FAQ
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How are internship candidates selected for our organisation?
We match as closely as possible your requirements and internship position profile with the candidate intern’s studies, experience and preferences.
How long is an internship?
Programmes run from four weeks to six months in length, all year round, with the majority of interns arriving between March and September.
How many hours per week is an intern required to work?
Participants will fit in with the general working hours of the host organisation, but we recommend a timetable of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if this suits the company. In any case, the intern should work no more than 37½ hours per week.
What is the typical profile of an intern?
Programme participants are typically third level students or recent graduates, predominantly from EU countries, as well as USA and Asia, who are seeking an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real world environment. The majority of interns have successfully competed for funding for the programme, by exam or project work.
What are the obligations of our organisation?
The host organisation should assign a ‘site supervisor’ or mentor for the intern(s), who will take the time to explain what is expected of him or her during the internship. Appropriate working conditions and equipment must be provided, as with any paid employee (e.g. computer, desk, etc). See the Commitment section for more details.
What kind of support do you provide to host organisations?
Our experienced internship management team is available to deal with any issues that may arise during the internship, providing support and advice as required.
Are there any costs to our organisation?
There are no recruitment costs and the vast majority of interns work unpaid. We request that employers provide interns with a travel card for the duration of the internship, at a cost of €93 per month, but this is optional. Our administration team will purchase and distribute the travel card on your behalf, if desired, invoicing you monthly at no extra cost.
How is the programme funded?
The majority of interns have competed successfully for funding from EU, national government or other sponsors. The sponsoring organisation, university or individual works with a local agent, which is part of an international network to which Irish Education Partners belongs. This agent pays us a fee to organise a work placement, accommodation, orientation, airport transfers and support for the internship participant.
Where do the interns live?
We provide a comprehensive service to all interns, including accommodation and ongoing support throughout their internship. Some participants opt to seek their own accommodation, but most are accommodated in Irish host families, where they have further opportunity to improve their language skills and understanding of Irish culture. We have a large database of host families, and we endeavour to place the intern in the most convenient location for getting to work.
What kind of contribution could an intern make to our organisation?
- Interns are a great resource for one-time projects or peak time requirements
- Benefit from cutting edge developments learned in college settings
- Access a motivated, flexible, cost-effective work force without long-term employer commitment
- Many interns will have international language skills
- Enthusiastic, fresh perspectives introduced to the workplace
- Experiment with the latest business development opportunities afforded by social networking (Web 2.0)
- Feel-good factor by contributing to the personal and professional development of young people
- Current employees have the opportunity to further develop their skills as they mentor an intern
I’m convinced. How do I get involved?
Let us know your requirements either by email or by returning the internship profile form. As soon as we have candidates matching your requirements, we will email their details for your consideration.
Once you select a candidate, we provide written confirmation of the placement details, as well as a best practice guide and support throughout the placement.
