From first discovery to final evaluation: how we handle every stage
This is the institutional view of the student journey - what your international office provides, what the student experiences, and what we handle at every stage. Transparent, structured, and built for academic compliance.
8 stages. Every detail handled.
Discovery
Free accessStudents find us through their university's website, social media, or direct Google search. Each of our 16 market platforms is built to rank for the search terms students in that country actually use.
- Local-language platform
- Preparation resources
- Budget calculator
- Community access
- Free account signup
- Link from student portal
- Promotion in international office
- Awareness of IA as a partner
Application
Students complete a qualification process: goals, field of study, preferred destinations, timeline, language skills, and academic background. This becomes their Living Profile - a verified digital record that we use for matching.
- Online application process
- Personal intake interview
- Living Profile creation
- Goal alignment consultation
- Confirmation of academic standing
- Internship credit eligibility
- Academic coordinator contact
Matching
We match the student to available placements across our partner network based on their field, goals, timeline, and destination preferences. Students receive a personalised proposal with 1-3 matched options, including pricing, destination details, and what the internship involves.
Matching against partner network, personalised proposal (destinations, pricing, services), review period for student to ask questions, acceptance flow via student platform.
Documentation & Programme Compliance
The most complex stage from an institutional perspective. We coordinate all documentation required for the placement to be recognised by the student's university and, where applicable, by the funding programme.
- Learning agreement template
- Tripartite agreement coordination
- Insurance verification
- Erasmus+/Turing/SEMP doc support
- Visa application guidance
- University signature on LA
- Grant application approval
- Grant payment to student
- Institutional stamp / letter
Preparation & Departure
In the weeks before departure, the student gets everything they need to arrive with confidence. Cultural preparation, practical logistics, emergency contacts, and arrival day coordination with the host organisation.
Departure checklist, cultural preparation guide, local emergency numbers, accommodation confirmation, airport pickup coordination with host partner, packing guidelines, financial planning support.
Placement & Active Support
Active phaseThe student is on-the-ground, working at the host organisation. Our welfare monitoring continues throughout. The host supervisor provides structured mentorship. We're the first call for any issues.
- Regular wellbeing check-ins
- 24/7 emergency line
- Issue mediation
- Host partner liaison
- Named supervisor
- Structured onboarding
- Meaningful work
- Bi-weekly feedback
Evaluation
At the conclusion of the placement - and at the midpoint for placements exceeding 12 weeks - the host organisation completes a structured written evaluation of the student's performance. This document is returned to the student and, where required, to the university.
- Evaluation template
- Reminder process for hosts
- Structured student feedback
- ECTS credit recognition
- Academic grade integration
- Grant final report (if applicable)
Completion & Alumni
The placement is complete. Documentation is filed. But the student's relationship with Internship Abroad doesn't end here. Alumni living profiles, referral network, and continued access to the platform community.
87% of alumni from international internship programmes are employed within 3 months of graduation. 33% receive a job offer from their host organisation itself. The investment in going abroad pays off - in every measurable way.
AACSB/Sage Corps Alumni Study 2025 / Erasmus Impact StudyQuick reference
Ready to partner with us?
Signal interestHow we vet placement partners and protect students
Every placement partner in our network has signed our formal partner agreement and meets a set of minimum standards. These are not aspirational guidelines - they are binding commitments.
Partner vetting process
Before any partner is accepted into our network, we review their track record, facilities, supervision capacity, and legal compliance. Partners are removed from the network for standards breaches with no exceptions.
Zero tolerance policy
Every partner commits to a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, discrimination, and exploitation. If a student reports an incident, we investigate immediately and, if substantiated, withdraw the student and suspend the partner.
24/7 emergency response
Every student has a direct emergency contact number throughout their placement. In a medical emergency or safety incident, the partner notifies us within 4 hours and we coordinate the response with local authorities.
Insurance verification
Every student must hold valid travel, health, and liability insurance before departure. We verify coverage and do not confirm placements for students without appropriate insurance in place.
Meaningful work guarantee
Partners contractually commit to providing genuine learning opportunities - not menial, repetitive, or unskilled work. Students are there to develop professionally, and partners are held to that standard.
GDPR compliance
All student personal data is processed in compliance with GDPR for EU/EEA students and equivalent local regulations at each placement location. Data is never shared without explicit consent.
Questions about how we work?
Our partnerships team is happy to walk you through the process for your institution's specific context and requirements.