Adu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Summer Intern + Study Abroad

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

6 weeks

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

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Overview

Your CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad program in Abu Dhabi lasts 6 weeks and features three key components: A part-time internship with an international organization (15-20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and a 3-credit academic 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 

Conduct market research and analysis

for real estate development projects

Develop social media content

for luxury travel and tourism brands

Assist in data analysis and reporting

for transport and logistics companies

Experience
  • study abroad in abu dhabi skyscrapers

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-ship-port

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 the United Arab Emirate’s 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. 
Safari

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 past excursions and activities:   

  • Experience a traditional Bedouin camp experience on a desert safari
  • Tour the newly built Abrahamic Family House that houses the worshipping houses for the three monotheistic religions
  • Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, standing at 2717 feet and 163 floors 

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.  

Housing
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 Intern + Study Abroad in Abu Dhabi students take the required 3-credit part-time internship with the embedded internship seminar plus one ASU online course for a total of 6-7 semester credits.   

Program Credit

Total Credit: 6-7 U.S. semester /9-10.5 quarter credits  

Course Credit

  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester credits/4.5 quarter credits: 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities and 100-120 hours at the internship placement   
  • ASU Online Courses: 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 offers a focused and immersive experience for students, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning opportunities to deepen understanding of both academic subjects and the local culture. 

The required internship seminar is a hybrid course, featuring both in-person sessions and online asynchronous activities.  

In addition to lectures, most CIEE courses often incorporate local co-curricular activities, providing students with firsthand exposure to the rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. These experiences not only enhance academic learning but also foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the local context. 

Attendance is considered mandatory for CIEE courses. This emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement in the learning process, encouraging students to fully commit to their academic pursuits. 

Class Format

Students participate in a six-week CIEE part-time in-person internship and required academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment, featuring both in-person class sessions and online asynchronous work. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 6-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

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. The embedded internship course will be assessed in assignments and activities, completion of 100-120 internship hours, and feedback from the internship supervisor.   

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.  

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

  • Internship includes a weekly seminar in English.

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

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.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

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 Summer 2026 6 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-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.

2

Start a Program Application

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

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.

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