When you find a great organization that you would love to intern with, how do you try and set up an internship? Here are some helpful hints:

• The word “internship” is not used as commonly in other countries as it is in the U.S. When contacting potential employers use your host country’s equivalent term (trainee, apprentice, stage) or simply state that you would like to volunteer.
• Your letter may have more impact if you express your definite goal of coming to [x] locale and provide specific departure and arrival dates when stating your willingness to volunteer. It is good to say “I will be in Thailand from January 2nd – May 24th and would like to volunteer with your organization during that period.” This way you relieve a lot of pressure from the employer.
• Provide your overseas contact with information that can be used to assess your credentials. This includes:
• A URL for your university and your degree program (especially if you are a graduate student); information about your relevant academic foundation
• Information about your thesis advisor (name, full title, and research specialization)
• Possibly, if you are traveling overseas with the help of a nationally competitive scholarship, a URL for your grant.
• A well developed draft of your grant proposal
• State in your letter that you will follow up with another communication in 2-3 weeks
• Explain to the employer what you are getting out of the experience and let them know that you do not expect to be paid for the experience.

Here is a Sample networking letter

Example: From a student to a potential employer

Dear [name],

While researching organizations involved in promoting sustainable development I came across the World Wildlife Fund Costa Rica Web site. I was fascinated by your work, particularly in the area of eco-tourism.

I am a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Environmental Policy at American University in Washington DC (www.american.edu/sis/fields/envpol/index.html). This is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore the root causes of environmental degradation from both a bio-physical and a socioeconomic perspective. My foundational coursework includes Environment and Development, which addressed development-related causes of environmental problems, Global Environmental Politics and Policy, and advanced statistical methods. My thesis project will focus on techniques that promote sustainable tourism without jeopardizing local cultures. I have begun my research under the supervision of Professor [ ], Chair of the Division of Environmental Policy, School of International Service.

I will be in Costa Rica this summer, arriving in early May and staying until mid-August. While in Central America I would welcome the opportunity to volunteer with your organization. I would not expect any financial compensation as the experience of working with WWF Costa Rica would be well worth the trip. I have attached my resume so that you can assess my qualifications.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. I can be reached via e-mail at Astudent@american.edu or via telephone at (202)555-1800.

Sincerely,

A. Student