Global Internship Experience History

Originally named the International Business Internship Exchange, the GIE began in 1980 emphasizing international internships for American and German students. The program was arranged under the leadership of Francis C. Gamelin, then president of the Higher Education Center of St. Louis; Dr. Joachim Wenner, Oberregierungsrat, Ministry of Arts and Science of Baden-Württemberg; and Professor Rudolf Mann, Director, Berufsakademie, Villingen-Schwenningen.

In 1986, the governing Board of the Higher Education Center awarded Webster University the administration of the program. In 1999, the State of Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded a grant to expand the program.  Expanding to Mexico, Japan, and England in 2000, and to China in 2005 opened additional opportunities to students to grow personally and professionally through an experience abroad.  GIE partner universities were established through these programs and those relationships continue to flourish.

In 2009, pilot programs with Webster University campuses in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands created opportunities for US students in additional languages, and global Webster students in Missouri.  The 2012 year brings new opportunities for F-1 students at Webster University, with OPT and CPT eligible GIE internships in the St. Louis area.

"Webster University's Global Internship Experience challenges aspiring young professionals from around the world to apply their academic training to the workplace.  Global internships have a transformative impact on the intern's professionals and personal development as well as on host organizations and communities."

-Global Internship Experience Vision