Program Rules

The YES Alumni Internship Program is a structured learning and professional development initiative administered by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, Inc. (“American Councils”). Participation in the program is subject to compliance with the rules outlined below, which are intended to ensure a meaningful, professional, and equitable experience for interns and host organizations.

Privacy and Consent

American Councils takes participant privacy seriously. By submitting an application and participating in the program, interns and host organizations acknowledge and consent to American Councils’ Privacy Policy. Consent to the Privacy Policy is required for participation, and both alumni and host organizations agree to it during the application stage.

Nature of the Program

The YES Alumni Internship Program is not employment. Interns are not employees of American Councils or the host organization and are not entitled to wages, employment benefits, or guaranteed employment at the conclusion of the internship. Host organizations participate on a voluntary basis and are not required to provide financial compensation. 

Internship Duration and Program Participation

Internships are two to three months in length and take place within the program period of June 1–August 31, 2026. Exact internship dates vary by placement and are confirmed through a signed Internship Agreement prior to the start of the internship.

Regardless of individual internship start or end dates, interns are required to participate in all program activities scheduled during the program period, including:

• Opening and closing events

• Monthly professional development trainings

• Mid‑point check‑in

Work Schedule, Attendance, and Time Off

Interns are expected to adhere to the schedule and weekly hours outlined in the Internship Agreement.

• Limited time off may be approved for medical, academic, or personal reasons.

• All time‑off requests must be approved by the host supervisor, with American Councils staff included in the communication.

• Hosts may request interns to make up missed hours.

• Due to the program’s limited timeline, vacation time is not permitted.

Time off should remain limited so as not to interfere with core responsibilities or the successful completion of the program.

Definition of Successful Program Completion

Successful completion of the program includes all of the following:

• Completion of the full internship period as defined in the Internship Agreement

• Timely and satisfactory completion of all tasks and responsibilities assigned by the host organization

• Attendance and participation in all required program activities, including those conducted virtually

• Participation in the closing event, including presenting the internship experience to peers, American Councils staff, and host organizations

• Submission of program evaluation

Failure to meet these requirements may result in unsuccessful completion of the program.

Professional Conduct and Responsibilities

Interns are expected to maintain professional standards and behavior throughout the internship. Participants must:

• Provide their own workspace, materials, and supplies (for example, computer, internet access, and workspace for virtual internships) 

• Fulfill all obligations outlined in the internship application and Internship Agreement

• Perform all agreed‑upon internship tasks

• Complete the full internship term as agreed

• Demonstrate honesty, punctuality, courtesy, cooperation, appropriate dress, and a willingness to learn

• Comply with all host organization policies, rules, and procedures

Placement and Selection

Internship placement is competitive and not guaranteed. Alumni may indicate up to three internship preferences, which are considered in the order listed. Final placement decisions are based on application competitiveness, host needs, and interview outcomes. Only one intern is placed per internship opportunity. American Councils reserves the right to consider applicants for suitable internship opportunities outside of their stated preferences if a stronger match is identified.

Stipend

Interns receive a modest stipend funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by American Councils. The stipend is intended to offset basic participation‑related expenses and is not a wage or salary. Stipend amounts vary by host country based on cost‑of‑living considerations and are shared with shortlisted candidates prior to interviews.

Interns are solely responsible for complying with any applicable local, national, or other tax obligations related to receipt of the stipend, including the reporting and payment of any required taxes. American Councils does not provide tax advice and will not withhold, file, or otherwise manage taxes on behalf of interns.

Communication and Issue Resolution

Open and timely communication is essential. If issues arise, interns and host organizations should first seek resolution directly. If issues cannot be resolved or if either party is uncomfortable addressing concerns directly, American Councils staff should be contacted promptly. American Councils may facilitate mediation, adjust expectations or duties, or take other corrective action as appropriate.

Early Withdrawal or Termination

American Councils reserves the right to modify or terminate an internship under certain circumstances, including but not limited to violations of Program Rules, failure to meet responsibilities, or unprofessional conduct.

If an internship is terminated early:

• The intern may be required to return stipend funds corresponding to weeks not worked

• The intern may forfeit eligibility for a certificate of completion

Violations of these rules may result in expulsion from the program, forfeiture of stipend, withholding of the certificate of completion, and disqualification from any future YES alumni opportunities.

Liability and Assumption of Risk

The American Councils and the host organization are not liable for injury, illness, or health conditions that may arise during the internship. By participating in the program, interns assume all risks associated with participation and agree to waive and release any claims against American Councils, the host organization, and the program funder for injury, death, or property damage arising from the internship.