Kyungpook National University International Internship Program Although internships are now a common feature of American education, KNU is the first university in Korea to introduce this concept. The international internship program at KNU is aimed at giving students an international learning experience where they can integrate classroom theory with practice in a work environment. The KNU internship model involves the placement of students in employment related to their academic interests or future career goal for a period ranging between 2 to 18 months during their undergraduate or graduate studies. What are the benefits to employers?   1. This program gives employers access to a pool of intelligent,     highly motivated students who are willing to learn and     perform a variety of functions. 2. Internship students can undertake the semi-professional     duties of professional employees, thus releasing permanent     staff for more productive assignments. 3. Internships provide employers with an effective and efficient     means of identifying potential graduate recruits who have     appropriate expertise and a knowledge of the company. 4. The availability of students for short-term periods allows     employers to respond more flexibly to changes in the work     environment. What are the benefits to students?   1. Practical work experience prior to graduation. 2. Development of an awareness of the relevance of academic     study. 3. Exposure to a wide range of work situations. 4. Experience of international and cross-cultural environment. 5. Improvement of English language skills. 6. Specialized training in certain sectors, adding to a student's     qualifications. 7. Higher success in obtaining permanent employment. How are internships organized? The Office of International Affairs at KNU has responsibility for the direction and development of the program. Appropriate employers are identified and consulted on suitable work assignments. How are students prepared for internships? Since English language skills are key to international internships, preparation begins from the first year when all freshmen are required to attend English conversation classes as part of their core curriculum. When applying for internships, students are assisted in preparing their resumes and have the chance to receive interview training given by native English speakers. How are students selected for placements? Students must first pass an initial English language evaluation. Successful students will then complete their resumes and indicate their preference for the type of internship they are seeking. These resumes are circulated to employers who then decide on the students they are interested in. The final selection is normally based on a telephone interview. Evaluation Process   - Visits by University staff While on an internship, each student will be visited by an academic member of staff from KNU. The purpose of this is to discuss the work assignment and the student's progress with both the student and the employer and deal with any problems that may have arisen.   - Employer Evaluation Towards the end of the placement period, each employer will receive an Employer Evaluation Form for completion. This will allow the employer an opportunity to assess the performance of their internees and comment on the internship program itself. This form will become part of the student's official record.   - Internee Report All internees will be required to submit monthly reports during their internship period and comprehensive report after finishing their internship. These reports will be assessed by a faculty member on a pass/fail basis. The reports should adhere to previously specified guidelines.   - Assignment of Credits Credits will be assigned as follows based on the satisfactory completion of the internship: 2 month internship    6 credits 6 month internship    18 credits 12 month internship    36 credits For further information: Office of International Affairs TEL: +82-53-950-6091~2, 955-9232 FAX: +82-53-950-6093 E-mail: intern@knu.ac.kr http:// gp.knu.ac.kr