Internships and Professional Learning

The Office of Internships and Professional Learning consists of two programs: Internship and Service-Learning.  These programs provide an opportunity for students to pursue experiential and active learning activities away from campus. They may also earn ECCE Engagement credits and fulfill degree program requirements.

  • Internships enable students to obtain real-world experience in their area of study. Students earn credit by completing a course concurrently with a field experience: either an internship (IPL 300) or a project (IPL 301).
  • Service-Learning courses allow students to engage with the community and develop an understanding of civic responsibility by providing community service to non-profit agencies as part of their coursework.

Prior Learning Assessment

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program provides students with an opportunity to earn academic credit for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. This includes experiences from work, professional training, military service, or other relevant experiences. By developing a comprehensive portfolio that documents their knowledge, students can demonstrate how their prior experiences meet the academic requirements for specific courses.

For more information about how to apply for the PLA program or the types of learning that qualify, please visit the PLA information page

Study Away

The Study Away program supports experiential learning for UIS students across the United States and around the world. Study Away Programs encompasses three distinct areas: Study Away experiences for UIS students; support for international faculty and staff including visa and permanent resident applications; and working with faculty, departments and colleges on international initiatives.

Learn more about the Study Away program.


OEL Experiences