Internship Add-On

Toronto: A City with a Resume

Your resume will truly stand out to future employers after spending a semester (or year) studying in Minnesota followed by an internship in Toronto!

Canada’s economic capital, Toronto is a city with an impressive list of credentials — the largest city in Canada, the fastest growing financial center in the G7, and one of the most dynamic, yet livable, cities in North America. While offering robust opportunities for internships in English, Toronto sets itself apart from internships in the United States through its distinctively Canadian culture, politics, and charm.

With more than half its residents born outside of Canada, Toronto offers world-class arts, entertainment, and cuisine drawing from cultures near and far. From film festivals to museums to professional sports franchises, the city offers something for everyone.

The city’s excellent public transportation system makes navigating Toronto easy and convenient. Toronto’s wide-ranging industry sectors and multi-cultural setting create an ideal backdrop for a valuable internship program.

On-Site Support

We have partnered with The AIC because they bring over 30 years of experience to program management and placement operations in the United States and internationally. Their global team places students across every industry sector. All of their programs are customized and, in addition to the internship component, include:

• Cultural exploration activities 
• Professional development workshops
• Program management & safety
• Housing 
• Visa processing and other logistical support 

The AIC offers strong employer networks and an enthusiastic and well-trained staff in the cities where they operate.  

Eligibility

To qualify for the internship, you must be a visiting international student enrolled in a GO Minnesota program. All students must meet GO Minnesota's minimum eligibility requirements.

Visa Requirements

You will study in the U.S. on a F-1 student visa during the GO Minnesota portion of your program. For the internship, AIC will work with you to obtain the appropriate Canadian visa.

Industry Sectors and Sample Placements

Students interning in Toronto are placed with companies ranging from innovative start-ups to global organizations representing a spectrum of industry sectors:

• Business & Finance: Banking, Consulting, and Insurance
• Media: Publishing, Telecommunications, Television and Film Production
• Communications: Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, and Event Management
• Politics & Law: Legal Departments, Law Firms, Local Government, Think Tanks, and Non-Governmental Organizations
• Culture & Education: Art Galleries, Museums, Performance Companies, and Entertainment Venues
• Research: University Departments, Medical Research, and Engineering

See this list of sample placements for more details about the types of work you can look forward to!

Summer 2020 Internship

Add-on to GO Minnesota Spring Semester

Application deadline: October 15, 2019

Fall 2020 Internship

Add-on to GO Minnesota Summer Session

Application deadline: April 1, 2020

Spring 2021 Internship

Add-on to GO Minnesota Fall Semester

Application deadline: 

Costs

Program Fee: $2,850 USD

• Internship placement
• On-site orientation
• Canadian visa
• Travel, health, and emergency insurance
• 24-hour support
• Cross-cultural activities
• Professional development support

Additional expenses:

• Airfare
• Housing ($400 USD/week paid directly to AIC)
• Personal expenses
• Financial obligation

The Internship Program Fee will be included with your GO Minnesota Program Fee and billed during the term that you are completing your coursework on campus.

Cancellation

Students who cancel their internship program participation within 90 days of the start date of the internship program may be charged an additional $500 cancellation fee to cover internship placement expenses incurred by AIC on behalf of the student. Students who cancel within 30 days of the internship program start date (or when placement is accepted) will incur an additional $500 housing cancellation fee. There will be no refund for cancellation after the internship start date.

The AIC provides you with guaranteed housing in the residence halls of a Toronto university. Housing is in the center of the city and very close to subway and other public transport.

The residence halls are comprised of fully furnished 4 or 5 bedroom shared apartments. You will have a lockable private bedroom with desk. Each apartment has a shared kitchen, living room, and free Wi-Fi. The buildings offer secured entry, a front desk, multiple laundry facilities, and a fitness center plus a very nice courtyard with picnic tables and grills.

Application

The first step in applying for an internship is to complete your GO Minnesota application, submit a cover letter stating why you would like to participate in the internship program, and submit a copy of your resume/CV. Once you have been admitted to the GO Minnesota program, we will forward your application materials to our partners at AIC. Staff at AIC will serve as your key points of contact before, during, and after your internship.

Internship Placement Process

The AIC will place you in an internship that corresponds to your course of study, to ensure the quality and academic relevance of the placement.

• To determine the appropriate opportunity, you will receive an individual assessment meeting with a member of the AIC team to clarify your skills, interests, and professional goals.
• AIC then draws upon their extensive employer network to find the right match. 
• Your placement is usually finalized 15–45 days prior to internship start.
• The AIC program director based in Toronto will serve as the main point of contact for both you and your employer before, during, and at the conclusion of the internship.
• AIC will conduct your pre-departure orientation and on-site orientation to the city, housing, and internship/work culture.
• AIC will provide coaching and troubleshooting, as needed, during the internship.