Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internship paid?
The host organisation is not obliged to pay the student while completing an internship. However, a student may be reimbursed to cover such costs as travel, parking and other incidentals.
Am I insured during the internship?
Deakin University provides a comprehensive personal accident insurance policy for students undertaking an internship.
Can I do an internship overseas?
Internships can be completed overseas, providing an appropriate host organisation can be secured at least three months prior to anticipated departure. Students are encouraged to expand their horizens overseas if possible, as an international internship will provide an edge over peers.
Can I do an internship with my current employer?
The overall aim of an internship is to acquire new skills and to further build upon current skills. Students are able to complete an internship with their current employer if they are able to negotiate a more substantive role.
When can I do an internship?
Undergraduate students typically undertake an internship during their third year of study, and for postgraduate students, towards the latter stages of their degree. This ensures a more mature outlook and that theoretical knowledge is at a level where it can be applied effectively in a practical sense.
Can I do an internship over the summer?
Some internship units are offered in Trimester 3 - please check the online handbook for specific details.
When can I enrol in an internship unit on StudentConnect?
Formal enrolment cannot occur until an appropriate internship has been secured and the application process completed. When enrolling in future trimesters, students are asked to leave a space for the relevant internship unit, which will be added at a later date. Those students for whom the internship unit is their final unit of enrolment are asked to enrol in an alternative unit which will be changed prior to enrolment deadlines.
How many hours must I complete for an internship?
There are different timeframes involved, depending on the discipline chosen. For up-to-date information, please check the online handbook entry for the relevant unit. The practical hours may be completed in one block, or separated into allocated days over a longer period at the discretion of the parties concerned.
Is the internship assessed?
Each internship involves formal assessment, ranging from pre-departure and project reports, daily journals, interviews, folios and oral presentations. The host organisation will also provide a brief evaluation of the internship experience.
