Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training (OPIT)
Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training (OPIT) supports students and professionals through overseas internships, intercultural coursework, and language study to build professional and communication skills.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates: February 15, 2027 (Summer 2027 application)
Funding Amounts: Self-funded; Summer 2027 program cost is $6,900, with financial aid available
Summary: OPIT combines an overseas internship with intercultural training and language study.
Key Information: Applicants must be at least 18 by the application deadline and have a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Description
American Councils for International Education runs Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training (OPIT) to help participants build professional experience and intercultural communication skills through eight-week, English-language internships. Its Summer 2027 program is based in Taipei, Taiwan, in partnership with the Chinese Language Center at Shih Chien University.
Participants undertake unpaid internships in fields including business, engineering, education, human rights, journalism, public health, and social services. The program pairs internship experience with intercultural coursework and Chinese language classes; prior Chinese study is not required. In-country American Councils staff support participants and work with hosts to provide meaningful projects.
