The NUS Global Internship Programme (NGIP) allows students to gain practical experience and build their skills by working in a foreign country.
Gain wider business and cultural perspectives to develop a global mindset.
Enhance your adaptability and resilience.
Build career networks.
Improve intercultural communication skills.
NGIP is facilitated by Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) in collaboration with a select of host companies annually. It is open to undergraduates who wish to pursue an overseas internship during the summer vacation and obtain 4 Units under the Course CFG2101 NUS Vacation Internship Programme.
Opportunities with host companies are advertised at the beginning of the calendar year, and students can apply to the programme, expecting interviews by CFG as well as the host companies.
NGIP Southeast Asia will be kicking off the programme this year, with opportunities in Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand! More details will be revealed by the end of February 2023!
NGIP Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a diverse range of industries. Depending on the country, students can expect opportunities in industries such as technology, finance, education and more, work with a company for at least 10 weeks with a chance to extend the internship beyond the vacation period.
For 2023, students will be able to intern with companies in Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand!
- Full-time undergraduate with NUS
- Students who are graduating in Semester 2 are not allowed to enrol in CFG2101 during the summer vacation in the same AY.
- Law students keen to read modules in Special Term are to seek approval from Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) before proceeding with the internship.
Duration of Programme
A minimum of 10 weeks full-time overseas internship
Apply
Apply on Internship-As-A-Service platform (IAAS) and search for ‘NUS Global Internship Programme [insert Country Name].’
Prepare the following for submission on IAAS:
- Resume
- Latest University transcript
- A 100-word personal statement on why you wish to apply for the NGIP
You can expect an initial interview with CFG upon shortlisting. If you are further shortlisted, you will proceed to the next round of interview with the employer (and other tests if applicable).
Apply
Benefits
You will receive an internship stipend from the host company. Additional company benefits such as accommodation and airfare allowance might be included by some companies.
In addition, leverage on the available Financial Aid support by CFG to make this global internship experience a reality!
Self-sourced Global Internships
Interning overseas is instrumental to increasing your competitiveness in the job market. It also means you are willing to take yourself out of the comforts of home to learn about cultural sensitivities, independence and discovering what you are capable to achieve.
If you are interested to intern in an overseas market not covered by the NUS Global Internship Programme (NGIP), CFG is here to support you too!
Our Internship-As-A-Service (IAAS) portal is where you can search for overseas internships by typing the name of the country in the search bar. Alternatively, you can source for overseas internships on external portals or on host company careers websites directly.
You can also find useful information on Financial, Insurance and Personal Safety Support and Frequently Asked Questions for internships outside of NGIP.
What Our Students Say
“I learnt many skills I would have otherwise not if I had stayed in Singapore.
Working with an international team of people from different backgrounds allowed me to learn different perspectives in the many environmental issues that we have. I also learnt coral restoration and research skills directly from experts in this field that have been performing these tasks for many years.”
Goh Yuheng
Faculty of Science
Internship with Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Maldives (Aug 2022-Jan 2023)
Support - Financial, Insurance & Personal Safety
Financial Aid
We want to support you on your overseas journey. Hence, we have made several financial aid options open to you.
For full terms and conditions, please refer to the NUS Financial Support for Global Internships.
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EnterpriseSG’s Global Ready Talent (GRT) Programme |
NUS Global Internship Award (NGIA) |
Lee Foundation McDonnell Scholarship |
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Eligibility Criteria
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- Only for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents
- Participate in an internship in a qualifying country
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- For students not eligible for GRT
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- For all students
- Participate in an internship in USA
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Quantum
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$1000 allowance
$1200 flight allowance |
$500
$500 |
$5000
(One time scholarship) |
Legend:
Monthly subsistence allowance
One-time travel allowance
Insurance & Personal Safety
NUS Student Travel Insurance
All NUS students will be covered under NUS Student Travel Insurance for NUS-approved trips, including physical global internships. Terms and conditions apply.
Though expenses for COVID-19 medical treatment is covered under the policy, you are strongly encouraged to purchase additional insurance coverage for overseas medical expenses as well as evacuation or repatriation expenses in the unfortunate event that you contract COVID-19.
If you intend to participate in adventure sports, or other activities which are deemed to be high-risk, you are encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance at your own expense.
International SOS
International SOS provides on-call professional medical advice and referrals to their partner clinics and hospitals worldwide, as well as evacuation and other emergency services depending on the situation. All NUS students on NUS-approved trips may use the resources of International SOS in case of any emergencies.
Before your trip
Download the International SOS Assistance app. When prompted, register for a new profile using your full passport name, NUS email address and the NUS membership ID — 02ASCA830500.
Please forward the original flight itinerary confirmation email (including the PDF document, if applicable) without making any changes to NUSTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com.
During your trip
If you are travelling overseas, please remember to drop a pin each time you are in a new city or country, even if you are on a different mobile number. This will enable International SOS to send you travel advisories, important information and emergency notifications.
When you need medical or security advice / assistance, call the International SOS assistance center via the call button in the International SOS Assistance app, or call +65 6338 7800 (24/7). Please identify that you are from NUS and provide your name, faculty and the overseas programme you are in.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Singaporeans/PRs should eRegister themselves with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This allows MFA to contact you and provide assistance should the need arises.
International students should contact their country’s diplomatic missions.
Important Information
According to Section 8A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence for any Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident to consume drugs outside Singapore. He or she may be dealt with as if that offence had been committed within Singapore.
Stay updated with the COVID-19 situation and prevailing entry requirements imposed by Singapore and your host country through Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as well as the authorities of the host country/region.
Hundreds Have Expanded Their Horizons Through the Programme
What Our Students Say
Bonaventura Kevin Satria
Architecture
Japan
7 May to 6 July 2018
Global Internship with Shigeru Ban Architects, Japan
Acquiring new and refreshing insights for my field of study
Apart from gaining valuable industry experience, I also learnt that architects do more than managing the design process. They also act as mediators who consolidate information from various stakeholders. This allows them to keep projects on track and ultimately create impactful spaces for the communities they build for.
The Japanese architects I worked with were very innovative and committed to the design process, as they were willing to explore many different iterations for authentic designs. This experience has indeed enhanced my appreciation for different working cultures and broadened my design mindset for future endeavors.
Denise Foo Kai Lin
Global Studies
Thailand
20 May to 10 July 2019
Global Internship with United Overseas Bank (Thai) Public Limited, Thailand
Never be afraid to take on new challenges
As a Fintech and Partnership Intern under the Channels and Digitalisation department, I was mainly responsible for the crafting of creatives via graphic design and video production, as well as supporting plans for digital marketing. Interning at UOB taught me to always be proactive and to not be afraid of trying and taking on new challenges.
An overseas internship also takes one out of their comfort zone, with new insights learnt through cultural immersion. The opportunity to be exposed to life overseas is definitely an experience one should not miss!
Preeteashwari Jeyaseelan
History
Thailand
15 August to 27 December 2019
Global Internship with Humanitarian Affairs Asia, Thailand
Always be ready to ask questions and share your opinions
Compared to the classroom, I had to learn on the job and acquire vital skills such as Microsoft Excel. I also had the chance to develop my communication skills in accordance with good work ethics. These experiences are crucial in improving workplace efficiency. There is no need to worry about being incompetent, as employers place higher value on the willingness to learn and contribute in a meaningful way.
Therefore, by trying your best and learning with a humble attitude, you will be able to excel in your work. An overseas internship will also enable you to realise your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the kind of career pathways that you want to pursue in the future, be it local or global.
Goh See Ying
Economics
Singapore & Vietnam
14 May to 20 July 2018
Global lnternship with BLPL Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore & Vietnam
Unique cultural experiences
Under the Marine Port Authority Global Internship Award (MPA GIA) programme, I had the opportunity to intern at BLPL Singapore Pte Ltd for 10 weeks, inclusive of an overseas stint of 4 weeks in Vietnam.
Through my 10-week internship, I gained considerable knowledge about the operations of a maritime company, and experienced the cultural practices in Vietnam.
I miss the weekly team dinners whereby my Vietnamese colleagues drove me to explore the hidden backstreets that have so many delicious local specialty dishes to offer!
G Kethlyn Gayatiri
Law
Cape Town
7 May to 5 August 2018
Global Internship with Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, South Africa
Developing my advocacy and interpersonal skills
The Scalabrini Centre receives more than 2000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers each month who access a variety of development, welfare, advocacy and outreach programs. Over the course of my three-month internship, I gained insights into the issues that the migrants, refugees and asylum seekers face, and how each department works toward advocating for and assisting them. The internship not only enhanced my knowledge about the laws, policies and challenges in South Africa, but I also had to learn to be resourceful, professional and kind.
Yeo Ying De
Economics
Singapore & London
13 May to 2 August 2019
Global Internship with Charles Taylor Mutual Management Asia, Singapore & London
Exploring the sea of opportunities
This trip gave me the widest possible exposure to understand the basic operations of maritime insurance and the Club’s businesses in the maritime industry.
I shadowed underwriters, observing how they measured their risk portfolios and quoted potential businesses. I got the chance to tour Lloyds of London, and witnessed the traditions of broker-underwriter negotiations!
Liu Pengjin
Global Studies
India
5 May to 4 July 2019
Global Internship with Centillion Technologies, India
Learning how to thrive in a different culture
I crafted value propositions for market entry strategies and executed IT sales in Chinese and English, working with UI and UX data. The process has allowed me to gain professional skills in business analytics. I have also acquired a strong cultural appreciation of India, which adds value to my learning as a Global Studies major.
Overall, the internship was a great opportunity to step out my comfort zone and adapt to new working conditions. By expanding the limits of your worldview, you will be more able to thrive in the VUCA workplace.
Evelyn Eng Yu Ting
Real Estate
Qatar
9 December 2018 to 3 January 2019
Global Internship with CBM Qatar LLC, Qatar
Being adaptable and culturally sensitive
My role was to evaluate, revamp and standardise the company’s administrative filing system, which would to be used across all properties under CBM. Throughout this process, I learnt about the importance of business etiquette, current affairs and relationship management in the context of Qatar’s dynamic work culture. For example, schedules are very flexible and plans change often.
An overseas internship allows you to realise many opportunities beyond the local job landscape. It also gives you the chance to hone your interpersonal skills and ability to work well with people from different cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physical Global Internships During COVID-19
Students who wish to travel for global internships are required to fulfil the following:
- Complete the Overseas Travel Preparedness (OTP) course on Canvas at least 1 month before travel
- Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or your home country’s diplomatic mission prior to trip.
Students should not make any travel or housing arrangements for their trip before receiving the required visa(s) for their host country. Given the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, it is advisable to purchase air tickets from full-serviced airlines which have flexible amendment or cancellation policies.
For air tickets, please check the terms and conditions carefully and consider the following:
- Does the ticket allow for date change?
- Does the ticket allow for rebooking? What are the rebooking fees?
- Does the ticket allow for a refund in the case of a cancellation?
For accommodation, please check the terms and conditions of the housing lease carefully before signing. Be aware of the conditions or penalties associated with a change of check-in or check-out dates, or an early lease termination should the COVID-19 situation worsen and an early return to Singapore be required.
Students who wish to proceed with physical global internship will be fully responsible for any medical fees, travel expenses, quarantine accommodation costs, COVID-19 tests or other costs related to the measures imposed at that point of time, both in the host country and Singapore in relation to COVID-19.
Students who wish to proceed with physical global internship will bear all costs and expenses incurred in the event that the trip has to be cancelled due to any prevailing law or regulations or government directive or advisory, health and/or safety concerns arising from the COVID-19 situation at the host country.
Students are strongly encouraged to purchase additional insurance coverage for trip disruption, overseas medical expenses and evacuation or repatriation expenses due to COVID-19.
Given the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, students are also advised to purchase air tickets from full-serviced airlines and book accommodation which have flexible amendment or cancellation policies. Please check the terms and conditions of the air ticket and accommodation booking prior to purchase or signing of rental/leasing agreement.
Students should seek medical treatment, isolate themselves in accordance to the local advisories, notify and keep NUS informed of your condition.
NUS students on Official NUS Student Trips are covered by the NUS Student Travel Insurance Policy. Expenses for COVID-19 medical treatment is covered under the policy. Refer to Summary of Policy Cover.
Students are also strongly encouraged to purchase additional insurance coverage for trip disruption, overseas medical expenses as well as evacuation or repatriation expenses in the unfortunate event that they contract COVID-19.
- Stay updated with the COVID-19 situation in your host country through MOH, MFA and the host country Embassy.
- Research and familiarise yourself with the border control measures applicable to you for entry to your host country (e.g. quarantine and COVID-19 test requirements upon arrival etc.) and pre-book the necessary test or quarantine facility, if necessary.
- Register with MFA or your home country’s diplomatic mission prior to departure.
- Complete the Overseas Travel Preparedness (OTP) module in LumiNUS at least 1 month before your travel.
- Purchase additional travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
- Download the International SOS app onto your mobile device and subscribe for email alerts of your host country.
- Organise and prepare, in advance, the necessary documents (e.g. vaccination certificate, internship offer letter from host organisation, internship support letter from NUS, accommodation booking confirmation/receipt etc.) for entry to your host country.
Part I: Before Application
Sourcing for NUS Global Internship Positions
If the programme you are interested to apply for is not in IAAS, it means it is currently not open for application. Please check back later or look out for CFG’s weekly eNews for new programme alerts.
We do our best to source for Global Internship positions, which are all posted in IAAS as soon as they become available. If you are interested in an area that cannot be found in IAAS, we would encourage you to self-source for the position. Some links you may consider include:
Preparing for the Selection Process
Students will generally go through a paper screening, followed by a phone or Skype interview with their employer who is based overseas. Variations are possible. For example, if the company has an office in Singapore, interviews may be conducted in Singapore.
For NGIP, you can expect an initial interview with CFG upon shortlisting. If you are further shortlisted, you will proceed to the next round of interview with the employer (and other tests if applicable).
Benefits and Projected Expenditure
Company benefits usually fall into the main categories of:
- Internship stipend
- Accommodation
- Airfare
A company may offer all, some or no benefits. For example, a well-funded MNC may provide a full package while an NGO may provide no benefits at all. This does not mean that the learning experience at the NGO is less worthwhile.
Doing your own budgeting is a crucial part of the Global Internship process. You may use this sample table to calculate your expenses.
Visas and Travel Advisories
Depending on which country you are going to, only you or your internship company can apply for your visa.
NUS is not able to apply for a visa on your behalf. We will, however, provide you with a supporting letter on request.
Terms and conditions will apply.
Please refer to
- International SOS to see all active alerts, or choose your location of interest from the location list dropdown.
Travel Insurance
You can download the Certification for Visa / Permit Application Form and forward the completed form to Marsh. Marsh will arrange for insurers to issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for your use. Please refer to Marsh’s contacts indicated in the form.
Part II: After Accepting Internship Offer
NUS Financial Aid
Course Mapping
Please check directly with your home faculty's Dean’s Office.
Accommodation
You may start looking for and reserving accommodation as early as possible. You may decide whether you would like to put down a non-refundable deposit to guarantee your reservation. The safest option is to put down a deposit or make payment after the approval of your visa and confirmation of your air tickets.
Please check the terms and conditions of any housing lease carefully before signing. Be aware of the conditions or penalties associated with a change of check-in or check-out dates, or an early lease termination.
There are several methods you may use:
- Recommendations from the company or previous internships
- Approaching hostels or guest houses directly
Flight Tickets
Please purchase your own air tickets to your internship destination. CFG will not purchase the tickets on your behalf. If your internship host company is providing your airfare, please check with them on the specific arrangement for your flights.
Air tickets should ONLY be bought after you have successfully received the visa for your internship.
Internship Start and End Dates
Please check with the employer directly if you are shortlisted for the position.
Application for Student Status Letter
Application for NUS Global Internship Support Letter
Please write in to careers@nus.edu.sg with subject title “Request for NUS Global Internship Support Letter” and the following information/attachments:
- Passport number (passport with at least 6 months validity, otherwise please renew immediately):
- NUS matriculation number:
- Internship host/organisation:
Please include internship offer letter or email as an attachment.