Overview of Field Study / Internship Program

Compiled by: Tahmineh Entessar, Ph. D.  

The Field Study / Internship Program is designed to enhance the International Relations Curriculum by allowing students to gain important practical knowledge in a non-academic organization under the supervision of a qualified professional. All works must be related to the field of International Relations.

  ·        INTL 5300  Field Work (3 – 6 credit hours): Students are involved actively with operations of non-academic institutions and engaged in various aspects of field research. Policies and procedures are as in Directed Studies. This course may be repeated for credit if content differs. All works must be related to the field of International Relations.           

Note:  INTL 5300 can also be taken as a Study Abroad course if content applies. 

 ·        INTL 6500 Internship (3 – 6 credit hours): The Field Study guidelines apply to the Internship course except the Internship option requires that the student complete all required courses for an International Relations major (except INTL 6000) before registering for INTL 6500. INTL 6500 cannot be substituted for INTL 6000. All works must be related to the field of International Relations. 

    Guidelines for Field Study (INTL 5300)  

1.      Before beginning a Field Study / Internship Program, the student must receive approval of the Internship Instructor (Tahmineh Entessar, Ph.D., phone: (314) 246-7621, Room 211 H. Sam Priest House) and complete the appropriate forms.

2.      Field Study / Internship is not permitted in a place of business where a student is regularly employed.

3.      The student is expected to work preferably, 20 hours per week for at least 8 weeks (160 hours) to earn 3 credit hours. These hours should be in significant concentrations of time rather than a single hour per day.

4.      As part of the course requirements, students will be expected to:

·        Keep a daily record of activities and submit a weekly summary to the Internship Instructor. The student and the instructor should agree upon the specific material and format of this journal ahead of time.

·        Students should meet with the Internship Instructor every 2 – 3 weeks on a scheduled basis. Students are responsible for initiating and ensuring the fulfillment of this requirement.

·        Upon the completion of the course, the student must present a formal essay paper that evaluates the study experience and assesses the value of that experience for the student’s professional education. This paper must also discuss some issue or experience encountered during the course of the Field Study and relate it to the literature and class material of the INTL Program. Any outside reading to supplement the Field Study must be accompanied by a bibliography.

·        Preparation and approval for Field Study / Internship should be completed so that the student may register during the official registration period.

·        Each student should complete his / her Field Study / Internship requirements within the specified term and must turn in all required materials and documentation before receiving the grade. The grade will be based on the student’s performance and the evaluation from the host site supervisor (form will be provided). A grade of "CR" is given for satisfactory work for an internship.

  Approval for Field Study / Internship

1.      The application forms for INTL 5300 – INTL 6500 must be submitted to the instructor for approval prior to registration so that there is ample time for the approval process. A copy of the forms will be retained in the student’s file and copy will be given to the student.

2.      The student will complete a Field Study / Internship proposal that specifies:

·        Location with brief identifying description (including mailing address and telephone number).

·        Identification of field supervisor (name and position).

·        Job description, job assignment, or field position with details of student’s responsibilities.

·        Starting and finishing dates of the Field Study / Internship.

·        Work hours per week and weekly schedule. 

 Copies of the appropriate forms are enclosed in the following pages.

  Field Study / Internship Application Form

  Please Type  

I.      Student Number _____________________________________________

Name ____________________________________________________ / Site ______________

Instructor _____________________________________

Dept. & Course No. ________________________________ Credit Hours ________________

Title of Study _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

II.   Proposed Plan of Study (this should include method of evaluation)

III.               Signatures:

____________________________________________________________________________
Student                                                                                                Date

____________________________________________________________________________
Instructor                                                                                             Date

____________________________________________________________________________
Director                                                                                                Date 

Field Work / Internship Proposal

Please Type

Name ____________________________________  Major _____________ Date _________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

Telephone ________________________________ Degree Program ___________________

Course Number and Title ___________________________ Desired Credit ___________

Starting Date __________________________ Finishing Date _______________________

Availability Days:  S M T W R F S     Hours:______

Instructor _____________________________ Telephone ____________________________

Relate short and long term career goals to your expected internship position:

State your internship goals:

State your learning objective for this internship:

Statement of Understanding

Please Type

Name ____________________________________  Major _____________ Date _________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

Telephone ________________________________ Degree Program ___________________

Course Number and Title ___________________________ Desired Credit ___________

Starting Date __________________________ Finishing Date _______________________

Availability Days:  S M T W R F S     Hours:______

Instructor _____________________________ Telephone ____________________________

Organization ___________________ Supervisor _________________ Phone ___________

Define the nature of your placement or project and describe your specific responsibilities:

State the impact of the Field Work on your overall graduate program objectives:

Confidentiality Statement

I shall use my best efforts and diligence both during and after my field work studies to protect the confidential, trade secrets, and proprietary character of all confidential information for so long as it shall remain proprietary or protectable, except as may be necessary for the performance of my field work duties.

                                                                                               ______________________________
Intern’s Signature

 HOST ORGANIZATION INTERNSHIP EVALUATION

Student___________________________                      Placement_______________________

Supervisor________________________                       Faculty Sponsor____________________

Check one         Mid-term Evaluation:_______             Final Evaluation_______________

Please evaluate the student intern by the following scale:

5  =  superior                                     3  =  average                             1  =  unsatisfactory

4  = above average; good                     2  =  below average                    0  =  not applicable

______  1.   Quality of work:  Turns out work which meets high standards. Considers accuracy and neatness, has thorough and conscientious concern for detail.

______  2.   Quantity of work:  Meets quantity standards set for the job. Produces volume expected on each task.

______  3.   Attitude:  Works smoothly with others. Has ability to establish rapport with people.

______  4.   Attendance & punctuality:  Right place at the right time and ready to work.

______  5.    Organization:  Uses time and materials efficiently. Understands how to plan and execute task logically.

______  6.    Reliability:  Follows through on assignments; can be depended upon. Can function at a high level under stress.

______  7.    Ability to learn:  Learns with minimum amount of instruction; quick grasp of instruction for new duties; adapts to new conditions; receptive to criticism.

______  8.    Problem-Solving:  Can analyze problems and draw conclusions. Has ability to question and think critically. Can offer variety of solutions.

______  9.    Ethics:  Understands meaning of confidentiality. Trustworthy. (For paralegals: Demonstrates understanding of the St. Louis Association of Legal Assistants Ethical Guidelines or State Guidelines, if available.)

1.    Student’s greatest strengths / areas of substantial progress:

2.   Areas that continue to need attention:

3. Additional Comments:

Signed________________________________    Position____________________ Date______

  Potential Field Study / Internship Opportunities

The following companies have international internship opportunities with Webster University. Please note that this is not a complete list. A more comprehensive list of organizations can be found at the Webster University Career Center.

ASPIRA
Catholic Refugee Services Center
CDS, International
Danzas Corp.
Eagle OPG, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Expeditors International
FBI
Culture
Goals for Americans Foundation
Immigration & Refugee Services of America
Pali Export / Import
Unigroup Worldwide
United States Association for United Nations – High Commissioner for Refugees
St. Louis International Institute
U.S. Customs
U.S. Export Assistance Center
Vess
World Trade Center

Please note that your assignment with any of these organizations must have International Relations focus.