Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

Students considering an international experience need not stop at study abroad. There are many other ways to "internationalize your life," including independent research, independent study, and internships.

1.  Independent Research and Study

Independent Research goes hand in hand with study abroad.  We encourage students to consider applying for a research grant BEFORE going abroad, DURING study abroad, or as a FOLLOW-UP to study abroad.  Research can be done during the school year abroad, or in the summer after a program of study abroad. 

ND faculty may also be available to direct a course of Independent Study (for credit) while you participate in a study abroad program; consult your professors.

At our study abroad sites, you will have access to unparalleled sources for independent research: along with new faculty experts, you will find unique archives, libraries, art museums and galleries, not to mention famous monuments and wonders of the world:  cathedrals, mosques, and shrines, pyramids and castles.  Opportunities abound for learning about foreign cinema, theatre, musical performances, and other forms of local culture as well! 

An independent research project is an excellent way to begin for students aspiring to write a senior thesis.  It is also the ideal preparation for future graduate work.

There are many sources of funding available at Notre Dame to help finance undergraduate research for students who plan to travel abroad.

Sources to explore:

Study abroad participants have secured many grants for exciting research opportunities during and after their years at Notre Dame.  Click here for some success stories built on study abroad.

2.  Internships

Opportunities for internships exist at many locations worldwide. 

  • In London, students participating in the OIS London Program may apply for internships with Members of the British House of Commons and with a number of leading business and other organizations. Click here for more information about internships when studying abroad through the London Program.
  • In Toledo, Spain, students can intern at the Red Cross, local TV and radio stations, and in Parliament.  See program coordinator for more details.
  • In Washington, DC, students participating in the OIS Washington program undertake an internship as part of their coursework.

Many other internships are sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Center for Social Concerns, and the Student International Business Council.

See the website of the Career Center for more information on international internships.

3.  Summer Language Grants

The Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures offers the Summer Language Abroad (SLA) Grant Program to support and promote foreign language study abroad.

4.  Service Learning Opportunities

Opportunities for volunteer work exist in virtually every location of study abroad.  Students typically volunteer as English teachers, or work in non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross, or international affiliates of Catholic Charities.  Contact the OIS staff for more information about specific programs.  Additionally, the Center for Social Concerns operates service learning opportunities all over the globe for Notre Dame students.

5. International Travel involving Undergraduate Students

For international travel involving undergraduate students, a completed Application form for International Travel Involving Notre Dame Students  and waiver must be submitted to the center, institute or department helping to organize or fund the travel at least 30 days prior to the planned date of departure.

6. Other Summer Opportunities

Listed below are other opportunities for students to improve their language skills through Notre Dame summer programs:

  • ISLA, UROP program, Arts & Letters: summer fellowships:
    Up to three grants for the combination of language study and research
    For more information visit  http://www.nd.edu/~isla
  • German Studies:
    Awards for the study of the German language.
    Contact Dr. Denise Della Rossa at dellarossa.1@nd.edu for more information.
  • Classics:
    Up to two awards, for the study of Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Latin and Syriac.
    Contact Keith Bradley, Keith.R.Bradley.45@nd.edu, or Sherry Reichold, reichol@nd.edu, for more information.
  • Romance Languages: Italian: Ravarino Scholarship:
    Five to six awards (both graduate and undergraduate),
    Contact John Welle, John.P.Welle.1@nd.edu, for more information.
    Note: Deadline is mid-February
  • Kellogg Institute:
    Specially selected languages
    Contact Holly Rivers, Holly.Rivers.7@nd.edu, for more information

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