American University - Washington Semester Internship Program

Study abroad is studying or working as a student in a different country, either virtually or in person to broaden your academic, cultural, and social horizons. Study abroad is what we do!

SAF is part of IES Abroad, a not-for-profit provider founded in 1950 with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students. 

With our comprehensive study abroad application support, advice, and orientations, we make the process as simple as possible. Our close relationship with home and host universities should give you peace of mind, knowing your choice to study through SAF ensures you're safe and secure every step of the way. We guarantee housing for the duration of your study abroad adventure and are available whenever you need us, on the ground, to support you in every part of your experience.

Before you settle on a single program, consider what appeals most to you: a small or large campus, language development or for-credit study, academic prestige or building relationships and experiences, and many other factors. This website includes many useful tools, such as our Program Finder, to help you understand which program might be best for you. You can also connect with SAF's Study Counselors, youro parents, and home university staff to help you in your decision. SAF is here for you, too!

With decades supporting international study, we have gathered thousands of stories from SAF Scholars in hundreds of cities. For each destination, we have student blogs and location articles to help you in your decision. You may also be able to reach out to SAF Alumni or an SAF Student Counselor who can give you all the tips and helpful information you need as you prepare for life overseas.

Many host universities offer both merit- and need-based scholarships to short-term visiting students, often made available exclusively through the Study Abroad Foundation and applied in the SAF Program Fees. For more information on scholarships, see our scholarships page. If you're interested in university scholarships, discuss your goals with your SAF Student Counsellor.

For both SAF and IES Abroad, student health and safety is at the forefront of all we do. All SAF Program Fees include a mandatory health insurance policy. You submit a medical form to SAF as part of your application so our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can support your health and medical needs while abroad.  You can also read more information about our health and safety protocols. 

 Some SAF projects include escorted short-term tours, which are included automatically in the program's fee. Semester programs rarely include additional trips outside of the regular curriculum because each person has their own destination and travel requirements.

We love connecting students with our alumni! Our student blog and global ambassadors give you a comprehensive glimpse at the study abroad experience. SAF Alumni are often at recruitment seminars and webinars, so you can chat with them. If you would like a conversation with a SAF Alum, reach out to us to find out about next steps.

Our Admissions Page includes a guide describing how our internship process works. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process. Our internship coordinators work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.

We have numerous internships in multiple fields and disciplines. Where possible, our team customizes your internship to your interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts. Our Placement Team works with thousands of businesses worldwide to organize your placement according to your goals, however we're never able to guarantee which business will host you until after you have confirmed your application with SAF. 

The SAF Program Fee covers your tuition, housing, and health insurance as well as significant predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with alumni after your study abroad adventure. Your cost breakdown will be included in your admissions documentation. 

Yes, all SAF internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home university's polices. Internships are an exciting opportunity to build your resume, earn a higher salary, gain cross-cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into your grad school of choice, and become a global leader.

We work with you to find a placement in the chosen field on your internship application. If a suitable internship placement is still illusive two weeks before the program start date, despite your meeting all program requirements and being active in the process, you can take a full refund or transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).