Welcome to the RIT Global Experience landing page, developed in partnership with Global Career Center (GCC)!
GCC’s Internship Placement and Employability Services program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain meaningful, real-world work experience aligned with their field of study through a RIT-approved partner organization.
On this page, you’ll explore internship opportunities in Canada and select locations around the world, learn about program timelines and the application process, and complete a form to share your interests and begin exploring the possibilities.
Program Locations and Study Fields
The primary locations available to ALL Rochester Institute of Technology students are;
Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver
Fields of Study in Canada Include but are not limited to:
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Business & Finance: International Business, Accounting, Finance
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Communications & Media: Marketing, Advertising, Digital Media, Journalism
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Technology: Computer Science, Hardware, Software, Data Analytics, AI, IoT
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Engineering: IT, IS, Civil, Industrial, Chemical, Environmental, Biomedical, Electrical, Mechatronics
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Life Sciences: Research, Biotechnology, Healthcare
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Humanities & Public Affairs: NGOs, NPOs, Think Tanks, Political Science, Economics
Each Canadian city has a distinct vibe. While each city can host most of the above listed disciplines each has a few industries that are either really strong or really unique (or both)!
Montreal: a vibrant, bilingual metropolis where European charm meets North American energy. English and French blend seamlessly but your internships will be 100% in English. Neighborhoods like Old Montreal feature 17th-century cobblestone streets, historic stone architecture, and outdoor cafes that make you feel like you've stepped into Paris or absolute classic Europe. There is an undeniable Joie de Vivre, "joy of living", attitude. Life moves a bit slower here than in frantic tech hubs like Toronto or New York.
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AI, Video Games (highly competitive), Life Sciences and Health Tech, Clean Tech, and Computer Science/IT
Toronto: is the economic engine of Canada, globally recognized as a premier financial superpower, tech behemoth, and corporate command center. Unlike Vancouver's laid-back chill or Montreal's romantic slowness, Toronto runs on ambition. It is a "work hard, play hard" city. It is Canada's cultural mosaic—a sprawling, ambitious metropolis where over half the population was born outside of the country, creating a vibrant collision of global cultures, neighborhoods, and cuisines.
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Financial Services, Technology, FinTech, Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive, Healthcare, Film/TV/Media
Vancouver: is globally recognized as a premier economic gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, famous for its "Silicon Valley North" tech boom, massive digital entertainment sector, and powerhouse natural resource industries. Nature isn't just a backdrop in Vancouver; it dictates daily life. The local culture is deeply active and wellness-oriented. The city has a distinct, relaxed West Coast energy. It moves at a slower, more deliberate pace than frenetic Eastern cities, with a heavy emphasis on work-life balance and environmental mindfulness.
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Film/TV/Special Effects, Digital Entertainment, Green Economy and Natural Resources, International Trade and Logistics
Additional locations pre-approved by the RIT Global Experience Team include;
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Berlin, Lisbon, Mumbai and Bangalore, Prague, and Singapore
How the Internship Placement Process Works
The Global Career Center (GCC) places students with host organizations across a wide range of industries through a personalized placement process. Each internship search is tailored to your academic background, skills, career goals, and areas of interest.
Rather than matching students with pre-existing internship openings, GCC develops placement opportunities based on each student’s individual profile. This means your placement journey is personalized to you, rather than limited to a predetermined list of employers or positions.
All programs take place onsite in the city of your choice, with hybrid options available depending on the host organization and university requirements.
Getting Started
You will apply directly through Global Career Center (GCC) using the link below and schedule an initial placement meeting. This INFORMAL meeting will help you learn more about the process and decide whether you would like to move forward.
If you choose to participate, you are responsible for notifying the RIT team of your plans. You will then work directly with GCC through the following steps.
Your Placement Journey
1. Get to Know GCC
Complete an online questionnaire and schedule a pre-placement meeting with the GCC Director for your selected city. This is an opportunity to discuss your academic background, career goals, skills, and internship preferences. You will also confirm your placement priorities, submit an updated resume or CV, and review any required visa documentation. GCC will guide you through each step.
2. Explore Your Placement Match
Based on your background and interests, GCC will reach out to potential host organizations to identify opportunities aligned with your goals. When an organization expresses interest, you will have the opportunity to interview. GCC will support you with interview preparation, feedback, and guidance as you evaluate potential placements.
3. Confirm Your Internship and Prepare for Departure
Once your internship is confirmed, GCC will guide you through the remaining preparation steps. These may include completing confirmation paperwork, reviewing pre-arrival materials, attending office hours or an internship preparation workshop, and submitting any outstanding visa documentation. You will receive guidance and resources to help you prepare for your experience abroad.
Support Throughout Your Internship
GCC's support continues after your placement is confirmed. During your internship, you will have access to ongoing guidance and resources, including office hours, professional development workshops, and social and cultural events to help you make the most of your experience.
Internship Program Costs
Program Fee
The program fee includes all GCC placement services pre, during, and post internship; online and onsite orientation, professional development workshops; social/cultural events; health/safety/security support, Visa support (if needed); housing or housing recommendations; and onsite assistance when needed.
The program fee does not include transportation to and from the city, transportation in the city, meals (except Mumbai), and personal expenses.
Canada
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Program Fee plus visa = $2,475 USD
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Housing = $500-$600 USD per week based on location
Example: A 10-week Summer Internship in Montreal would cost $7,975 (2475 program fee + 5500 housing)
Rest of World
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Program Fee = $1,500 - $1,950 USD based on location
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Visa Fee = $0 - $500 USD based on location *unlike Canada, students must pay this fee themselves
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Housing = $450-$600 USD per week based on location
Example: A 14 week Spring Term Internship in Lisbon would cost $9,165 (1675 program fee + 7490 housing)
Program Deposit and Refund
A $500 deposit is required if a student moves forward after the pre-placement meeting and that fee will count towards the total cost of the program. If a student withdraws from the GCC placement process more than one week (7 calendar days) after the pre-placement meeting, they will be refunded $250 USD from the initial program deposit. If a student withdraws after acceptance or after the internship has started, no refund is available. Housing is not included in the program fee; however, GCC offers housing in the primary locations listed in this document and can provide a pricing schedule as needed. Housing as a separate deposit fee based on the cost at the time of the internship.
Interested student should plan to budget for unpaid placements. Likelihood of compensation varies with local governments, industry norms, company policy and student experience.
Internship Program Dates
Internship or co-op can take place during any semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Semester long interests are 14-weeks long. Summer internships are 10-12-weeks long (although could be as short as 8 weeks with faculty approval). Students may participate in a Double Block meaning they could complete back to back semester internships (ex. Spring and Summer semester combined).
Application Deadlines follow:
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FALL: May 1 deadline, internship will start August/September
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Spring: September 1 deadline, internship will start in January/February
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Summer: February 1 deadline, internship will start in May/June
Resources and Application
Student To Do List
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Contact RIT International Experience and let them know your interest.
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Contact your academic advisor to insure a co-op or internships fits in your academic schedule AND to learn if there is any specific criteria that the internship must meet (ex. number of hours per week)
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If applicable, meet with financial aid to understand if there are any financial resources available to you.
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Please note: GCC cannot answer questions about your university's process.
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Schedule a preplacement meeting with Global Career Center. Have informatoin from #2 above prior to scheduling a meeting.
Global Career Center
Christopher McKenzie
RIT International Experience