UC Irvine

UC Irvine

 

UC Irvine hosts an "Academic Internship Program" during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters as well as a "Summer Internship Program." See the information below to identify which program works best for your needs.

In the Academic Internship Program, students intern in Washington D.C. during the academic year and combine internships with coursework or field research as full-time students. Financial aid eligibility is maintained and students from all majors are encouraged to apply!

The UCDC Summer Internship Program sends students to Washington D.C. during the summer for internship experiences, with coursework being entirely optional. Each student admitted into the UCDC Summer Internship Program works closely with the student coordinators and staff advisors in preparation for the internship application and living experience in D.C. Students from all majors and class standing (including graduating seniors) are encouraged to apply!

Questions About Eligibility Requirements (UCI)

Academic-quarter Internship Program

  • In what years can students participate?
  • Third-year and fourth-year students (exceptions are made for second-year students under certain circumstances). 
  • Is there a GPA requirement?
  • Yes. students should have a 3.0 cumulative or higher GPA however, some exceptions may be made.
  • Can undocumented students participate?
  • Yes. Undocumented students should consult with the UCI Dream Center before applying to UCDC and throughout the pre-departure process.

Summer Internship Program

  • In what years can students participate?
  • First-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year students may apply to participate.  
  • Is there a GPA requirement?
  • Yes. students should have a 2.75 or higher GPA however, some exceptions may be made.
  • Can undocumented students participate?
  • Yes. Undocumented students should consult with the UCI Dream Center before applying to UCDC and throughout the pre-departure process.

Questions About the Program Application (UCI)

Academic-quarter Internship Program

  • How can I access the application?
  • The online application on Handshake can be accessed on our website along with instructions on how to complete it at the following link: Apply to UCDC. 
  • What criteria is used to evaluate my application for admission into UCDC?
  • Applications are reviewed holistically. Factors taken into account are GPA, class standing, the strength of your personal statement, the strength of your letter of recommendation, strength of your resume, etc.
  • To what terms can I apply?
  • Students may apply to the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters.
  • Where can I get help with my application and/or my resume prior to applying to UCDC?
  • For help with your resume and/or cover letter prior to applying to the academic internship program, you may reach out to the UCI Division of Career Pathways.
  • Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application?
  • Yes, you will need to submit one letter of recommendation with your application. 

Summer Internship Program

  • How can I access the application?
  • The online application can be accessed on our website along with instructions on how to complete it at the following link: How to Apply.
  • What is the application process?
  • Students must submit a completed application packet (revised resume and essay response) on Handshake by the stated deadline (found on our site here). Coordinators and the advisor will then conduct an initial screening and invite a select number of applicants for group interviews. Group interviews are usually held within a week or two of the application deadline. Final selection of the UCDC interns is determined after all interviews have been completed.
  • What criteria is used to evaluate my application for admission into UCDC?
  • Strength of your resume, essay response, and GPA are the primary determinants of acceptance to the program.
  • Where can I get help with my application and/or my resume prior to applying to UCDC?
  • For help with your resume and/or cover letter prior to applying to the UCDC program, you may reach out to the UCI Division of Career Pathways. We encourage students to utilize Vmock and university career counseling services as they work to strengthen their resumes.
  • Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application?
  • No, you will not need to submit a letter of recommendation with your application.  

Questions about Academic Units (UCI)

Academic-quarter Internship Program

  • How many units will I receive for my UCDC seminar?
  • Students who successfully complete their UCDC seminar will receive 4 units.
  • Is the seminar for a letter grade or is it pass/no pass?
  • The seminar is taken for a letter grade.
  • How many units will I receive for my internship?
  • Students who successfully complete their internship with a positive supervisor evaluation will receive 4 to 8 units depending on the number of hours worked per week (20 hours for 4 units and 32 hours for 8 units).
  • Are the internship units for a letter grade or are they pass/no pass?
  • The internship units are pass/no pass.
  • How many hours a week must I work in order to earn the internship units?
  • Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in order to receive 4 units for their internship or a minimum of 32 hours a week for 8 units.

Summer Internship Program

  • How many units will I receive for my UCDC seminar?
  • Seminars are not offered during the summer term.
  • Can I receive units for my internship?
  • Students may choose to enroll in units for their internship and their are many options to gain academic credit for their internship. Please meet with your major advisor to discuss your options.