Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, graduate students are eligible for certain programs. Please refer to our program portfolio and accompanying notes for details on eligibility by program.

All Iacocca interns must be enrolled as full-time Lehigh students during their internship. Seniors are eligible to apply if they agree to defer graduation until after they return from their internship.

Yes, first-year students are eligible for certain programs. Some internships are only open to upperclassmen or graduate students. Please refer to our program portfolio and accompanying notes for details on eligibility by program.

Yes, international students are eligible for certain programs. Please refer to our program portfolio and accompanying notes for details on eligibility by program. International students are responsible for obtaining a visa for the international location, including associated costs. The program provides documentation and guidance, but alternative placements cannot be guaranteed if a visa is denied. For personal questions about visas or entry requirements, please contact OISS and your country’s embassy in the United States.

Some internship placements may have specific GPA requirements. Please refer to our program portfolio and accompanying notes for details on eligibility by program.

Students without prior internship experience are eligible to apply. Some internships may list specific skills (e.g., Python knowledge) or coursework as required or recommended intern qualifications. Please refer to our program portfolio and accompanying notes for details on eligibility by program.

Yes. We encourage all students to apply, as the internship selection process is holistic and considers a variety of factors.

The internship should be your primary commitment. Students who are enrolled in another program during the internship dates are not eligible to apply.

Students must be available for the entire internship period to participate. IIIP offers internship opportunities throughout the academic year; sign up for our email updates to receive announcements about upcoming IIIP opportunities.

The summer internship program requires attendance at in-person preparatory meetings and completion of assignments during the spring semester. We encourage you to apply next year or consider other Iacocca internship opportunities during the academic year.

Applications open in early September. Sign up for our email updates to receive announcements about the application opening.

Applications are generally due in mid-November. Exact dates are listed on the application page.

The application link is posted on the application page. A PDF of the application form is available for review. All applicants must submit the online application form, most recent unofficial transcript, and their resume/CV. Sign up for our email updates to receive announcements about application updates.

No, letters of recommendation are not required. However, the application requests that you list one reference who is a current faculty or staff member at Lehigh. The Iacocca Internship selection committee reserves the right to reach out to any individual listed as a reference for more details about your academic background and readiness to participate in an international internship.

Visit the Lee Iacocca Institute for Global Leadership website and sign up for email updates. Our program portfolio provides an overview of the internships offered and information to help you identify opportunities that best align with your interests. Information sessions provide general program details, application guidance, and examples of past placements.

We recommend attending a general information session first. If your question is not answered through the general session, individual and drop-in office hours are available during the application period. Contact worktolearn@lehigh.edu if you would like to arrange an individual meeting.

Yes. Please indicate your interest and preferred program or major here. If an alum is available to speak with you, you will receive an email.

Program providers will work with accepted Iacocca interns to match them with positions that align with their academic and professional goals from their portfolio of employers. Program providers will also arrange your application and interview with the organizations they consider to be the best match for your career and academic goals.

Acceptance rates for our program range from 15–35%, depending on the internship location and applicant pool. Competitiveness changes yearly; acceptance rates are not a reliable predictor of your chances for selection. The selection process is holistic and considers the full range of each applicant’s qualifications, experiences, and fit with the program.

Successful applicants typically choose placements aligned with their academic and professional goals, review past student reports, and study the legacy of Lee Iacocca. We also give preference to candidates who demonstrate some degree of financial need, have limited prior international experience, and have limited prior work experience.

Decisions are typically sent via email during the first two weeks of the spring semester. Notifications indicate whether you are accepted, rejected, or placed on a waitlist.

No. Late applications cannot be accepted due to the competitive nature of the program and to ensure equity among all candidates.

Feedback on individual applications is not provided. Students are encouraged to apply again in the future and to explore other summer opportunities through the Study Abroad Office and the Office of Creative Inquiry.

The program fully covers major internship costs, including airfare, housing, and meals.

Internships are unpaid. A modest stipend is provided after program requirements are completed to offset lost summer income.

Students are responsible for all fees related to obtaining a passport or visa. Students may also need to cover some meals and incidentals, as well as any personal travel while abroad.

Generally, once you accept the IIIP, you should withdraw all other internship or conflicting applications. The program is highly competitive, and deciding not to participate at the last minute negatively impacts the program and is not equitable to peers who could have benefited from the opportunity. You may withdraw from the program; however, a $1,000 fee will be charged if you withdraw after accepting your placement or end your participation prematurely for a non-emergency reason.

During the Spring semester, IIIP provides preparatory sessions covering health and safety abroad, career readiness, intercultural effectiveness, and leadership development. You will also learn more about the legacy of global leader and program benefactor Lee Iacocca.

Internships run 6 - 10 weeks, from late May through mid-August. Tentative dates are listed in the program descriptions. Exact dates are refined after acceptance and approximately two months prior to departure.

Some programs require group departures; details will be provided. Otherwise, you may choose to depart from Philadelphia, Newark, JFK, or your hometown. The program funds round-trip tickets; other arrangements are at your own expense.

Housing varies by country and is coordinated by IIIP. Students will be informed of their specific arrangements prior to departure.

Lehigh University is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, facilities, privileges, and housing are accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. While the University strives to support accessibility in all programs, including those abroad, host countries and institutions may not be subject to the ADA, and available accommodations may vary based on local laws and resources. Students seeking accommodations are responsible for timely disclosure of their needs and for working with Disability Support Services and IIIP staff to determine appropriate arrangements.

If accepted, you must apply for or renew your passport immediately. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date from the internship.

Students are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa and covering any associated costs. While the IIIP staff can provide some guidance to U.S. students, international students should research requirements early, consult OISS, and consult your country’s embassy or consulate. IIIP staff can provide supporting documentation as needed.

Travel outside your host country may be permitted depending on your specific internship program and location. Please contact IIIP staff for guidance before making any travel plans.

International SOS (ISOS) administers Lehigh University’s International Services and Insurance Program, providing 24/7 medical, security, and travel assistance to students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad on university-sponsored programs. Coverage includes medical and emergency support, security guidance and evacuation services, and travel assistance such as legal referrals, translation, and help with lost documents.

While we cannot guarantee the safety of Lehigh students in any location, we have numerous layers of support for our Lehigh students and staff to minimize risk. We continue to monitor conditions worldwide to assess if any adjustments are needed. Each IIIP location is reviewed by the Lehigh University International Travel Advisory Committee, which evaluates program plans alongside safety and security conditions. Programs must receive committee approval to operate. Students also receive thorough pre-departure health and safety preparation to help mitigate risk. You can learn more here: Risk Management.

As a reminder, we encourage all travelers to download the ISOS app and enroll all travel in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Lehigh partners with International SOS (ISOS) to provide 24/7 medical, security, and travel assistance to students abroad. ISOS continuously monitors global conditions and provides alerts, guidance, and emergency support when needed. In the event of an emergency, students should contact ISOS directly using the information provided before departure.

As a reminder, we encourage all travelers to download the ISOS app and enroll all travel in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).