Fall (FS), Spring (SS) or Summer Semester (US)

MSU Students only

What is the internship program?

Students who participate in one of the MSU-sponsored study abroad programs at the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) (Querétaro or Monterrey campuses) are encouraged to include an internship experience as part of their study abroad program. There are two types of internships: 140 total hours (3 credits) for summer enrollments during June-July, and 280 total hours (6 credits) during the semester. Check out "Academic Options" under Tec de Monterrey - International Students for details. Arrangements for internship academic credit must be made through your MSU college internship coordinator. If you don't know who your internship coordinator is, check faculty/staff contacts for internship development.

The internship program allows students to learn about the Mexican culture through work and social service by giving them the opportunity to collaborate in a Mexican company, organization or institution. Due to legal restrictions (i.e. labor, social security, immigration laws), you are not allowed to be paid as an international intern. Some companies do provide transportation and/or meals. As an exception, a company may offer payment under governmental consent.

What are the language requirements?

In order to participate in the internship program, students must have completed at least two years of college Spanish or have equivalent language skills.

What are the advantages for the Internship Program student?

Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Practice their abilities and knowledge in a realistic working environment.
• Develop experience in companies and organizations facing real situations.
• Learn how Mexican professionals work, communicate and relate in the professional environment.
• Establish professional contacts that could help them in the future.
• Add curriculum value.
• Compare the way of performing in different professional & cultural environments.
• Understand differences between Mexico and the U.S. in professional skills and performance.
  

What types of organizations take international interns from the two campuses?

As a growing manufacturing, industrial, financing and educational state, Querétaro offers different opportunities and environments for international students. Students at ITESM Querétaro have worked in corporations such as Kellogg, Gerber, Pilgrim's Pride, Coca-Cola, Tremec, State Chamber of Commerce, Nestlé, COPARMEX, Teléfonos de México, Banca Serfin and other civil and governmental organizations, schools, TVQueretaro, Human Rights Commission, shelters for disadvantaged children, etc.

The city of Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico with nearly 4.5 million people in the metropolitan area. It is one of the leading industrial cities in the country and a major financial center. For its ongoing contributions to national development, it is unanimously regarded as "The Industrial Capital of Mexico". NAFTA has positioned Monterrey as a vital financial, cultural, and industrial bridge between Mexico and the international community. This business-intensive environment provides students with direct access to the facilities of major manufacturers that are successful competitors in world markets.

Areas of Interest:

Internships are available in many different areas such as:

• Business: Finance, Accounting, Sales representatives, Marketing, International marketing
• Engineering: Electrical, Industrial, Electronic & telecommunications engineering, ecological/environmental engineering, Architecture
• Agriculture & Animal Sciences: Food production consultant, Food technology, Animal production consultant, Agro machinery supplier, and Technical support in agroproduction, Agrobusiness, Agroindustry
• Computer Science: Computer sciences, Programming
• Communications: Radio production, TV Production, Journalism, Graphic & computer design
• Education: Bicultural & bilingual education (pre-first, elementary, high school), Special education, Musical education, Adult education
• Restoration: Artworks restoration, Book restoration
• Social Service: Community service, Hotel and tourism, Commercial recreation, Tour guides, Tourism developmental planning, resort recreation services, Orphanages, Non profit organizations & Human Rights organizations, Museums & historical centers.

How does the Internship Program work?

Internship students must be participating in either one of the MSU-sponsored ITESM study abroad programs and accepted by the ITESM International Programs Office coordinator. As an accredited program, the internship has an academic structure and requirements that students must meet in order to earn the credits. The internship course grade is based on the student's performance for both the work in the organization and the academic requirements. Three appointments with different companies or organizations will be arranged for each student. The work schedule will be arranged with the company, and vary depending on the student's class schedule and the credits requested (140 hours in the summer for 3 credits, and 280 hours during a semester for 6 credits). Students are able to request an extension for the credits and working hours to increase their knowledge and experience in any field of interest. If a match is not made after three appointments, either because the students does not fulfill the company's needs or vice versa, ITESM is not obliged to arrange any other interviews.

An ITESM internship coordinator as well as a site supervisor in the company will supervise interns where the internship is taking place. The coordinator will verify that the student is meeting the goals of the project and expectations of the company. The site supervisor will be responsible for defining the company's project, providing the necessary resources, and making sure that the student is working effectively on the project. Furthermore, an ITESM faculty member will advise and provide support to the student until completion of the project.

How can a student be part of an internship at the TEC system?

Interested students must submit required documents before March 1st or October 1st in order to ensure placements for the following semester. These include: a) curriculum vitae or résumé in both English and Spanish (with a recent photograph); b) a short essay (in English) that describes why it is important to participate in the Internship program and the preferred areas and/or fields of a company; and c) the exact date that the student will be able to begin the working interviews.

For further information, contact Mark Davis, Office of Study Abroad, 432-1315.