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abu dhabi skyline shoreline
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Semester Global Internship

Full-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your CIEE Semester Global Internship program in Abu Dhabi lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: A full-time internship with an international organization (approximately 30 hours per week), an internship seminar, and a course taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cultural and extracurricular activities while building career skills, expanding your professional network, and immersing yourself in Emirati culture. Live, learn, and work in Abu Dhabi! 

Unique Experiences

SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

AT A LEADING OIL AND GAS COMPANY IN ABU DHABI, FOCUSING ON REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT A STARTUP

DEDICATED TO THE CLIMATE TECH SECTOR AS WELL AS BASIC AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN DATA AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

ASSIST WITH SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES AT MASDAR CITY

AND LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SMART CITY TECHNOLOGIES 

Experience
  • abu dhabi architecture abroad

Your Destination

Abu Dhabi is the dynamic, forward-thinking capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its cutting-edge architecture, thriving business scene, and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the futuristic skyline of Al Maryah Island, the city blends tradition with innovation. With world-class museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, bustling souks, and breathtaking desert landscapes, Abu Dhabi offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you are majoring in business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, or fine arts, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.

abu dhabi shoreline abroad

Program Highlights

  • Internship Placements: CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations.
  • Elective Courses: Choose from online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Workshops: Enhance your resume and interview skills while immersing yourself in Spanish business culture through an internship and workshops that build practical skills, foster cultural competence, and expand your network.
  • Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Abu Dhabi. 
burj khalifa abroad excursion ciee

Excursions & Activities 

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Abu Dhabi will open doors for you to explore the United Arab Emirates’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.      

Samples of excursions and activities:  

  • Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world standing at 828 meters, 163 floors
  • Explore the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s rich collection of local and regional artifacts to gain insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East
  • Tour the newly built Abrahamic Family House, which houses places of worship for the three monotheistic religions, where the UAE promotes peace, dialogue, and cultural understanding

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Program Blogs

abu dhabi eat drink explore
From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ABU DHABI

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT A dish deeply rooted in Emirati tradition, Al Harees is a must-try while in Abu Dhabi. Made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt... keep reading

reasons abu dhabi study abroad
From CIEE

5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Seeking a distinctive abroad experience? Look no further than Abu Dhabi, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The capital of the United Arab Emirates promises an unparalleled... keep reading

Housing

Housing & Meals

Housing

CIEE Abu Dhabi ensures you're comfortable in your home away from home. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.

Standard Housing: Includes double occupancy housing with a convenient access to shopping, supermarkets restaurants, cafes, and public transportation.  

Meals

Meals are not included in this program. Students can eat out in many of the restaurants and cafés in the city. 

Transportation

Commute time from housing location to internship will vary depending on location of the internship provider.

meal abroad united arab emirates
Academics

Academics

CIEE Abu Dhabi: Study in Abu Dhabi, a global city where tradition and innovation thrive side by side. From futuristic skyscrapers to bustling souks and serene desert landscapes, experience the unique blend of heritage and progress that defines this Middle Eastern hub.  

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Abu Dhabi Global Semester Internship participants take the 9-credit full-time internship with the required embedded internship seminar, plus an optional ASU online course (ASU session A in spring, and ASU session B in fall) for a total of 9-13 semester credits.  

Program Credit

Total Credit: 9-13 U.S. semester/13.5-19.5 quarter credits  

Course Credit

  • CIEE Internship: 9 U.S. semester credits/13.5 quarter credits; 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities and a minimum of 360 internship placement hours.  
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The integrated academic course, which correlates with the internship, is taught in-person and asynchronously. Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organization.  

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

Students participate in a full-time in-person internship and required academic course featuring both in-person class sessions and online asynchronous work designed to help students develop professional and intercultural competencies to complement their internship experience.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. 

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of in-class and online engagement and preparation, and specific assessments such as project work, presentations, and examinations.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Abu Dhabi's work scene is dynamic, offering a wealth of internship opportunities in finance, energy, tourism, healthcare, and technology. Both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups provide hands-on experience in an innovative and rapidly evolving economy. Abu Dhabi's diverse professional environment reflects the city's strategic focus on innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

And intern and a manger reviewing warehouse inventory

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Program Spring 2026 12 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamera

Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah. Ph.D.

Regional Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East

Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi has a PhD from the College of Education of the University of Ghana.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

Explore Now

2

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Apply Now

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Email CIEE

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