Skip to main content
College of Humanities
Philosophy
Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

General Internship Questions

When can I start an internship?

You can actually begin an internship at any time, but you will not be able to count any internship hours for credit until you are registered in the PHIL 399R internship course. With internship approval, you can add the 399 course to your schedule after the add-drop date. Talk to the internship coordinator (gmower@byu.edu) about any questions.

What are the requirements for an internship?

Internships must:

  • Provide at least 126 hours of on-internship work
  • Last at least 8 weeks (consideration given for Spring/Summer internships)
  • Provide on-site supervision by a professional in the industry

The following experiences do NOT qualify for internship credit:

  • Direct sales
  • Work involving nepotism
  • Work at companies owned by immediate family members or other students
  • Work supervised by immediate family members or other students
  • Work that is self-supervised
    Full Internship Policies List

When should I start doing internships?

Most of our students end up doing their internships in their junior or senior year, after they’ve had some training and experience at school and when they’re preparing to enter the job market. However, having several internships is a good idea, it is also acceptable and, in some cases, advisable, to start earlier.

Will I be paid during my internship?

Some but not all internships are paid. An intern may do an internship for credit only. If your internship is unpaid, you may qualify for funding from the College of Humanities.

Can I do more than one internship?

You absolutely can do more than one internship and, in certain fields, it may advisable.

How do I find an internship?

Finding an internship is similar to finding a job: you must locate, apply, and receive an offer.

How should I write my resume?

Read the information on creating a resume provided by Career Services. Write or edit your resume following these guidelines and take it to Career Services in the Wilkinson Center, the writing center in either the library or the JKB, or the Humanities Advisement Center in the JFSB. Preferably all three.

Also, make sure that you’re modifying your resume specifically for the internship you’re applying for. See if you can determine from the wanted ad and from the internship provider’s website what they’re looking for and emphasize those things on your resume. You may also visit the workplace or call with a few well-chosen questions.

How do I prepare for an interview with the provider?

Check out provided by the University Career Services, and make sure you practice before you go in.

International Internship Questions

How is an internship different from a study abroad?

  • A study abroad is focused on language acquisition and cultural studies where students are accompanied by a faculty member who is an expert in the language and culture of the area of study. The study abroad is a curated experience where you take university classes during the week and go on cultural excursions, organized by the faculty director, on weekends. An internship, on the other hand, is focused on the “job” that is the internship and developing professional competencies. Interns travel and work independently and report to a faculty supervisor through online communication and limited coursework. Travel is possible, but is independent and organized by the student intern.

What does a typical day look like for an international internship experience?

  • This will depend somewhat based on your internship. In general, you will spend your time working at your internship. This will also include meeting with your supervisor, taking breaks with coworkers, and doing your assigned work. With most internships, you will still have time to explore and take some trips around the area.

Can I take an online class while on the international internship?

  • If you have already taken the classes required by the internship or if you need a couple extra credits to reach full time status, you maybe able to take a BYU Online class. This is not BYU Independent Study. For a list of BYU Online classes, please click here.

I have already taken the required class. What can I do?

  • There are a couple options for students who have already taken the required classes for an internship. One is to take them again. If there is an R at the end of the class this means you can retake the class if needed. You can also take a BYU Online class. Please note this does not include BYU Independent Study. For a list of BYU Online classes, please click here. You might also be able to work with a professor and their corresponding departments to do an independent reading course, but this is not, however, very common and requires foresight and preparation.

Do scholarships count toward the cost of my internship?

  • Yes. BYU scholarships, FAFSA loans, and grants can be used to pay for tuition and school fees associated with your internship. However, some scholarships come with specific conditions of use. It is advised to contact the scholarship organization for specific stipulations.

I’m an international student and the funding application is asking for a FASFA score. How do I get that?

  • International students who need a FAFSA score can have a FAFSA score manually generated (used to determine a College Internship Funding amount) by contacting Eleanor Roberts in A-41 ASB (801-422-3534). Let them know they need to have Eleanor email that score to Elaine Davies (elaine_davies@byu.edu).

I’m married, can I still do an international internship?

  • Yes, you both can go. Your spouse needs to be registered for at least .5 credits. They can either do an internship along with you, or they can just register for the .5 credits through the Kennedy Center. This would provide them with the international insurance required by BYU for all those who travel abroad. If your spouse has already graduated they can still enroll for .5 credits and can still go with you on the internship.

For internships that do not provide housing, how to I find it?

  • This depends on your internship. Past interns have used Airbnb, renting websites, local Facebook groups, and local contacts (e.g.: supervisor or personal friends). Former interns suggest booking an Airbnb or hotel in the area for a few days to a week, then looking for housing when you arrive for your internship. However, students are not allowed to solicit church members for housing per BYU policy. If you would like some more specifics please speak with our Internship Secretary or Internship Director.

What are the restrictions for housing if I need to find my own?

  • Even while on an internship you are required to maintain BYU housing standards. Please note, per BYU policy, students are not allowed to solicit church members for housing per BYU policy. If you would like some more specifics please speak with our Internship Secretary or Internship Director.