Requirements & Selection

RequirementsTo apply for an ISPO internship in the UK you must hold a valid EU, EEA or Swiss passport. Applicants should be currently enrolled within an educational establishment (university/college) or have achieved postgraduate status.

Students participating in an ISPO internship should have an excellent level of spoken and written English, as you will often be expected to act as an intermediary between the host company and the student’s native country.

The host companies who take part in ISPO will not pay a salary, hence we advise that all students applying to ISPO should enquire about further funding through the Leonardo programme or their Universities. (To support placements abroad). (Consult your internship coordinator for information about Leonarda Da vinci and Erasmus grants).  Please note that without funding you will not be able to take part in an unpaid internship regardless of personal financial circumstances, due to current UK legislation.

The host company will pay accommodation costs for the duration of your placement (subjected to a maximum of £350 per month). Basic accommodation costs usually covers rent and utility bills. Services such as telephone and Internet are the student's own responsibility. When a student chooses to be accompanied by a third party the host company will make a contribution towards accommodation expenses to a maximum of £275.

It is the ISPO student's own responsibility to make travel arrangements and to cover the cost of travelling to and from the UK.

Applicants will ideally be available for a minimum of 5 to 6 months. ISPO does consider applications for shorter term placements, however most host companies and accommodation providers are looking for at least 5 to 6 months commitment.

Students must be aged 18 years or over when the application is made.