FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE ABI PROGRAM?
ARTBOUND INITIATIVE (ABI) is the only internship program specializing in the creative fields. More than just an internship program, ABI seeks to:
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Connect students and recent graduates with creative companies
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Coordinate all logistics (visa, housing, insurance, and more)
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Provide access to an international network of alumni
Our goal is to help participants experience the city from an insider's perspective. We provide participants with city guides, organized events based on their interests (artist studio visits, curated gallery tours, theater shows) to help them make the most of their internship experience.
We recognize the importance of building early a professional network in the career and the personal path of participants. That is why ABI is dedicated to assisting the emerging creative professionals in making the right connections.
ARE START DATES AND DURATIONS FLEXIBLE?
The duration of the internships ranges from 2-6 months and start dates are flexible. For local programs, applications are due 3 months prior to your intended start date. For international programs, applications are due 6 months prior to your intended start date.
WILL I HAVE A GUARANTEED INTERNSHIP OFFER?
Yes! ABI will guarantee an internship offer within your destinations and fields of interest. Both destinations and fields of interest will be defined and confirmed during your application interview. If you decide not to move forward with the internship offer provided by our program, we will be in no obligation to guarantee an alternative offer.
WHO CAN APPLY?
FIELD OF STUDIES:
You can join the program if you major/majored in the fields listed here. Not seeing what you studied? Please send us an email at advisor@artboundinitiative.com to confirm your eligibility.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Each of our destinations have different visa requirements. You can find a list of who’s eligible below:
New York, Chicago & Los Angeles:
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Undergraduate or Graduate students
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Recent graduates (less than 12 months)
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US Citizens
Berlin:
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Undergraduate or Graduate students
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Recent graduates who are under 30 (ONLY FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS FROM: The E.U., UK, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korean, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay)
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Most citizenships will not require to have a visa for internships of 3 months or less. Your need for a visa will depend on your citizenship and on your internship length.
If you do not require a special visa to enter Germany and you intern for 3 months or less, there will be no visa needed.
Otherwise, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa and a work authorization to intern in Germany for 3 months. If your internship is longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a residency permit or a working holiday visa (based on your citizenship).
Melbourne & Sydney:
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Undergraduate or Graduate students
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Recent graduates
CAN I EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR MY INTERNSHIP?
Several colleges and universities offer academic credit for internships. ABI will help you liaise with your university and employer to secure academic credit for your internship.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE OFFERED TO ARTBOUND INITIATIVE ALUMNI?
As alumni begin to launch their career, ABI will continue to curate strategic connections to ensure a strong network as well as support you throughout the launch of your career. You will also be invited to all our in-city events and have access to our members portal so you can meet new participants and other industry professionals.
Our members portal includes:
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A directory of our international network of ABI alumni
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Job Resources
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Graduate School Information
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A detailed resource directory for each industry
WILL MY INTERNSHIP BE PAID?
ABI cannot guarantee a paid internship as the majority of short term internships are not paid positions. Some of our participants have received stipends and salaries, however all compensation given is at the discretion of the company you will be placed with. There are a number of scholarships available to individuals undertaking internships in the creative industry, offered through your university, private foundations, or from public funds. Many colleges and universities offer academic credit for internships. You can read more about our scholarships here .
WHAT DO I GET WHEN
I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
A non-credit certificate in Career Development Essentials from ArtBound Initiative.
APPLICATION PROCESS
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
First you will complete the online application form, provide a resume/CV, a portfolio (if applicable), two references (whom we may contact), and answer a few short essay questions. Applicants will also have a Zoom interview.
ARE THERE APPLICATION DEADLINES? WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
We offer internships year-round and have a rolling admissions process. For local programs, applicants should apply no later than 3 months prior to their internship start date. For international programs, applicants should apply no later than 6 months prior to their internship start date.
ARE THERE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS?
All participants are required both oral and written English proficiency. For placement in Berlin, knowledge of German is not required, but proficiency in the languages expands the range of opportunities.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
IF I NEED A VISA, WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THE PROCESS?
YES. We work with visa partners in each location we offer to handle the entire visa process. If you need an internship visa, it will be an additional cost from the program fee as internship visa fees will depend on the length of your internship and student status. See the visa section here.
WILL YOU PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION?
For participants travelling internationally, you will be given a full in-city orientation within the first few days of your arrival.
WHERE WILL I STAY?
Accommodations are optional and customized, based on the needs and requests of the participants. You may choose between the following options:
- Stay in a private room in a shared apartment with New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Berlin, Melbourne and Sydney local residents and/or other international students;
- Stay in a private apartment if you need your own space. Studios, 1 or 2 bedrooms are available depending on your preferences and budget.
The accommodations are well located, whether private or shared, with access to public transportation, supermarkets and shopping opportunities. Accommodation is a separate cost from the program fee. However, finding your accommodation and coordinating on your behalf with the landlords is part of our program fee. Contact us for more information about your housing options.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Every major urban area requires taking safety precautions. We will provide a safety do’s and don'ts list prior to your arrival. In addition, it is recommended that participants travel in groups and use common sense when moving around the city.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HOW MUCH IS THE PROGRAM FEE?
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM FEE COVER?
IS THE HOUSING COST INCLUDED?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM?
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET?
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Our local program fee is $2250 USD and our international program fee is $3250 for internships up to 3 months.
For international program, visa costs, health and travel insurance and accommodation are a separate cost from our program fee because they are based off student status and location.
Check out what is included in the program here.
The housing cost is a separate cost from the program fee and is indicated for each destinations. All programs are customized around the individual's preferences, budget and schedule, so housing will be based on the type of accommodations selected.
Air fare, food, transportation, and entertainment expenses are not included.
A typical budget is:
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Program fee (includes internship placement, coaching, travel support, networking events, on-site support and more)
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Visa fees and Insurance
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Housing (with or without ABI)
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Living expenses: depending on your lifestyle and preferences, food, entertainment and local transport can add another $600 to $1800 per month
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Airfare
We offer two kinds of scholarships: The Ambassador Scholarship and the Full Scholarship for Creative Diversity. Click here to find out more info.
In addition, check with the Career Office of your university or school, the Education Bureau, Regional Councils etc. Do not hesitate to ask if you have a limited budget. There are many scholarships available.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS?
You have a choice of payment options as follow:
PAY IN FULL:
Pay the Full Program Fee once accepted into the program.
PAY IN 30:
> 25% deposit
> Remaining balance after 30 days
PAY IN INSTALLMENTS:
> 25% deposit
> 3 separate installments*
*Incurs additional service fee of 5.8%.
WHY GET AN INTERNSHIP THROUGH ABI?
Moving abroad can be a daunting experience. ABI works to make your travel abroad seamless so you can make the most of your time overseas. Our team handles all travel, housing, and orientation logistics. Our services include pre-departure assistance, visa processing, accommodation, internship placement, on-site support, art-scene orientation, and customized events.
With years of experience and many contacts in each of the intern program locations, we can find you an internship that fits your career goals, at a great company, in the specialization of your choice. ABI offers practical and academically relevant internships that will allow you to easily find desirable positions at home and abroad upon completion of your internship.
ABI internships provide more than just work experience, they are complete immersion in the local creative scene. ABI is uniquely positioned to provide access into several creative industries that are notoriously insular and difficult to access.
With an ABI international internship experience, you will learn essential skills, gain deeper and more meaningful exposure to your chosen field, and build your network of professional and personal contacts faster than with a traditional internship.
VISA (IF APPLICABLE)
NEW YORK, CHICAGO & LOS ANGELES
DO I NEED A VISA TO INTERN?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need to have an internship visa to work in the U.S., even if internships are unpaid. Internship visa in the US is called J-1.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INTERNSHIP VISA?
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At least 18 years old
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Relevant work experience and/or post-secondary degree from abroad
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English language proficiency
DOES ABI HELP ME WITH THE VISA PROCESS?
Yes, ABI works with a visa sponsor partner, CENET. As a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsor, CENET is responsible for administering exchange programs in compliance with the U.S. Department of State's public diplomacy goals and visa requirements.
DO I NEED TO PAY EXTRA MONEY FOR THE VISA FEES?
If you need an internship visa, it will be a separate cost from the program fee. Your J-1 internship visa fees will depend on the length of your internship and your student status. You can read more about visa costs on our New York , Chicago, or Los Angeles or page.
HOW LONG IS THE VISA PROCESS?
We suggest that you start the visa process at least 16 weeks before the internship start date. In some cases, we can expedite the process. Contact us for more information.
BERLIN
DO I NEED A VISA TO INTERN?
It will depend on your citizenship and on your internship length. If you do not require a special visa to enter Germany and you intern for 3 months or less, there will be no visa needed.
Otherwise, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa and a work authorization to intern in Germany for 3 months.
If your internship is longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a residency permit or a working holiday visa (based on your citizenship).
WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A SCHENGEN VISA AND A WORK AUTHORIZATION?
If your citizenship requires you to apply to a Schengen Visa in order to enter in Germany, ABI will need to provide a work authorization for your visa to be approved. Those are the following requirements to be eligible for a work authorization:
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Must be enrolled in a closely related field of study (bachelor, master, or equivalent degree program) outside Germany throughout the duration of the internship
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Must have completed at least 4 semesters of study towards their current degree program by the start of the internship
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Must be between the ages of 18-30
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English language proficiency
WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
ONLY FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS FROM: Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, Israel and Taiwan.
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Under 30 years old
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Currently enrolled student or recent graduate
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English language proficiency
DOES ABI HELP ME WITH THE VISA PROCESS?
Yes, ABI works with Cultural Vistas as our visa sponsor partner. As an international exchange organization that is officially recognized by the German Employment Authority, Cultural Vistas is able to issue the work authorization directly to students completing internships in Berlin.
DO I NEED TO PAY EXTRA MONEY FOR THE VISA FEES?
If you need a Schengen Visa and work authorization OR a working holiday visa, it will be a separate cost from the program fee. Internship visas costs for Berlin can be found on our Berlin page.
HOW LONG IS THE VISA PROCESS?
We recommend starting the visa process about 16 weeks before the internship start date. We will need 8 weeks minimum to issue the work authorization.