Internships

Overview | Guidelines | Admission | Application

Program Overview

Students pursuing the B.A. in Modern Language & Culture are required to complete an internship or study abroad. The Department of Foreign Languages also offers any student the opportunity to participate in an internship who has completed the courses numbered 3302 (Practical Conversation) and 3303 (Grammar and Composition) in French, German, Italian, and Spanish or 3302 in Chinese.

A foreign language internship is a partnership between Kennesaw State University, the student, and a host-organization in which motivated students gain valuable knowledge of the target language and culture(s) that cannot be acquired in the classroom. The experience gives students an opportunity to enhance their language skills in a professional environment as well as to learn skills that will prepare them for their future career(s). In some cases, an internship may lead to obtaining a job.

Interns earn credit hours, which vary according to the number of hours spent at a host organization (see chart). These host organizations can be quite diverse; they have included major international companies like CNN, Coca Cola, or Delta Airlines, and small companies like LATN (Latin American Translator's Network). Usually, interns find positions in governmental organizations, local businesses associated with the target language and culture(s), schools, and non-profit organizations such as Misión Católica or the Latin American Association. Depending on the nature of the host organization, interns may be paid for their work. Although most host organizations are located within the Metro Atlanta Area, some possibilities exist for internships outside of the state, and even internships abroad.

An internship is a time-consuming endeavor, but one that rewards student initiative. Students seeking an internship must:

  • be familiar with the Foreign Language Internship Program
  • identify a host organization and arrange interviews with that organization
  • initiate and maintain consultation with an appropriate faculty coordinator
  • identify how they will meet department-defined learning goals and objectives

During an internship, students must:

  • fulfill their Learning Contract
  • be actively involved in all aspects of the target language and culture(s)
  • reflect upon their experience

Since planning for an internship takes time (anywhere from two weeks to three months), interested students should start the process early in the semester preceding the internship.

For more information, please contact the following coordinators according to your language of interest and at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester of the proposed internship (i.e., contact in early September for a Spring internship, etc.):

Guidelines for Internships

Interested students are encouraged to plan their internship ahead of time in consultation with the appropriate faculty coordinator (see below). An internship is most appropriate for students who have completed 3302 Practical Conversation and 3303 Grammar and Composition in the appropriate language program. However, some students who have successfully completed a foreign language course at the 2002 level may be considered.

Criteria for Admission

  • A minimum GPA of 2.5
  • A final grade of C or better in 3302 Practical Conversation and 3303 Grammar and Composition
  • Approval of program coordinator

Length of Internship and Number of Credit Hours Earned

  • Fall and spring internships will be a minimum of 15 weeks long; summer internships will be a minimum of 8 weeks.
  • Unless duly justified, no internship will be approved for less than 10 hours per week.
  • In order to determine the number of credit hours earned, consult the table below.

    Number of hours per week Total number of hours Number of credit hours earned
    10-11 150-165 3
    12-15 180-225 4-5
    16-20 240-300 6-7
    21-25 315-375 8-9
    26-30 390-450 10
    31-40 465-600 11-12

Application Process

The internship application process typically takes four to five weeks.

  1. Consult with the appropriate coordinator:
  2. With the approval of your coordinator, contact the host organization.
  3. After you have been offered the internship, complete the application on Handshake. 
  4. Complete all forms for both KSU and host organization by the stipulated deadlines.

Exceptions to these deadlines must be approved, in writing, by the chair of the Department of Foreign Languages. To receive approval you must have your completed application ready, as well as a valid reason (in writing) as to why an exception should be made for you. Exceptions are approved based on a case by case basis.

 

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