PDAC Program Overview
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
- All applicants must either be full-time students who have completed at least 45 credit hours, or have recently graduated from a bachelor degree program at a U.S. or Canadian university.
- All students will need to confirm credit transfer with their home institution before applying.
- Students who have graduated or who do not want academic credit on these internships will still have to perform under the same specifications as though credit were awarded.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to participate, however, some placements may have more stringent eligibility requirements.
Dates and Deadlines
All PDAC internships are 10 weeks in length and arranged for specific dates. These dates cannot be changed, however if you are unable to participate at the set dates, or need an internship placement for a duration other than 10 weeks, Custom Date Internship placements (which do not include credit from Chapman University) are available at any time of year for various durations. See Custom Date Internship Details for more information.
All applications are processed as they are received, and placements often fill prior to application deadlines. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance; it is suggested that you apply early for your best chance at your chosen placement.
Dates for the coming year are:
January 23 - April 6, 2012 - Application deadline: October 1
May 28 - August 10, 2012 - Application deadline: February 1
June 27 - September 6, 2012 - Application deadline: March 1
September 9 - November 23, 2012 - Application deadline: June 1
More Program Information
Academic Assessment
Students participating in PDAC internship placements will earn six internship credits as pass/no pass on a Chapman University transcript. Students should seek transfer credit approval from their home university prior to accepting a place on this program as home universities reserve the right to transfer credit into degree programs.
Chapman University is an established university located in Orange, California, with a strong mission in developing global citizens. Chapman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
The Value of Your Academic Assessment
Below is an excerpt from one of our recent intern's academic assessments. His comments really show the value of the academic component in helping you get the most out of the program:
"The international internship, specifically one done with an academic component, provides the student with an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned. “Study abroad programs take students beyond the familiar and the experience is turned into deep learning through a reflective assessment of the lessons learned.” (Vandeveer and Menefee). This statement emphasizes the importance of the reflective assessment of the intern’s experience. Had I not been asked to keep a journal, provide reports of my activities and do an analysis of my internship, I would have missed some of the benefits that this internship has provided me. In essence the reflection that resulted from the academic component of my internship made me aware of the skills that I had gained. Because of this increased awareness of the skills I’ve gained, I am now better able to relate the benefits of my internship during an interview and better prepared to use the benefits in the workplace."
(Reference: Vandeveer, R & Menefee, ML 2006, “Study Abroad, International Internship and Experiential Learning: A World-Class Adventure in Learning”, Decision Sciences Institute, Southwest Region – 2006 Conference Proceedings. URL: http://www.swdsi.org/swdsi06/Proceedings06/Papers/IE07.pdf Viewed 24 Nov. 2010.)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of a PDAC Internship, students will:
- be able to reflect and assess the nature and characteristics of an international internship;
- be knowledgeable about the skills and observation offered and completed;
- be able to reflect upon the experiences from an academic perspective;
- be able to reflect upon the cultural experiences from a philosophical perspective;
- be able to reflect critically upon the internship experience from a personal experience;
- have gained insight into the organizational differences in a domestic, international, and global context.
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS
All students completing a PDAC Internship placement are required to submit Seven assignments in order to complete the program and be awarded credit. All documents will be submitted by email to the Academic Assessment Supervisor:
- A 1,000-word Pre-Departure Paper regarding expectations for the internship.
- Four Activity Plans to help determining student objectives and related observational tasks will be completed in conjunction with the on-site supervisor and must be submitted every two weeks.
- Each student will maintain a Reflective Journal documenting personal experiences within the intern site to be submitted at the end of the internship.
- A 2,000-word Student Analysis of the entire learning experience is submitted at the end of the internship.
In addition, a Mid-Term and Final Evaluation will be completed by the on-site supervisor. This report is meant to give an overall assessment and professional evaluation of the student intern based on the intern’s professional development. All PDAC interns must complete the academic assessment module, as there is no option to participate in the program without this component.
EXPECTATIONS OF INTERNSHIP SITES
Internship sites have been chosen to accept interns based on their willingness to devote the time, talent, and effort necessary to provide an optimal learning experience for the student intern. We believe these sites have sufficient supervisory staff capable of teaching and mentoring in a cooperative atmosphere. These sites, in conjunction with our own on-site staff, will provide an adequate orientation program for the student and will conduct regular evaluation and information sessions with the intern.
ON-SITE SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
The on-site supervisor at the workplace is asked to provide guidance and direction during the internship experience, to facilitate accomplishment of the student’s internship goals and objectives, and to submit required evaluation reports to the appropriate personnel at our office in Shanghai or Hong Kong to be forwarded to Chapman University. In addition they will:
- Provide the student with meaningful learning experiences.
- Inform the student of all personnel policies and procedures.
- Monitor the student to protect and enhance the role of the organization and the student’s well being while affiliated with the organization.
- Schedule periodic conferences with the student to discuss learning objectives and observed tasks.
- Evaluate and review the student’s ability to learn through observation and submit results to the university supervisor located at the AustraLearn our office. Biweekly reports and final evaluation are required.
- Provide the student reasonable freedom to observe staff meetings, activities, projects, and programs.
ASIALEARN RESIDENT DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
AsiaLearn’s role is to maintain the program quality, expectations, and relationships for all on-site parties. Through regular contact with the student and on-site advisor, the Resident Director will:
- Maintain the relationship between the intern and internship supervisor by acting as a liaison between the two for any social and professional issues that may arise.
- Provide support for the student outside the workplace to assist with student transition.
AsiaLearn’s Academic Assessment Supervisor will:
- Monitor student performance, application, and attitude.
- Oversee the assessment process to ensure all requirements are being met.
THE INTERN’S RESPONSIBILITY
The student must accept and adhere to the rules and regulations of all organizations involved in this internship, including AsiaLearn, Chapman University, and the internship placement site. They must become an integral,
responsible, and loyal observer of the internship placement’s staff. The student will set mutually satisfactory, feasible goals and objectives with the internship supervisor and conduct him or herself professionally and personally at all times in contact with staff and clients. The student will complete the academic responsibilities, such as the reports and evaluations, according to the internship contract by the given deadlines. AsiaLearn does not assign grades but only recommends grades to Chapman University. Chapman University will make a final assessment of the grade as pass/no pass.
Fees
| Program Fees | $2,493 |
| Housing |
| Without Meals | $3,482 |
Fee Includes
The program cost includes delivery of the internship as stated, intern supervision, airport reception, ongoing management and student support, housing (rent only) in a studio or shared apartment, cell phone sim card (minutes to be purchased at an additional cost), 160 RMB pre-paid public transport card, six credits from Chapman University, orientation and briefing sessions, monthly professional and social events, and pre-departure services. These internships are unpaid.
Fee Advice
The fees above are valid for all internship programs commencing in 2011. Fees are subject to change.