Program Spotlight: Preview of Student Internship Program in Singapore 2025

Summer is without a doubt the busiest time of year for GCC — especially in the Northern Hemisphere. There are a number of short and long term internship programs that the team coordinates within the U.S., Canada and around the world. The 2025 season is jam-packed with programs taking place in Singapore, New York City, Toronto, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and even Australia. University partners include Drexel University, UC Berkeley, Boston University, and the University of Toledo to name a few. Each program will be different based on location and delivery. To give you a sneak peek into how our programs work, GCC's Director of Singapore and SE Asia programs, Valerie Lim, shares her process for the Singapore internship program (this year in collaboration with Drexel University, Lehigh University, and UC Berkeley):

"I handle the entire process together with two other colleagues who assist with sourcing potential employers and arranging interviews for our students. I truly enjoy the process of getting to know each student individually through the pre-placement meetings. As the first point of contact for them in this program, I make sure they know they will be well taken care of, and that they can enjoy themselves while learning during their time in Singapore.

In recent years, we’ve also started to include Dragon boating in our event calendar, as the internship period coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to bond, learn, and experience local culture that might not be celebrated back home. We also encourage them to try local fruits (Durian, anyone?) that they might not typically find depending on the season, which adds to their authentic experience of Singapore.

Here’s an outline of the three key phases involved in planning a successful program for our students:

Phase 1: Pre-Arrival in Singapore

Before the students arrive, we engage with past employers to evaluate whether they are suitable hosts for our students. This includes gathering feedback on whether previous interns enjoyed their experience and acquired valuable skills. We also reach out to potential employers across various industries to gauge their interest in hiring our students. During these discussions, we provide an overview of the program, including the support we offer with visa arrangements, accommodation, and more.

Phase 2: Student Confirmation and Pre-Placement

Once the students confirm their participation in the program, we schedule pre-placement meetings to better understand their professional and personal interests. This allows us to tailor the internship experience to suit their preferences. Using this information, we begin identifying potential employers that align with the students' skills and interests. After that, we arrange interviews where both parties can learn more about each other, review potential job descriptions, and assess whether the opportunity is a good fit for both the company and the student. If both parties agree, the internship is confirmed.

Phase 3: Arrival in Singapore

When the students arrive in Singapore, we guide them through the carefully planned activities we have organized. These include visits to popular local attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore (USS), Gardens by the Bay, and other iconic landmarks. Additionally, we offer cultural experiences, taking them on tours of local hotspots to help them fully immerse themselves in the vibrant life of Singapore.

Through this process, we ensure that the students are not only set up for a successful internship experience but also have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Singapore's rich culture. It’s always a rewarding experience for all involved."

GCC wishes all students a fulfilling and memorable experience this summer. Stay tuned for future blog posts featuring more program recaps and student spotlights. For more information, connect with the GCC team at info@globalcareercenter.org.