Internships as parts of study abroad programs : potentials and pitfalls

The paper "Internships as parts of study abroad programs: potentials and pitfalls" investigates the issue of internship programs that are offered as parts of study abroad programs. It illustrates why such programs have grown in popularity recently and looks at the advantages / benefits the different entities involved (organizers, students, host organizations) expect from such programs as well as at the actual benefits they report after completing the internship program. As the title indicates, all internship programs also deal with certain challenges and the paper looks at these challenges - again from the point of view of the various entities. It then strives to present a viable concept on how internship programs can be run efficiently and well while ensuring high quality for all parties involved. In addition it illustrates how awarding academic credit for internship programs can be put on a viable, justified basis.