World Citizenship Program :...News....Staff....Interns....Applications....FAQ....Contact

Questions:

Answers:

What are the restrictions as to who can apply to the World Citizenship Program?

You must be a registered graduate or professional student at UF, UCF, USF, FIU or FAMU. The Program is not open to undergraduate students. In addition, you must be a registered student for the entire duration of your internship overseas.Some students have, therefore, opted to postpone their graduation in order to be registered for their internship.

Must I register for academic credit with the Program?

Yes, registration of three credit units for the Program is mandatory. You will be registered into the special WCP internship course number (a course from outside of your department) by the WCP Program Coordinator. The intern will be personally responsible for payment of the "Program Fee" for this internship course, which is roughly equivalent to 3 in-stategraduate credits. Unfortunately, state-funded assistantships and/or fellowships will not cover the cost of these three credits.

How long is the internship duration and must I spend the whole time abroad?

The required time of 3 months (12 weeks) spent overseas depends, to some extent, on the flexibility of the partner organization and the requirements of that organization's in-country office. However, because the Program was established to provide international experience, a full 3 months overseas is expected, with a few days leeway to allow for personal considerations.

What help in preparations for my internship can I expect from the Program?

The Program provides a full-day mandatory pre-departure Orientation course that covers topics such as Health and Safety, and Cultural Issues. The partner organizations of the Program will take all reasonable measures to help you get settled in to your internship. The Program ensures that all of its interns have been in communication, via e-mail and some direct phone calls, with the in-country offices well before their departure.

What will my accommodations be like once I arrive in the county of my internship?

This depends on prior arrangements (see answer above). Interns may be required to initially stay in a hotel but will likely move to more personal, less expensive accommodations as soon as these have been arranged. In some cases, students may have the option to stay with a local family and pay rent.

What about health or safety problems that I might encounter overseas?

Such topics are covered in some detail in the Program's full-day mandatory pre-departure orientation course. As part of the health precautions, you are required to purchase health insurance for your trip (although, if you are an international student at UF you should already be covered by an international travel insurance policy). The standard coverage is usually Medex (medical evacuation) You are also assisted by the Program to obtain all necessary inoculations through the student clinic at your University or will be reimbursed for said inoculation costs. In addition, the book David Werner's 1992 book Where There is No Doctor is a useful basic guide for first aid and medical problem solving in the field.

Regarding general safety precautions in-country, all of the Programs' partner organizations have established procedures, should evacuation for medical or other reasons be necessary. The partner organization of your internship will also help you to identify where the in-country office of the nearest US consulate or embassy is located, in case of emergency.

Exactly what do I need to do to obtain my visa, if I am successful in getting an internship?

You will be assisted in obtaining your visa by the Program but here are the essential steps:

The required documents will probably include:

What is the stipend paid by the Program?

For the purposes of the World Citizenship Program, the "stipend" (presented as a check just prior to departure) is regarded as a "scholarship/fellowship" award. This money is primarily to cover food and accommodation needs over the three months s/he spends overseas. While it is not, therefore, a "wages" payment, it is considered "income" for tax purposes and is potentially subject to income tax (see next question below).

What taxes might I have to pay on the stipend that the Program provides?

This affects US and foreign students differently. The stipend amount is $2,000 with an additional 'to be determined' amount for accomodations (calculated by the cost of living in the country of internship). Legally, the University of Florida is obligated to withhold taxes at source from its foreign students, but not from its US students. This means that the check presented to foreign students will less taxes and that these students must later reclaim the balance of those taxes when they sub,it a special form (1099 form) along with their taxes in April of the following year.

The withholding of taxes by UF for foreign students is explained briefly in the World Citizenship Program Memorandum of Understanding that each intern signs (copies available upon request) and at some length at http://admin.ufl.edu/ddd/default.asp?doc=4.6.489.13.

US students would address any taxes owed on their stipends when they file their annual tax returns. The WCP stipend should be reported as gross income. Any liability will depend on whether the level of their cumulative income requires them to pay taxes.

How should I handle funds while overseas?

You can do this in several ways. It is a good idea to talk to your US bank prior to departure as you may be able to set up a specific account (or simply use your existing account) to draw out cash on a credit card when needed. You may also wish to take out a portion of your stipend as cash, and some or all of it as traveler's checks. The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues its members with travelers checks at no charge, so you may wish to join AAA for that reason alone. The in-country office of your internship should also be able to store any funds you take with you in a safe until you need portions of it. In addition, depending on the country, you should also be able to open a local bank deposit account for direct management of funds.