Introduction
The Center for International Programs at Marshall University operates an internship program that prepares graduate students through on-the-job training and seminars. It provides tuition waivers and a stipend for living expenses for students that meet international graduate assistant internship criteria. There are a limited number of internships available each semester. These students must meet the requirements of the international student admission’s policies as well.
Background
Sponsors are businesses, institutions or individuals that have knowledge of the intern’s background and potential. The internship program cost is $5,500 per academic year. These funds are used for the application fee, training costs, administration of the program, and stipend for the intern. The intern will receive a tuition waiver for the period of the graduate assistant internship but will be responsible for his/her student activity fees which are approximately $300 per semester. The internship is for a minimum of one academic year (fall/spring) with an option of two years or completion of his/her master degree. The program fees are non-refundable unless the student is unable to obtain a visa or a hardship issue is proven. The $500 applicable fee included in the $5500 is non-refundable.
Costs
The program fees of $5500 should be sent in the form of a certified check or money order or wire transfer payable to the Marshall University Research Corporation or (MURC) and include the student’s name at the bottom left side of the check. It should be mailed to Project Manager IGAI, Marshall University, Center for International Programs, One John Marshall Drive, OM 320, Huntington, WV 25755.
Requirements
The applicant must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or completed the advanced level of the LEAP intensive English program at Marshall University and maintained at least a 3.0 GPA as an undergraduate student to qualify. Click here to see the undergraduate GPA equivalency qualifications you must have to be eligible for admission to the IGAI program. Preference will be given to students who have attended Marshall University for at least one semester, either as a graduate, undergraduate or LEAP student. The internship is designated for specific semesters. An exception may be granted if a student has difficulty obtaining hi/her visa. In that case, the student may postpone his/her internship for up to two semesters (one academic year). Students who have been accepted to the program and are at Marshall University may not postpone their participation or will forfeit their fees.
The participating student must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in all graduate courses each semester and comply with all other graduate school requirements to maintain his/her graduate assistant internship.
Documentation
The student is required to complete the application and write a letter (See Sample Letter) accepting the graduate assistant internship, acknowledging that the student understands that he/she will be working for a department 10 hours per week, attend scheduled internship seminars and receive $1,000 per semester for the academic year for his/her stipend. All IGAI program applicants are required to submit a passport size photo along with other required documents.
A limited number of summer internships are also available for students who are in the full-time program for at least one academic semester.
All additional costs including student activity fees, books, insurance, room and board will be assumed by the graduate assistant recipient or his/her sponsor.