Internships

It is compulsory for a student to have at least 24 ECTS with a maximum of 39 ECTS. A student is free to choose a company, institute or university.

No. It is the responsibility of the student to contact a possible placement. The internship coordinator will help you and can provide you with several options. There are also organisations that can help you find a placement: www.integrand.nl, www.wilweg.nl)

Contact the internship coordinator (Food Chemistry: Jenneke Heising). Ask yourself what you prefer (domestic, abroad, duration, company, university, subject). Also visit the homepages of companies and universities on the internet. 

It depends. If you have done an MSc thesis before you begin the internship, you have some more “experience” to offer and you have learned to work independently. On the other hand: if you get a great chance, then you should take such an opportunity, even if this internship is scheduled before you start your MSc thesis.

Usually 4 to 6 months. It depends on the internship placement. If you plan to go abroad, it is advised to start 6 months in advance, especially when you prefer to go to another continent or when visas are required. The visa procedures are often very time consuming (also see the last question). Internships within the Netherlands can usually be arranged quicker.

The best way is to contact people by email, although it is also possible to do so by snail mail or fax. In all cases you have to include a resume. If you have finished and passed the MSc thesis, please mention that in your resume. It is a positive element and it suggests some independent working attitude.

It is usually difficult to find grants. Sometimes there are options through EU programmes, such as Erasmus/Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, Food Atlantic. However, Wageningen University is not permanently involved in all programmes. Ask the internship coordinator.

A good website about grants is: www.wur.eu/grant-internship

Agreements about the following elements are necessary:

• starting- and ending date
• subject
• finishing written report (confidentiality?)
• allowance
• housing
• optional: allowance for travelling and housing

A mark is based on the written report and the internship evaluation form (to be filled up by your supervisor). 

• Travelling insurance: Wageningen University pays for it after a statement from the internship coordinator.
• Visa: This is often a time consuming procedure. Usually you need an invitation letter of the internship placement and a statement that you are registered as a university student and that the internship is a compulsory part of your study. Sometimes it is also asked for other statements, like a financial statement, a bill of good health or a certificate of good behaviour (Verklaring omtrent het gedrag).
• Health insurance: It is advisable to inform your health insurance company and to ask if all health related costs have worldwide coverage.
• OV-jaarkaart (only for Dutch students): It is possible to postpone the 'OV-jaarkaart' by filling out a standard form, available at the students registration office or through intranet.
• Before leaving: always inform your internship coordinator.