The following questions can help you plan and find a work abroad experience that fits your needs:

• Focus: What type of work do you hope to do? What is your field of interest? 
  
  
• Prior Knowledge: What skills and experience do you already have in the field? Are you seeking work directly related to your engineering degree, such as technical work, or are you looking to develop experience in broader fields, such as consulting?
  
  
• Language Skills: Do you already have particular language skills or hope to learn a new language?
  
  
• Travel Experience: What kind of international experience do you already have? What cross-cultural skills do you have or wish to develop? Have you worked with student organizations such as the Society of Global Engineers, IAESTE, or BLUElab? How can these experiences help you in your job search?
  
  
• Target Country or Region: Are you interested in a particular country or culture or are you open to many options? Will you target countries/regions well-known for your particular filed or industry or interest?
  
  
• Timing: How much time do you wish to spend abroad?  How will the work/holiday calendar of your host country affect your schedule?  Are you allowing enough planning time (work permits, travel arrangements, etc.)?
  
  
• International Minor for Engineers: Are you considering the The International Minor for Engineers?  Are you looking for work abroad that will satisfy the overseas experience requirement? If so, keep the following criteria in mind:

• Internship involves work, research, or organized volunteer experience outside the U.S.
• International students may not satisfy this requirement through programs in their home countries.
• Program must provide opportunities to develop at least two of the International Minor’s core skills: foreign language proficiency, knowledge of non-U.S. cultures/societies, intercultural communication skills, or awareness of global trends in engineering/business.
• Minimum of 6 weeks in duration.
• Must be pre-approved by the IPE office in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.  

International Minor students can request pre-approval for their internships by submitting the Internship Learning Plan to the IPE office.  Details are available on-line: www.engin.umich.edu/minors/international