ACADEMIC CREDIT

Students participating in PDAC internship placements will earn six internship credits as pass/no pass on a Chapman University transcript. Students should seek transfer credit approval from their home university prior to accepting a place on this program as home universities reserve the right to transfer credit into degree
programs.

Chapman University is an established university located in Orange, California, with a strong mission in developing global citizens. Chapman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of a PDAC Internship, students will:

• be able to reflect and assess the nature and characteristics of an international internship;
• be knowledgeable about the skills and observation offered and completed;
• be able to reflect upon the experiences from an academic perspective;
• be able to reflect upon the cultural experiences from a philosophical perspective;
• be able to reflect critically upon the internship experience from a personal experience;
• have gained insight into the organizational differences in a domestic, international, and global context.

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS

All students completing a PDAC Internship placement are required to submit four assignments in order to complete the program and be awarded credit. All documents will be submitted by email to the AustraLearn Academic Assessment Supervisor:

1. A 1,000-word Pre-Departure Paper regarding expectations for the internship.
2. A Work Plan determining student objectives and related observational tasks will be completed in conjunction with the on-site supervisor and must be submitted every two weeks.
3. Each student will maintain a Reflective Journal documenting personal experiences within the intern site to be submitted at the end of the internship.
4. A 2,000-word Student Analysis of the entire learning experience is submitted at the end of the internship.

In addition, a Mid-Term and Final Evaluation will be completed by the on-site supervisor. This report is meant to give an overall assessment and professional evaluation of the student intern based on the intern’s professional development. All PDAC interns must complete the academic assessment module, as there is no option to participate in the program without this component.

EXPECTATIONS OF INTERNSHIP SITES

Internship sites have been chosen to accept interns based on their willingness to devote the time, talent, and effort necessary to provide an optimal learning experience for the student intern. We believe these sites have sufficient supervisory staff capable of teaching and mentoring in a cooperative atmosphere. These sites, in conjunction with our own on-site staff, will provide an adequate orientation program for the student and will conduct regular evaluation and information sessions with the intern.

ON-SITE SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

The on-site supervisors at the workplace are asked to provide guidance and direction during the internship experience, to facilitate accomplishment of the student’s internship goals and objectives, and to submit required evaluation reports to the appropriate personnel at our office in Australia and New Zealand to be forwarded to Chapman University. In addition they will:

• Provide the student with meaningful learning experiences.
• Inform the student of all personnel policies and procedures.
• Monitor the student to protect and enhance the role of the organization and the student’s well being while affiliated with the organization.
• Schedule periodic conferences with the student to discuss learning objectives and observed tasks.
• Evaluate and review the student’s ability to learn through observation and submit results to the university supervisor located at the AustraLearn SPES Centre in Australia. Biweekly reports and final evaluation are required.
• Provide the student reasonable freedom to observe staff meetings, activities, projects, and programs.

AUSTRALEARN RESIDENT DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

AustraLearn’s role is to maintain the program quality, expectations, and relationships for all on-site parties. Through regular contact with the student and on-site advisor, the Resident Director will:

• Maintain the relationship between the intern and internship supervisor by acting as a liaison between the two for any social and professional issues that may arise. 
• Provide support for the student outside the workplace to assist with student transition.

AustraLearn’s Academic Assessment Supervisor will:

• Monitor student performance, application, and attitude.
• Oversee the assessment process to ensure all requirements are being met.

THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

The student must accept and adhere to the rules and regulations of all organizations involved in this internship, including AustraLearn, Chapman University, and the internship placement site. They must become an integral,
responsible, and loyal observer of the internship placement’s staff. The student will set mutually satisfactory, feasible goals and objectives with the internship supervisor and conduct him or herself professionally and personally at all times in contact with staff and clients. The student will complete the academic responsibilities, such as the reports and evaluations, according to the internship contract by the given deadlines. AustraLearn does not assign grades but only recommends grades to Chapman University. Chapman University will make a final assessment of the grade as pass/no pass.