How much should an internship cost the student?

[JeepMOM]

<p>COCKATIEL -

I guess I am still from the “get a summer job so you can cover your books and other expenses next year” school of thought, and the idea of actually paying several thousand (yes, I’m not exaggerating – it’s overseas in a VERY expensive city and the housing costs are unreal) for my child to take an internship just galls me!

</p>

<p>My concern with your situation is the reason the kiddo wants to go overseas - and the conditions of the internship as well - and probably on your dime also . What exactly is this internship for?? Is it something that could well be done for a similar experience here?? Personally - I absolutely feel that internships should be done for experience that would be beneficial and coincide with ones major - and not put an expensive financial burden on anyone. To me - your kiddo’s internship dreams seem to be very unreasonable - and for what gain?? That really has to be considered.</p>

<p>My gal had to do at least a full semester internship - full time - for full semester college credit - 12 credits - required for graduation. It was her choice as to what it was as long as it was related to her major. Could have been paid - or unpaid - and there was alot of requirements by the school that had to be met at the same time. The search went out - far and wide (she could actually have gone any where in the world to do it also - as long as there was an internet connection where ever she was).</p>

<p>One thing we did consider was that her college living expenses - room/food/other (not including tuition tho) would still have to be considered - whatever those expenses were at school had to be similar to where she was going - especially if it was an un-paid internship. We also had to consider her loss of income from her job at school as well.</p>

<p>We really searched hard and wide - and found several options that were financially doable - and would have been excellent opportunities - and applications went out - some paid - some not - some with housing - some not - but we had a plan for what ever came back to us in the positive. Fortunately she accepted one that was paid - and provided housing - and a bi-monthly stipend - tho was across the country :)</p>

<p>She is now doing another internship - in the same field tho different focus - which is paid - with housing and meals - and insurance!!!</p>

<p>The best advice that I can give you is to research-research-research - and find out if this out of country internship is really the best solution to meet the need - and possibly find other options to fill that need - especially if the $$ situation is a huge burden.</p>