What are Enrollment-Based Community Internships?
Enrollment-based community internships are structured experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply academic knowledge in professional settings while developing practical skills and industry connections. Students have the option to enroll in an internship course offered by the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) for credit or zero credit. Internship credits may count toward graduation. Community-based organizations hosting interns benefit by mentoring emerging talent and contributing to workforce development.
CASE General Guidelines for Enrollment-Based Internships in the Community
The following guidelines apply to CASE majors seeking enrollment-based internships at non-FIU community sites for academic credit or zero credit.
- Students are responsible for identifying internship opportunities and securing a placement.
- Internship periods are usually one semester, with dates corresponding to FIU’s official calendar. For internships extending beyond one semester, students must register for each term during which they are participating to earn academic credit.
- Students must be enrolled in an internship course during the semester they are completing their internship. Academic credit is earned during this enrollment period.
- The student must complete the agreed-upon work schedule as approved by the program and/or the internship site.
- The objective of the internship is for the student to have practical experience related to their FIU coursework.
- Students should meet with their internship instructor before the start of the internship semester to discuss an internship learning plan, including the internship’s goals and objectives, and to ensure alignment with their coursework.
- Once an internship is secured, the student must submit the enrollment request, available on the CASE Enrollment-Based Internships website.
- Students must submit their enrollment requests by the specified deadline to ensure they are processed and approved in time for enrollment in the desired semester.
- Before the internship begins, the student, faculty supervisor, and on-site supervisor should sign an Internship Agreement. The student must also sign a Release of Assumption of Risk form. These forms are required for each separate internship experience.
- Enrollment in internship courses is by permission.
- A qualified employee should supervise students at the internship site.
- The on-site supervisor should provide the student performance feedback and complete an evaluation of the student intern before the semester ends. The evaluation may contribute to the student’s final grade in the internship course.
- The internship instructor is responsible for assigning the final grade.
- Internships may be paid or unpaid.
- Students must adhere to FIU’s Student Code of Conduct during their internship.
Students are encouraged to contact their internship instructor or their academic unit's internship liaison for detailed information on course requirements, supplemental department forms and processes, recommended internship sites, major-specific credit limitations, and other guidance.
