For engineering schools, business schools and universities, internships in North America are a real asset: program appeal, graduate employability, international exposure. Yet many students give up because of the complex process. Here is how to remove those obstacles.
The main obstacles for students
- Finding a reliable host company remotely.
- Understanding and completing visa or work permit steps.
- Meeting timelines that are often longer than for a domestic internship.
- Ensuring academic follow-up for a student on the other side of the ocean.
The frameworks to know
For Canada, the International Co-op stream of International Experience Canada lets students complete a required internship, with an internship agreement signed by the student, the company and the institution. For the United States, the J-1 Intern visa goes through a designated sponsor with a detailed training plan. Our guides on interning in Canada and the J-1 visa explain the steps.
The institution’s key role
- Inform students early: ideally at least four to six months before the internship period.
- Validate the fit between the proposed tasks and the program.
- Sign the internship agreement quickly, as it is essential for the permit.
- Organize follow-up during the internship: regular check-ins with the student and the company mentor.
Prepare your students
Upstream support makes the difference: résumé and interview workshops in the North American format, professional English, information on budget and housing. Our articles on North American résumés and acing the interview can be shared with your students.
Working with Linkor
Linkor connects students with partner companies in Canada and the United States and supports them through visa steps until departure. See our page for schools and universities or email us at info@linkor.us.
