General: Internship Food Chemistry
The internship is a compulsory part of the study at the Wageningen University. It is scheduled in the MSc programme. The aim is to gain experience outside our university. Our students find an internship placement all over the world: Australia, New Zealand, Southern America, Hong Kong, US, Jamaica, Europe etc. Placements abroad are usually found in universities or institutes, however there are also possibilities in industrial companies (mainly the multinationals such as Unilever, Nestlé). Lots of Dutch companies offer internships, either as a project or as a continuous placement. Examples are Mars, Unox, Purac, Heinz, FCDF, Douwe Egberts, Campina, Nutricia, AVEBE, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about internships Food Chemistry
1. What is the duration of an internship?
Compulsory are at least 24 ECTS with a maximum of 39 ECTS. A student is free to choose for a company, institute or
university.
2. Does the Wageningen University arrange the internship?
No, It is the responsibility of the student to contact a possible placement. The internship coordinator will help you and can provide you with several options. Also some organisations can help you in finding a placement. (www.integrand.nl , www.wilweg.nl)
3. How do I arrange an internship?
Contact the internship coordinator (Food Chemistry: Jozef.Linssen@wur.nl). Ask yourself what you prefer (domestic, abroad, duration, company, university, subject). Also visit the homepages of companies and universities on the internet
4. Is it advised to finish the MSc thesis first?
It depends. If you have done an MSc thesis before you are taking the internship, you will bring some more “experience” and you have learned to work independently. On the other hand: there could be a great chance, then you should take such an opportunity, even if this internship is scheduled before you have started the MSc thesis.
5. How long in advance it is advised to start the arrangements?
Usually 4-6 month’s. It depends on the internship placement. If you plan to go abroad, it is advised to start 6 month’s in advance, especially when you prefer to go to another continent or when visa are necessary. The visa procedures are often very time consuming (see also question 10). Internships within The Netherlands can be arranged on shorter term usually.
6. How do I contact the company/institute/university?
The best way is to contact persons by email. Through ordinary mail or fax is also possible. In all cases you have to include a CV. If you have finished and passed the MSc thesis, please mention that in your CV. It is a positive element and it suggests some independent working attitude.
7. Are there grants available?
It is usually difficult to find grants. Sometimes there are options through EU programs, such as Erasmus/Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, Food Atlantic. However, the Wageningen University is not permanently involved in all programs. Ask the internship coordinator.
8. Which agreements have to be made with the internship placement?
Agreements about the following elements are necessary:
- starting- and ending date
- subject
- finishing written report (confidentiality?)
- allowance
- housing
- optional: allowance for travelling and housing
9. How are the rules about marking the internship?
A mark is based on the written report and the internship evaluation form (to be filled up by your supervisor)
10. What are other relevant elements?
- Travelling insurance: Wageningen University pays for it after a statement of the internship coordinator.
- Visa: This is often a time consuming procedure. Usually you need an invitation letter of the internship placement and a statement that you are registered as a university student and that the internship is an compulsory part of your study. Sometimes it is also asked for other statements, like a financial statement, a statement of being a healthy person or a statement of being not in contact with criminal or doubtful organisations.
- Health insurance: It is advisable to inform your health insurance company and to ask if all health related costs are world wide covered .
- OV jaarkaart (only for Dutch students): It is possible to postpone the “OV jaarkaart” by filling up a standard form, available at the students registration office or through intranet.
- Before leaving: always inform your internship coordinator.