Student FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
University of Michigan graduate students enrolled full-time in a Master's level degree program, who will be returning the following academic year to complete their program. Graduates and part-time students are not eligible to take part in this program.
What qualifications are you looking for?
We look for students with a commitment to the Davidson Institute mission, excellent academic and professional record, ability and willingness to be flexible and open to new experiences, cultural sensitivity, strong initiative and ability to work with managers and employees in a different cultural and business environment. Students must also have the ability to build relationships and thrive in an unstructured environment.
Previous international development or business experience and knowledge of a foreign language are desirable, but not required. Some of our partner organizations do require language proficiency for their project (this will be clearly noted on the project description) and may have additional requirements specific to their project.
How do I apply?
For the Student-Initiated Internship: Complete the application package which includes an online application, an up-to-date resume, a 2- to 3-page statement of interest, a letter of commitment from the host organization, organizational chart, and a budget.
For the WDI Partnership Internships: Submit an application package which includes a completed online application, an up-to-date resume, and a 2- to 3-page statement of interest.
Where are the internship projects located?
Most of them are overseas. Occasionally we have a few in the US, typically at our partner organization’s US headquarters. The actual locations vary from year-to-year.
Are there any restrictions on project location or country?
Student safety is of primary importance. WDI follows the Ross School of Business' policy regarding student international travel. WDI does NOT support internship projects in countries that are on the US Dept. of State Travel Warning List:
How long is the internship?
The internships are for 12 consecutive weeks (not negotiable). The projects usually start mid-May and end mid-August. Depending on the organization, some may require a 2-day up to 1-week orientation and/or work period in its US headquarters before going to the overseas location. If the organization requests over 12-weeks, that would be negotiated between the student and the organization.
I am working on a project as a team. Can we submit a proposal for a Student-Initiated project as a team?
We don't typically sponsor both/all members of a team, in the same vein that we do not typically sponsor more than one student at the same partner organization unless the organization sponsors the additional student's fellowship. Come talk to us early if you are in this situation.
How much will I get paid?
Students applying for a Student-Initiated internship need to submit a budget as part of their project proposal. Living expenses and airfare will be covered. We do not cover project expenses.
Students selected for WDI-Partnership projects will receive a fellowship of up to $10,000 for the 12-week internship.
When will I receive my fellowship?
Students will receive half in May before leaving for the internship and the other half in August after the completion of their internships. $500 of the fellowship will be held until all deliverables have been submitted to WDI and the host organization at the end of the internship. Also note that WDI does not provide direct-deposit.
Students may also opt to have the fellowship transferred to their UM Student Account to pay for Fall tuition.
We will need your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to disburse your fellowship. For international students, check the International Center website or talk to a Foreign Student Advisor at the Int'l Center how to apply for an ITIN or SSN.
How do I find local (in-country) housing?
Students are recommended to reach out to their host organization and getting the information re. local housing from them. They may be able to assist you in making arrangements for local housing. You can also contact the UM alumni network working in the area (contact your School's Alumni Office or Alumni Directory directly).
I plan on keeping my Ann Arbor apartment during my internship abroad, can I include this in my budget proposal for a Student-Initiated internship application?
Costs related to housing maintained in Ann Arbor will NOT be considered for funding.
Is there a travel allowance?
For Student-Initiated projects: airfare should be included as part of the budget.
For WDI-Partnership projects: WDI will reimburse direct round trip coach air travel expenses from DTW to the location of the internship, up to $1500 (airfare only). Receipts and original boarding passes need to be submitted to receive the reimbursement. WDI will not reimburse meal expenses, hotels, car rentals, mileage, health and travel insurance, etc. Reimbursements are initiated only after completion of travel.
If you are not flying directly from/to DTW, you must contact us in advance. We do NOT automatically approve other destinations.
Will WDI arrange for my visa?
You will be responsible for arranging your own visa. When required, WDI will be able to provide you with a Reference Letter to the Embassy.
How about travel insurance and health insurance?
Students are responsible for obtaining their own proper travel and medical insurance. WDI or the host organization does not provide these.
Students awarded WDI funding are required to have medical coverage during their internship. University Health Services offers a comprehensive plan at the rate of $1.25/day. For more information, please visit: http://www.uhs.umich.edu/tai/. We require evidence of travel health insurance submitted with your other paperwork.
Students choosing another provider/plan must submit documentation showing that the coverage meets or exceeds the coverage provided by the UHS plan.
Does WDI cover my immunizations?
Since any individual's need for immunizations for travel to any specific country is largely dependent upon his/her own health history and history of immunizations, students are responsible for all necessary immunizations and associated costs. The UM Health Services' Allergy, Immunization and Travel Health Clinic (734) 764-8304 or your own physician can provide the necessary information.
For more information: visit
UHS Travel Health Services: http://www.uhs.umich.edu/services/travel/
CDC Vaccination website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx
WDI does not cover the cost of immunizations in addition to your fellowship award. For Student-Initiated proposals, you may include this in your budget. For WDI Partnership internships, our fellowship award should cover your immunizations.
Please plan ahead! Start taking care of your immunizations as soon as you receive the fellowship award or accept the internship offer, because:
- Some immunizations may take weeks to reach optimum effectiveness and some are given in series.
- Appointments at UHS are limited before peak travel times (December, before Spring Break, April and May).
- You may need time to compile your immunization records, which you need in order for UHS staff to give you the correct (and only necessary) immunizations.
How will I know if my proposal is accepted or not?
For Student-Initiated Internship proposals, we will notify all applicants.
For WDI Partnership projects, due to the large number of applicants, we will not be able to notify each of you. If you have not heard from us or our partner organization within a reasonable timeframe, you may send an email to WDI-Internships@umich.edu.
As a WDI Fellow, what is my relationship to WDI?
WDI is offering fellowships to provide University of Michigan graduate students with learning opportunities and experiences in international business. Student Fellows will neither be employees of WDI nor of the partner institutions.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in the field and to conform to local business hours and rules.
Please remember that you will be UM Ambassadors in the local community you will be working in and with everyone you will be interacting with.
