The Future Innovators Global Internship Program offers students new to UC San Diego, and who are eligible to receive the federal Pell Grant, the opportunity to develop design thinking and entrepreneurial skills by embarking on a fully-funded global internship in Summer 2026 and exploring innovative design thinking and ideation through the Office of Innovation and Commercialization.
TheFuture Innovators Global Internship Programoffers Pell-eligible incoming students (Fall 2025) a summer 2026 global internship at one of four CIEE sites. The program includes:
Afreespring 2026 entrepreneurship course at UC San Diego.
A fully funded 8-week summer internship(mid-June–mid-August 2026) in Berlin, Cape Town, London, or Singapore through CIEE.
First Year or Transfer students who are new to UC San Diego Fall 2025
Pell-eligible
At least 18 years old by Summer 2026 (Time of Travel)
In good academic standing (earning and maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA at the end of Fall 2025)
Able to take the course "Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design" in Spring Quarter 2026
Able to travel internationally for the 8-week internship during Summer 2026
Eligibility criteria and the selection process for the Future Innovators Global Internship Program is in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy. The University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
Your application will consist of the following components:
Personal Profile.
Eligibility and Academic Information.
Internship Site Ranking.
Short-Answer Personal Statements.
Video Submission (you will be asked to submit a 90 second video introducing yourself and describing your vision and goals for this internship).
Resume Submission.
Academic History (You will upload a .pdf copy of your TritonLink Academic History (unofficial transcript). Please show grades and/or courses you are enrolled in for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026.
Future Innovators will participate in the Spring 2026 course “Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design.” This course is a required component of the Future Innovators programs, and will meet every Tuesday 4-6pm Spring Quarter. It is a 2-unit course offered through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. There will be no cost of attending this course for the student, and participation is mandatory.
The course will help Future Innovators 'understand design thinking and ideation', learn more about 'connecting innovation ideas and initiatives to organization objectives and goals', and 'understand how to communicate, finance, or market a new idea, product, or initiative'.
Future Innovators will participate in an 8-week CIEE Global Internship during Summer 2026, at one of four (4) participating CIEE internship sites: London, Berlin, Singapore, and Cape Town.
Applicants will rank their top two preferred locations, and placements will be made by considering applicants' ranked preferred location, and their academic and other interests. Applicants will need to indicate a willingness to go where they are placed.
Read more about CIEE Internship Placement sites below.
The Future Innovators Global Internship Partnership
Experiences from the First Class of Future Innovators (Summer 2025)
My internship in London was truly amazing. I gained invaluable professional experience, built so many connections, and grew personally in ways I could not have imagined. I’m so grateful for the support and vision that made this program possible, and for the chance to represent UC San Diego in such a unique way. - David Hoang, Future Innovator 2025
"When I stepped onto the plane to begin my adventure, I was in the summer season. And when I stepped off the plane in Cape Town 31 hours later, I was in winter. That was the moment it hit me: I was across the globe with eight weeks of new experiences ahead of me.
In the beginning, it was a whirlwind of change. I met 26 people in the internship program, learned the layout of my apartment complex and familiarized myself with the surrounding area. I adjusted to the time difference and corresponding times I could talk to my loved ones back home. It was a lot of newness wrapped in amazing stand-out moments.
I practiced yoga at the world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on National Yoga Day. The garden is massive and enchanting. Another day, we took a cable car up to Table Mountain. It was sunny as we rose and became overcast at the top. We walked amongst plumes of fog, low-lying shrubs and little furry creatures named dassies. I got to see African Penguins at Boulder Beach and hike to the southernmost point of the African continent, named Cape of Good Hope. We saw wild pigs and a family of baboons. And for my birthday, I dined in a beautiful rooftop restaurant overlooking much of the city.
The more I learn about Cape Town, the more I learn how spaces that may appear simple on the surface can have multidimensional meanings and deep history. I am excited to keep learning about the places and people that make Cape Town so special.”
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Madeline Balzarini.
Food for thought
"My internship at the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust (SAUFFT) has immersed me in Cape Town culture and been incredibly fulfilling. The organization aims to increase food security, economic opportunities and social cohesion in disadvantaged communities. Interning for SAUFFT has allowed me to work on projects such as creating a manual on how to operate an urban garden and a presentation on potential financing pathways for farmers.
I work one day a week on the Oranjezicht farm and the rest of the week from an office in Langa. Langa is a township ridden with a history of oppression and inequality. The remarkably high unemployment rate (about 70%) burdens the area. Although facing many challenges, Langa has a tremendous amount of heart and community members have embraced me warmly.
On an excursion we visited another township called Gugulethu. Here, a family made us a meal of warm steamed bread, a bean dish, creamy spinach, potatoes, ginger beer and custard cake. To be hugged by strangers upon meeting and welcomed into a person's home touched my heart, made me feel cared for and gave me a sense of belonging.
My knowledge of and relationship to food systems and cuisines continue to deepen through my experiences in Cape Town. I have learned more about the process of growing food, the ways food can act as an equalizer and bring people closer together, and how food, when withheld, can be weaponized.
To me, Cape Town embodies the notion of doing more with less. A history of extractive colonialism in conjunction with droughts means Cape Town has needed to be innovative about when, where and how it uses resources. Working with the farmers and seeing how SAUFFT is improving people’s lives has crystallized that I want to work in environmental sustainability."
How everything grows outward
This entire experience has felt surreal. I think it will take time for every experience and lesson to sink in. I am particularly grateful for the new friends I’ve made in Cape Town. I’ve gotten to learn and grow with exquisite, driven and open-minded people. I am incredibly grateful that, of all the places in the world, I got to intern in Cape Town. Being in a city that exudes creativity and natural beauty has sparked deep admiration and inspiration in me.
Many of the moments that have impacted me most have been simple, such as hiking in the mountains, reading poetry on the beach and wandering through food markets. A memory I will keep close to my heart was exploring Newlands Forest with my friend Dani. We found a flat boulder to set up a small picnic beside a waterfall's stream. She drew in her notebook, and I meditated. It was a powerful reminder of the contemplative quality of slowing down to sit with life, the beauty of friendship and the generosity of nature.
This trip has taught me the intricacies of how progression happens — how everything grows outward. Every organization, idea, plant, movement and community begins on a granular level and expands outward. And my belief that anyone can make a positive change to advance a more equitable and supportive world has been reinforced. The people I have met through my internship experience have taught me that the impact and scale of what we create is a matter of how intentional, informed and adaptable we are.
From this experience, I have a more realistic understanding of the challenges facing non-governmental organizations aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and protecting non-human nature. I have garnered a lot of knowledge and inspiration these past eight weeks, and now I am excited to apply it on the UC San Diego campus and in my future endeavors.
Madeline Balzarini hiking Devil's Peak trail in South Africa.[From UC San Diego Today July 15July 29August 19 2025]
"Although I’ve traveled to other countries, this is the first time I’ve traveled to a country where I don’t understand any of the language. And while many people in Berlin speak English, it’s important to not assume everyone does. I’ve had encounters where people understand me but cannot respond back in English, or we’ve had to use Google Translate to communicate. This cross-cultural exchange only further opens my eyes.
I’m still surprised by how long it takes me to go grocery shopping—mostly because groceries are labeled in German but also because there are so many new, exciting products to find. The groceries seem reasonable for a major city, and grocery stores are plentiful.
This is also the most walkable city I have ever visited. And with the monthly transit pass for local trains, buses, trams and subways only being €58, I have been able to save a lot of money.
There are so many parks within the Berlin city limits. Exploring them all has been my goal, and a simple way to explore the neighborhoods, cuisines and museums they hold. I’m especially excited about weekend trips I have planned in close major cities like Hamburg and Prague. I’ve met great people in this program so I’m looking forward to traveling with them and building new memories along the way.
Connecting Americans abroad
"My internship is the official network for U.S. citizens living overseas, dedicated to keeping Americans abroad connected to the electoral process and fostering a community of informed, engaged and empowered individuals through strategic communication.
While I’m interning for a local chapter in Berlin, I communicate with all the chapters in Germany regularly. My recent work has involved administrative tasks, such as phone banking, managing volunteer coordination and database upkeep, and planning for upcoming events like our recent Pride celebration.
Recently, I attended an exclusive tour and talk at the Netflix Berlin office organized by my study abroad program. It was compelling to hear about how much this office has grown in seven years as well as how its first original series, “Dark,” unexpectedly became popular. This insight helped me appreciate how appealing to local audiences, and gaining loyalty in that method, can help boost company profits.
Being part of a global team has shown me how diverse perspectives spark creative solutions and foster more inclusive collaboration. This experience has cemented my interest in transnational advocacy and pushed me to advance towards a career that examines the impacts of foreign affairs by being immersed in them. I’ve come to appreciate my ability to adapt quickly, unify diverse perspectives and use creative skills to connect communities with a like-minded goal."
The Netflix Berlin office welcomes study abroad students, and Abigail McMurry (right) poses with Mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner at a Pride celebration.
A lasting foundation
Living in Berlin and interning with Democrats Abroad Germany this summer has not only given me professional insights, but also a stronger understanding of how my own voice can contribute to actions within international political contexts.
I’m especially proud of stepping out of my comfort zone to take initiative on projects that mattered to me both personally and professionally. One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was navigating the balance between local and global perspectives. Collaborating with Americans living abroad challenged me to think more critically about how in order to deepen political engagement, we must first adapt to different contexts in lived experiences.
Whether I continue in global advocacy, diplomacy or international policy, I will have established a lasting foundation in cross-cultural collaboration and adaptability. I would sincerely like to thank UC San Diego’s Study Abroad Office, the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and CIEE for making this opportunity possible for me.
“London was my first choice for studying abroad, especially as a business economics major. The city is a global hub for innovation, finance and entrepreneurship, and I knew being here would stretch me in all the right ways. For these eight weeks, I’ve set a clear intention: I want to learn as much as I can from my mentor, gain a global perspective on business and return home with fresh ideas that can drive innovation in my community.
When I first stepped off the plane in London, I felt a powerful mix of fear and excitement. Everything felt surreal—the accents, the architecture, the energy of the streets. My first day at the office, I remember walking into the building and thinking, ‘Is this really happening? Am I really going to start working in London?’ As I explored the office, I kept thinking of my journey from Peru to here, and how every risk I’d taken had led me to this moment.
Adjusting to a new place, adapting to a new rhythm of life, always comes with challenges. But I’m learning to embrace the discomfort as part of the growth. Each day, I’m building more confidence in my work, asking questions and stepping out of my comfort zone. This is a big step in my life. It’s both a personal and professional milestone, and I feel incredibly grateful to be living it."
Pamela Rojas snaps a photo before beginning her internship in London.
Teamwork makes the dream work
“My time in London is going by incredibly fast. It feels like I just arrived, yet I'm already getting used to daily life here. Something that brings me a lot of joy each day is stopping for a coffee near Regent’s Park. I’ve also started running here, and exploring new paths has helped me feel more connected to myself and the city.This summer I’m working as a business development intern at Merx, a startup that helps brands deliver personalized commerce experiences through AI. My role involves supporting the team in building strategic partnerships, analyzing user flows and helping with content development and business documentation. Being in a fast-paced environment has given me hands-on experience working at the intersection of technology, communication and creativity. I’ve also become much better at teamwork and communication, learned how to express ideas clearly and listen to others, and improved my time management. These skills have helped me contribute more effectively to the team and increased my confidence in professional settings.One of the best parts of my experience has been meeting people. I’ve made friends from different universities and majors, and gotten to know many people from different countries at Merx. Working on an international and multicultural team has taught me to appreciate the value of different perspectives. Everyone brings unique insights based on their background and experience, and this diversity has made collaboration more creative and dynamic. I now see innovation as a group process rather than an individual effort.”
A new version of me
As my trip to London comes to an end, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work in this incredible city, to be part of a program that introduced me to amazing people, and to experience not only professional growth but also personal transformation.Every new chapter comes with uncertainty, and this was no exception, but it was the kind of uncertainty I needed. This experience gave me the chance to prove to myself what I’m capable of, to gain clarity on what I want to do with my life and, most importantly, to reconnect with my purpose: to tell my story and inspire other students, especially those who are first-generation students like me. I feel proud of myself not just for the work I’ve done but for the person I’ve become.One of the most powerful experiences I had was the connection I built with my team. It showed me how important it is to feel supported in a work environment. That support helped me feel grounded, motivated and seen. Through this internship, I’ve come to understand the value of connecting with people, something I’ve always loved. I’ve also become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar environments, speaking with people from different industries and showing up fully as myself. I discovered new skills like adaptability, innovative thinking and the ability to make meaningful impact through my ideas and presence. I know these are strengths I’ll carry back with me to UC San Diego and into whatever path I choose next.My background, identity and journey as a Peruvian student who left home at 20 years old played a huge role in shaping my experience. Even though I’ve already had to start over once, this time felt different. I had the knowledge, the maturity and the resilience to handle this new challenge in a more grounded way. A new version of me showed up here, and that version embraced the process, not just the next milestone. I learned to slow down, to live in the moment and to trust myself.
Definitely the scenery. CapeTown genuinely has a little bit of everything. It has some of the best hikes and beaches I've ever been to, and has so much culture within the city to explore.
How do you think Future Innovators will help you prepare for your career as a healthcare professional?
As a future healthcare professional, Future Innovators allowed me to get exposed to and interact with patients struggling in situations I've simply never seen in the US before. I worked in the emergency department of a clinic for my internship, and my experience in CapeTown has allowed me to better understand what it means to be a professional that prioritizes patient care and positive change over profit.
What was the most challenging part of the experience and how did you overcome it?
Like many who go abroad, what I found the most challenging was adjusting to a new country and culture. I overcame this by connecting with the community around me. The people of CapeTown are extremely welcoming, and genuinely made me feel like a guest in someone's home.
What advice would you give to any student considering Future Innovators?
Don't hesitate and go for it. I had countless doubts and worries about going to a foreign country for two months, but had I given into those worries I wouldn't be the person I am today. An internship abroad led me to so much growth. Seize the opportunity.
What would you say to students who are hesitant about going to South Africa due to Health and Safety concerns?
Due to what I had heard, I myself was worried to go to South Africa in fear of something bad happening. However, CapeTown was where I met some of the nicest and most welcoming people ever. The city is vibrant and has a large emphasis on community. I was able to enjoy all parts of the city without safety concerns, and had no bad experiences in CapeTown.
Anything else to add?
GO TO CAPETOWN! It's such a special place, and genuinely has a bit of everything. I tried luxury coffee, went ATV riding, checked out art, tried delicious food, saw breathtaking views, went to stunning beaches, and so much more.
Yes. International students may apply. International students accepted into Future Innovators must work with the ISEO office and CIEE to process all visa issues.
In considering this opportunity, some may feel imposter syndrome if you have never held an internship before (let alone a global internship!) or have never been abroad before. Don't let imposter syndrome dissuade you! Consider this: Think about all of the work and school experiences you have had. Did any of these experiences help you learn to work with a team? Deal with a variety of different personalities? Learn about customer service and being in a professional setting? You can use all of the skills you have learned thus far to help you prepare for a Future Innovators Global Internship!
In order to successfully intern at a CIEE site abroad, you must show Respect and Professionalism. Flexibility is also a key factor, as is Openness, Organization, Bringing a learner-mindset to the experience, and having a Desire to learn about Innovation & Design activity happening here at UC San Diego.
CIEE, or the Council for International Educational Exchange, is a non profit study abroad organization that has sent students around the world for 75 years. If selected as a Future Innovator, CIEE’s team of advisors will find an internship placement for you that aligns with your interests and career goals. They will also guide you through next steps like applying for a work visa.
