, ability to work in a team, engagement in community and an interest in developing global awareness.

We offer global internship placements around the world and in a variety of different sectors including NGOs, research, non-for profits, and so much more!

Click here to explore our Global Internships and Research Abroad opportunities

Knowing when to apply for the global internship is a key part of the process. Please refer to our Global Learning Deadlines page for the latest information. Note that students may need to complete a second application to the host organization if selected by YorkU.

EXPLORE: Global Learning Deadlines

We're here to help! Please reach out to one of our global learning coordinators who can help you through the exchange application process. We have in-person advising, virtual advising, and information sessions available to connect with you and answer your questions!

CONTACT: Our Global Learning team

ENGAGE

Found an organization or placement that you're interested in?

Application will be opened in February 2026

Application Documents:

Letter of Intent (one page max)
Resume (two pages max)
Academic Letter of Reference

Letter of Intent

This one page letter of intent is your opportunity to say what cannot be said in your resume. The letter should be composed as a professional communication and not a creative writing exercise. This letter, along with your resume and video may be shared with the host organization. The letter of intent could include:

How the internship fits into your future career plans
What qualifies you to fill the internship position
What interests you in the host organization and country
What skills and strengths you have specific to the host organization and country
Your talents, past international and life experiences
You can submit one letter to address all positions you are applying to or one letter for each position.

Resume

A resume is a document that outlines your education, previous work experience, volunteer work, and overall skill set. Students interested in seeking help with the development of their resume can connect with the Career Centre at York University.

Academic Letter of Reference

Your academic reference must be from a professor or teaching assistant at York University (or another post-secondary institution)  who can speak thoughtfully about you and your skills and performance. In selecting your referee, approach individuals who will be in a position to comment on your academic abilities, the fit of the internship to your academic goals as well as your ability to adapt to the work/country environment.

You should work with your referee to tell them about the internship you are applying to, why you feel you would be a good candidate, how the internship contributes to your overall goals. Writing a reference letter can be time-consuming and onerous for some people. Do your best to facilitate the process in a polite, cooperative and considerate fashion.

The letter should each be a maximum of one page in length and should at minimum include the following:

Applicant’s name
Program you are applying for (can also include the internship positions being applied for)
Your relationship to the referee

A link to the online reference form is provided in the application.

You've submitted your application - now what?! Once you have submitted your application, the global learning team will review - see selection criteria below. You can expect for the review process to take 10-15 business days. If there are any questions or concerns about your application, our team will be in touch.

Selection is based on:

Letter of Intent
Academic references
Suitability of the placement based on your academic program

Note that the internship host organization will request an interview for each applicant. The internship host will make the final decision.

For Fall 2024 placements onward - Students who are selected to participate in our Global Internships automatically receive the York International Mobility Award, which is meant to assist in offsetting expenses incurred while pursuing the Global Internship.

Click here for Outgoing Global Exchange Funding opportunities.

Click here for Safety Abroad at York U.

Safety Abroad supports all York community members in managing risks associated with international travel and provides emergency support when needed. Please contact safetyabroad@yorku.ca for any further assistance.

EXPERIENCE

Handle finances responsibly.
Demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm for the organisation and the program.
Complete work required by the host organisation as per position description.
Maintain professional attitude and respect traditions and customs of host country and organisation.
Maintain good public relations, both internal and external, for the university and the host organisation.
Notify York International representative and the host organisation of any changes in contact information during internship.
Keep York International representative and host organisation informed of all travel arrangements.
Contact York International representative if problems arise with internship.
Complete mid-point evaluation and submit to York International.

Stay engaged with us! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @yorkugoglobal so we can share your posts and live vicariously through your academic adventure!

Check out some guidelines on social media while you are abroad.