AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East

Course content

This course allows master's students in Asia and Middle East Studies to complete an internship at a Norwegian embassy or a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in their third semester. This will give you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, use your academic skills in a practical manner, and present yourself in an international work environment. You must conduct the internship in the region related to your programme option - namely the Middle East or East Asia.?

Students who meet the requirements for this course can apply for an internship. This includes the two options:?

1. Apply for an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD):??

  • This arrangement is part of an agreement between UiO and UD where students achieve status as "Hospitant", and all interactions with UD will be managed by UiO.?
  • This option is only available for students with Norwegian citizenship.?

2. Arrange an internship agreement with an NGO:??

  • All internship partners involved must accept the Faculty of Humanities' internship agreement.?

During the semester abroad, you will both work at the embassy or organization while also produce a report that will serve as the course examination. You will have between 12 and 18 hours per week to work on this report. You will develop the topic for the report in collaboration with your supervisor and your contact person at the embassy or organization.?

We arrange information meeting each spring semester, to explain the requirements and the application process. This will be announced in Canvas.?

Learning outcome

  • Learning to work independently with a minor project report.
  • Experience of working in a team in an international work environment.
  • Planning, execution and completion of a professional project.
  • Increased awareness of competence, in particular the connection between theory and practice.
  • Useful foundation for your own Master’s thesis.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Only MA students admitted to Asia and Middle East Studies can apply. The International Project Term must be completed in the third semester.

You can only be admitted to the course if a relevant institution is found and agrees upon cooperation. It is the institution itself that will have the final word regarding whether your internship proposal is accepted or not accepted. The admission to the UD agreement is limited by the number of internship spots available.

To apply for UiO`s agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) you must (for student with an Norwegian citizenship):

  • Fill out the application form before the deadline 1st of March.?
  • Write a personal application in English, 1 page maximum.
  • Attach your CV.
  • Attach your transcript of records.
  • Attach a letter of recommendation from one of your teachers.

NB! All documents must be saved in one pdf.-file.

If you plan to arrange an internship agreement on your own you must:

  • Talk to your supervisor and course instructor about internship in relevant organizations or companies before you fill out the application form with the deadline 1st of March.
  • Get your potential internship agreement approved by the Department before you contact them.
  • Get your potential internship partner to sign the Faculty of Humanities internship agreement by the deadline 1st of May.

All papers should be in English. The Department will be able to assist you with information about the course to a potential internship partner, as well as the Faculty of Humanities internship agreement.

All students are responsible to arrange visa/work permit for themselves.

Before you leave Norway, you must submit the online form regarding studies abroad.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

You must have passed exams equivalent to 60 credits in the first two terms in order to take the course.