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Hong Kong city lights and empty highways at night.

The Global Academic Ventures (GAV) Internship Program gives you a fantastic, hands-on experience in Hong Kong that will expand your career readiness through experiential learning abroad.

By interning overseas, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how international companies operate, which will enrich your academic journey. The wealth of knowledge, skills, and connections you'll acquire is invaluable.

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Location

Hong Kong

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Term

Summer

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Housing

Apartments

Program Highlights

Spend your summer in Hong Kong participating in an 8-week internship gaining professional experience in a company or nonprofit organization.

  • There are many options in different career fields including accounting, computer science, communications, event management, finance, government and public policy, hospitality and tourism, marketing, and more (see Academics tab below).

  • This is a rare opportunity for you to broaden your horizons, expand your network, and add an international flair to your résumé.

  • As a gateway to China and Asia, Hong Kong has grown to become one of the world's most significant financial hubs and commercial ports. Interns will enjoy high-end shopping, local markets, diverse international cuisine, and the gorgeous city landscape. Weekends can be spent cruising the iconic harbor or visiting globally known attractions like the Big Buddha or Hong Kong Disneyland.

Program Contact Information

Margaret Hosack

Education Abroad Advisor

Email: mhosack@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7982

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

  • Summer 2025 Internship Deadline: January 10, 2025

Program Dates

  • June 6 - August 2, 2025
  • *Summer Internships run annually from early June until early August
Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

  • an internal Kent State education abroad application,

  • and the internship provider application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a Kent State education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

4. Complete the Internship Provider Program Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the internship program. The provider will contact you via your KSU email to have you complete their application and other important forms and documents.  

Eligibility
  • Minimum cumulative GPA 3.00
  • Kent State degree-seeking Student
  • Open to all undergraduate levels (freshman to senior)
Academics

Academic Programs

GAV is able to provide unpaid internships in different career fields including:

  • Accounting
  • Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
  • Business & Data Analytics
  • Communications
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing
  • Event Management
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Finance
  • Graphic Design
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • NGOs & Non-Profits
  • Political Science & Public Policy
  • Public Relations
  • Supply Chain & Logistics

The GAV Placement Team will meet virtually with each student to discuss their background, academic interests, and career goals in order to identify the best internship placement for the student and host company/organization.

Internships are eight weeks long during the U.S. summer term. Students are expected to intern for a minimum of eight weeks, full time, during a company’s normal business hours.

Your program will include an orientation in Singapore.

Program Language of Instruction: English.

Program Schedule

Program Schedule

Day 1

  • Arrival into Hong Kong.
  • Group transfer to accommodation provided to students landing within the set arrival window, otherwise detailed arrival instructions will be communicated in advance.
  • Hotel check-in from 2:00pm.

Day 2

  • Breakfast food provided at accommodation for students.
  • Orientation activities commence in the afternoon, including a run through of the program schedule, distribution of transport and how to buy a transport pass, money exchange and contacting family back home.
  • Group to pick up their breakfast food drop – this will cover breakfast for the first 4 days, after which students are responsible for their own meals.
  • Group Welcome lunch in the afternoon.

Day 3

  • Breakfast food provided at accommodation for students.
  • Meet GAV staff in reception after breakfast for a walking tour where students will learn more about the history of Hong Kong.
  • Afternoon is free for students to find their internship locations and practice their transport routes.

Weeks 1 through 8:

  • Most internships will expect you to be in the office from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (some internship office hours may vary).
  • You will start your internship on a Monday. On your first day, you will meet your office teams to get set up with any security and computer passes as required.
  • A catch-up dinner session will take place during week 1, 3 and 5.
  • Weekend days are free for students to take part in optional activities, study or explore more of the city.
  • A farewell dinner will take place during the last week.

 

Departure from Hong Kong

Students will check out of their accommodation and transfer to Hong Kong airport for their departure flight. A group transfer will be provided for those that are leaving within the predetermined departure window.

Location & Transportation

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the perfect example of a place that combines and celebrates eastern and western cultures.

With a population of 7.5 million people, it is famous for its huge skyscrapers and landmarks, such as The Victoria Peak, sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, Star Ferry, Victoria Harbour, Avenue Stars, "The Big Buda", and many more. There is even a Disneyland in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong is home to many world’s leading commercial centers and powerhouses in Asia. Home to up-and-coming designers, renowned financial institutions and investment banks.

Students will have time during the weekends to explore the surrounding areas.

Transportation

You will arrive and depart from Hong Kong Airport (HKG). The program does not cover airfare.

Your program fee includes a group private transfer to and from Hong Kong Airport to your Hong Kong accommodation within a predetermined window of time.

Please note that students are responsible for covering the costs of their transportation to and from their internships each day (we recommend getting a public transport pass, more information will be provided during the on-site orientation). 

Housing & Meals

While working in their country of choice, interns will live in shared apartments with other program participants. Participation in the internship program also includes:

  • On-site orientation weekend with a group welcome dinner.
  • Breakfast on the first four mornings of the program.
  • City sightseeing trip (lunch not included).
  • 2-3 catch-up dinner sessions with GAV staff.
  • Farewell group dinner.

Students are responsible for all other meals. There are local shops and supermarkets where students can purchase groceries.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to: 

  • determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
  • and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

  • verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s), 
  • apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
  • and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

cost affordability icon

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

 

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