Purdue University's most popular study abroad program has expanded to include an internship option in Beijing

Purdue University's most popular study abroad program has expanded to include an internship option in Beijing.Nationwide, internship study abroad opportunities are increasing because they offer students a global experience while gaining valuable work experience in a field related to their studies,said Brian Harley, associate dean of international programs and director of study abroad.A small number of American college students graduate with study abroad experience, and a fraction of that number has an even smaller global internship experience, which makes these few students attractive to potential employers.

The seven-week internship programs in London and Sydney, Australia, are the most popular study abroad programs for Purdue students. Internship positions include a variety of topics such as advertising, tourism, public relations and retail management, and places such as museums, nonprofit organizations, government offices and hospitals.The internship options include small, local companies or firms to offices in large corporations,said Glenda Caudill, assistant director and who coordinates the internship programs.

Students traveling to Beijing will work in English-speaking environments. Students also will have the opportunity to learn basic Chinese the first two weeks they are in China.This summer 12 students are participating in the new Beijing program, while 34 students are in Sydney and 48 in London. There are 890 students studying abroad this summer in 36 countries.The Beijing internship is May 16 through July 8, and in addition to completing the three-credit, unpaid internship, students also will take a three-credit marketing course. The London internship is May 16 through July 8, and the Sydney internship is May 17 through July 8. The class options vary for the other two programs. All three programs are offered to a variety of majors from the Krannert School of Management and colleges of Agriculture, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Science, and Technology. The internship programs are offered through a partnership with CAPA International Education.

The programs for this summer are full, but students interested in the 2012 summer programs. The application deadline for the summer 2012 programs in London, Sydney and Beijing is Feb. 1.China continues to be a popular study abroad destination for Purdue students. During the 2003-04 academic year, 18 Purdue students studied in China, and this year that number is more than 260.