Travel Again this Summer with the South Asia Center Research Internships!
The South Asia Center (SAC) is pleased to announce new research internship placements in South Asia for Summer 2025. Students will be able to work on a project of their own design with the aid of a local mentor in South Asia, or can choose to volunteer with an organization devoted to work in a particular field (see sample topics below).
Most opportunities include a host institution and/or research mentor who will offer guidance to students, assist with accommodation, and offer valuable connections and insight. You must be enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania to apply for a research internship opportunity. Placements are available to students at all levels. Funding is currently limited to students who will NOT graduate in May or August of 2025.
Research Internship Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE: CLOSED
For questions, contact Sharifa Halimi at shalimi@sas.upenn.edu
Funding Opportunities
Funding is available for students! The South Asia Center can provide funding, although we are not able to fully fund trips. Please check below for 3 ways to receive additional funding:
- South Asia Studies Department Summer Research Grant: TBA. Learn more here.
- Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CURF). Due dates is tentatively March 15, 2025. Support available for a wide range of projects. Learn more here.
- Center for the Advanced Study of India (CASI) Summer Research Grants: TBD. Learn more here.
Visa Information:
Students are encouraged to determine their visa eligibility before submitting an application for their desired placement. Depending on citizenship and destination country, students may need a visa or work permit to participate in this internship. It is the student’s responsibility as a GRIP participant to determine their visa requirements and obtain a visa if needed.
Students may also access visa information and support through CIBT Visa.
After being accepted to the SAC Research Internship Program, someone from the center will be able to guide you through the funding process.
What to Expect After Application Submission
The South Asia Center will review all complete applications for quality and eligibility and will share application materials with employers abroad within one week of each application deadline.
- Interviews for internship placements will take place any time in February or March. You will be scheduled for an interview via email, so please regularly check.
- SAC admission decisions will be announced to applicants in APRIL 2025.
- Accepted applicants need to commit to, or decline, the offer by one week after decision has been made through SAC.
Helpful Tips on Preparing Your Application
Reach out to Penn Career Services as you prepare your resume and cover letter/personal statement. Take advantage of the Career Services' service as soon as you are ready with a draft of your resume and personal statement. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with Career Services sooner rather than later.
We also recommend taking a peek at our SAC Blog, where previous students have submitted their reflections from previous years.
*Funding is limited and will not fully cover your placement. Please look into other funding sources as you navigate through your options for the summer.
*Dates are flexible and depend on the site you choose for placement. Students must complete a minimum of 8 weeks for their internships.