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Earn Internship Course Credit Abroad

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Gain Professional Experience and Stay on Track for Graduation

An international internship allows you to gain real-world professional experience — and with AIFS Abroad, it can also help you earn internship course credit toward your degree.

Every university approaches internship credit differently. That’s why we give students options, offering flexible internship credit opportunities for Full-time Internship, Study + Internship and Virtual Internship programs — so you can choose what works best for your academic requirements, career goals, and budget. 

You may choose to earn internship credit directly through your home institution or enroll in internship courses offered by AIFS Abroad, administered by our School of Record, Fairfield University. 

Students should always confirm internship credit requirements with their academic advisor or study abroad office before selecting a course. 

Determine If You Need to Earn Credit

Download this helpful planning guide to use with your academic advisor or study abroad office at your home institution.

Download Planning Guide

AIFS Abroad Internship Courses

If your institution does not offer internship credit, or if you need additional credits, you may opt in to AIFS Abroad online internship courses for up to 12 academic credits*. Transcripts issued by Fairfield University. Credit transfer is determined by your home institution. Syllabi available by request. 

*Course options and requirements may vary by program. Please refer to your preferred program term and location for specific details.

This course fulfills the academic component of your internship experience. In addition to 32 to 40 hours per week working as an intern, the course includes journaling, graded reflections, and assignments. You will gain experience in a workplace setting, applying what you have learned in the classroom to real-world practice. Beginning Summer 2026, there is no fee for selecting this course if you are participating in an AIFS Abroad Full-Time Internship.

*Included with in-person internships beginning Summer 2026. Optional for virtual internships ($600).

This option replaces the 3-credit internship course (AIFS296/AIFS297).

Similar to the 3-credit course, this course also fulfills the academic component of your internship experience. In addition to 32 to 40 hours per week working as an intern, the course includes increased journaling, graded reflections, and assignments.

Learn what attributes employers want to see on your résumé as a new graduate, as defined by the World Economic Forum, and increase your mar­ketability to future employers. By the end of this course, you will be better prepared to enter the global workforce as a leader in your career field.

Designed to teach you to identify cultural differences and how to navigate a multicultural workplace, this course will increase your understanding of in­tercultural competence as it applies to your host country and the underlying cultural concepts that can be applied to your own internship experience.

Location-Specific Internship Credit Requirements

Some countries require specific academic coursework as part of an internship experience.

Full-Time Internships in Florence and Rome follow different internship course credit structures due to local regulations. Required courses and credit amounts vary by program, term, and location.

Always review academic details for your selected program.

Two AIFS Abroad interns with their mentor.

Internship Course Credit Cost Examples for Onsite Programs

Internship with included internship course3 credits$0
Internship with 6-credit internship course6 credits$600
Internship with additional optional coursework3-6 credits$600 per course
Maximum course load12 credits$1,800

Looking for Academic Coursework Alongside an Internship?

AIFS Abroad also offers Study + Internship programs, which combine traditional coursework with a part-time internship and follow a different academic structure.

View Study + Internship Programs

School of Record

If you can’t earn academic credit directly through your home institution, AIFS Abroad offers the option to earn 3–12 transferable internship course credits through Fairfield University, our School of Record, for summer and semester internship programs.

What to Know About Fairfield University Credit

  • Your transcript will include a Fairfield University letter grade and academic credit
  • Your academic advisor or study abroad advisor determines how credits transfer back to your degree program
  • Financial aid may be available for eligible students

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University LogoFounded in 1942, Fairfield University is a private Jesuit institution located in Fairfield, Connecticut and is well known for its commitment to international education. Fairfield serves as a study abroad provider to many U.S. and global universities and operates multiple overseas study centers, including its largest in Florence, Italy.

AIFS Abroad + Fairfield University Partnership

Fairfield University and AIFS Abroad have partnered to establish a School of Record relationship that allows academic experiential credit to be available to both Fairfield and non-Fairfield students. This partnership is designed to expand access to academic credit and financial aid options while increasing opportunities for international internship experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No problem! We offer the option to intern abroad without receiving academic credit. Note that some universities require credit, so be sure to check with your Academic Advisor.

Adding credit can allow interns to access existing financial aid options on their home campus. Credit earned can also contribute toward your degree plan and keep you on track for graduation. Some universities will require credit, and we cannot change university requirements. If your university does not offer credit for internships, AIFS Abroad can help. Connect with our team to learn more.

AIFS Abroad Full-Time Internship programs include one 3-credit International Internship course, with the exception of Rome, Florence, and virtual programs. Additional courses are available for a fee. 

It is always advisable to check with your Academic Advisor at your home institution to confirm what’s best. They will help you consider your academic degree plan, cost of credits, and course equivalent. Download our planning guide to help with the conversation.

Yes. If you require academic credit not offered through your university, you have the option to earn up to 12 credits through online courses via AIFS Abroad’s School of Record, Fairfield University. These courses are designed to complement your internship. Download our helpful planning guide to learn more.

Questions?

Contact us at AIFSAbroad@aifs.com or (800) 727-2437 to speak to our experienced team of advisors about earning credit while interning abroad.

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