International Opportunities
Seeing yourself and your world through an unfamiliar lens can have a significant impact on your studies, deepen your understanding of yourself, and challenge your assumptions about the world. In today's globalized world, it is critical that students learn to appreciate and function in multiple cultures and contexts. Princeton students are encouraged to explore the many opportunities to study and intern overseas through the programs listed below. Other opportunities abroad are available through various fellowships.
Students are encouraged to discuss their interest in study abroad and international internships with their academic advisers and departmental representatives.
Bridge Year Program
The Bridge Year Program allows a select group of incoming freshmen to defer their enrollment for a year to serve the public good in another country. Participants engage in challenging, meaningful work at a school, non-profit organization, clinic, or similar type of entity serving the local community, live with families in the community they are serving and receive on-site language training. T
Study Abroad Program
The Study Abroad Program is part of the Office of International Programs and allows students to receive Princeton credit while spending either one semester or an academic year abroad. Study abroad adds an important dimension to a program of studies and provides special focus for departmental work. The program is open to spring-semester sophomores, all juniors, and fall-semester seniors. Currently, Princeton accepts credit from more than 100 programs in 42 countries.
Princeton also offers a wide range of summer study abroad programs from long-standing language programs to Global Seminars run by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), to programs in Physical Anthropology and Marine Biology. In addition, it is possible to apply for Princeton credit for courses offered by other study abroad programs.
International Internship Program
The International Internship Program (IIP) is part of the Office of International Programs and offers guidance and financial support to undergraduates who wish to undertake a summer internship abroad. The IIP staff helps students to select an internship from the internship placements pre-arranged by the IIP as well as to research and secure their own internship independently. Interns have held positions in the media, education, public health, government and nongovernmental organizations, as well as in financial and research institutions. The IIP also coordinates the Princeton in France Program, which provides placements in France.
PEI/Grand Challenges Internship Program
The PEI/Grand Challenges (PEI/GC) Internship Program offers Princeton undergraduates the opportunity to complement their academic interests with hands-on, independent research and project experiences during the summer. Students interested in exploring global environmental problems related to energy and climate, infectious disease and global health, sustainable development in resource-scarce regions of the world, and environmental sustainability are encouraged to apply. Placements through the PEI/GC Internship Program include both domestic and international locations.
Grand Challenges Program
The Grand Challenges Program provides opportunities for students to learn about the Grand Challenges themes of Energy, Development, and Health and prepares them to address complex environmental problems in their future studies and careers. This preparation includes introductory and advanced-level courses (several of which involve field research in overseas locations, including Bermuda, Kenya, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa), faculty-mentored internships, and opportunities for independent study and research on campus and abroad. The Program is open to all students regardless of academic major or area of concentration.