Frequently Asked Questions

What is Global Internship+?

Global Internship+ is a six-week international internship and academic experience in Thailand designed to give UMD undergraduate students the opportunity to live abroad, earn academic credit, gain professional experience, and engage with Thai culture. Students take courses, complete an internship, participate in cultural and professional activities, and experience daily life in Thailand.

Where does the program take place?

The program is based in Bangkok, Thailand, where students will live, take classes, participate in program activities, and complete their internships.

How long is the program?

Global Internship+ is a two-term experience that begins in spring 2027 and continues with a six-week summer program in Thailand.

• Spring 2027: Students complete the preparatory course (HGLO295), which meets on Fridays from 12:00–4:00 p.m. from March 26 through May 7, 2027. The course prepares students for their international internship and introduces key concepts related to cross-cultural communication and working in a global environment.

• Summer 2027: Students participate in a six-week intensive internship program (HGLO395) in Thailand from June 23 through August 2027. During the summer, students complete their internship Monday through Thursday and participate in the program seminar on Fridays.

Together, the spring and summer components make up the six-credit Global Internship+ program.

Who can apply?

Global Internship+ is open to UMD undergraduate students in their first, second, or third year at the time of application.

Can seniors apply?

Students who will graduate in May before the summer program cannot participate as a student in Global Internship+. The program is designed for continuing UMD undergraduate students.

Is an internship placement guaranteed?

Every student accepted into Global Internship+ will receive an internship placement in Thailand. While students are guaranteed an internship placement, the program does not guarantee placement with a specific company or industry.

How are internship placements determined?

Students participate in an interview and matching process with potential host organizations. Placements are based on factors such as the student's academic interests, major, skills, previous experience, career interests, and fit with the host organization.

Can I choose which company I will intern with?

Students cannot select or guarantee a specific host organization. However, the placement process is designed to connect students with organizations that align with their academic, professional, and career interests.

What happens if I am not initially matched with a company?

The program team and internship partners will work with students throughout the placement process to identify an appropriate internship opportunity.

What kinds of organizations host interns?

Students may be placed with local Thai companies, as well as multinational organizations and other established organizations operating in Thailand. Many placements are with smaller organizations, which can provide students with opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities and gain hands-on professional experience.

Do I need previous internship experience?

No. The program is designed for undergraduate students at various stages of their academic and professional development. Your academic interests, skills, experiences, and goals will all be considered during the placement process.

Do I have to pay to intern or work in Thailand?

No. Students do not pay a company to participate in an internship. Your program fee supports the overall Global Internship+ experience including the provision of the academic course, program operations, internship placement support, housing/living expenses, cultural and educational activities, Friday professional development seminars, Friday lunches, event snacks, and welcome and departure dinners.

Will I take classes while I am in Thailand?

Yes. Students will participate in a Friday seminar as part of the Global Internship+ program. The seminar is designed to complement your internship experience and help you connect what you are learning in the workplace to broader topics such as cross-cultural communication, the global workplace, and professional development. Participation in the seminar is mandatory.

Will I receive academic credit?

Yes. Students enroll in HGLO295 during the spring semester and HGLO395 during the summer, earning a total of 6 academic credits for the program. The courses combine academic preparation, professional development, and reflection on your internship experience. Both courses are required for this program.

What happens during the Friday seminar in Thailand?

Fridays are dedicated to academic learning, professional development, and reflection. Students participate in a seminar led by the program leader and explore topics related to cross-cultural communication, working in a global environment, professional development, and their experiences at their internship sites. The seminar also provides an opportunity to learn from and reflect with other students in the cohort.

What support will I have while I am in Thailand?

Program Leader Alfredo Oliveira will be based with the group in Thailand throughout the program. He will teach the Friday seminar, provide ongoing student support, help students navigate their experience abroad, and respond to emergencies. Additional UMD faculty members may also join the program on a rotating basis.

The program also works with the Asian Internship Program (AIP), which is based in Bangkok and provides in-country support and internship-related assistance throughout the program.

Will I be on my own in Thailand?

No. While students will have independence and opportunities to experience Bangkok on their own, they will be part of a UMD cohort with an on-site program leader and local program partners available to provide support.

Will there be activities outside of the internship?

Yes. The program includes cultural, educational, and professional activities designed to help students learn about Thailand beyond their workplace. Students will participate in at least three excursions and additional program activities throughout the six weeks.

Will meals be provided?

Some meals are included in the program fee as part of select program activities, including Friday programming, as well as the program's welcome and departure dinners. Students should plan to cover their other meals unless otherwise specified by the program.

Will I have free time to explore Thailand?

Yes. The program combines structured academic, professional, and cultural experiences with independent time for students to explore Bangkok and experience life in Thailand.

What does the program fee cover?

• The program fee supports the comprehensive Global Internship+ experience, including:

• Internship placement and placement support

• Housing and program-related living expenses

• UMD academic courses

• Friday professional development seminars

• Friday lunches

• At least three excursions and cultural activities

• Snacks and refreshments at selected program events

• Welcome dinner

• Departure dinner

• On-site program support in Thailand

Specific inclusions, costs, and student expenses will be outlined in the program application materials.

Are there additional costs I should plan for?

Yes. Students should budget separately for expenses such as airfare, visa, personal meals outside of included program activities, personal transportation, entertainment, shopping, and other personal expenses. Detailed cost information will be provided before students commit to the program.

Are any scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes. Multiple scholarships are available for this program. You can apply for Education Abroad scholarships through a form in your program application. Read more about Education Abroad scholarships and using your existing financial aid on this program.

Why should I consider doing an internship abroad?

An international internship gives you the opportunity to do more than visit another country. You will work with professionals, navigate a different cultural environment, develop cross-cultural communication skills, gain experience in an international workplace, and build a deeper understanding of how your field operates beyond the United States.

Do I need to speak Thai?

No. Students are not required to be fluent in Thai to participate, although learning some basic Thai phrases and being open to communicating across cultures will enhance the experience.

Do I need to be an HGLO student or in Honors to apply?

No. Global Internship+ is open to eligible UMD undergraduate students across the university.

What majors can participate?

The program is open to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Internship placements are matched based on students' majors, interests, skills, and career goals, so students from different disciplines may find opportunities that connect to their field. Students whose majors require an internship should check with their academic advisors to see if this program will fulfill that requirement. 

When should I apply?

The Global Internship+ application opens November 10, 2026 and closes February 17, 2027. Students selected for the program must confirm their participation by March 4, 2027.

How many students can participate in the program?

Global Internship+ has a limited number of spots available each year. We encourage interested students to review the eligibility requirements carefully, prepare a thoughtful application, and submit their materials by the application deadline.

What will a typical week look like?

Students will generally spend Monday through Thursday at their internship (32-35 hours/week) and Friday in the seminar course. Your week will combine internship responsibilities, academic coursework, professional development, and opportunities to experience life in Bangkok.

Your exact schedule will depend on your internship placement and host organization. Weekends are generally free for students to explore Bangkok and Thailand independently, although the program may occasionally offer cultural activities or other group opportunities.

What will I get out of the program?

You will leave Thailand with more than a summer abroad. You will have academic credit, international work experience, cross-cultural skills, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live and work in a global environment.

Is this a study abroad program or an internship program?

Both. Global Internship+ combines the academic structure of a UMD study abroad experience with the professional experience of an international internship. You will take classes, live in Thailand, work with a host organization, and participate in cultural and professional experiences throughout the program.