FAQs
Questions and AnswersQuestions And Answers
General
Q. What internship experience can Saltire Foundation interns expect?
You will be involved in a demanding project of real commercial significance within a leading global company. All Saltire Foundation Interns will be given the opportunity to network with senior level executives whilst immersing themselves in the culture of one of the world's key business locations.
Q. When do Saltire Foundation internships take place? How long do they last?
All Saltire Foundation internships last for 8 weeks, which is long enough to develop a project and make a significant contribution. Most Saltire Foundation Internships will start during June 2012 however, there may be some exceptions and candidates should be flexible to suit the business requirements of their host company.
Q. Is there a difference in Scottish-based and international internships?
All internships sourced by the Saltire Foundation are high quality placements that involve:
Working with a leading global company or with a highly successful entrepreneur
Being involved in a demanding project of real commercial significance
Networking with senior level executives
In addition, all Saltire Scholars can expect to receive leadership training and development opportunities.
Saltire Scholars going on international placements will have the additional benefit of immersing themselves in the culture of one of the world's key business locations.
Saltire Scholars in Scotland will be exposed to networking opportunities and have the opportunity to meet leading Scottish entrepreneurs during their internship.
Eligibility
Q. Will the Saltire Foundation accept applications from Scottish students who are studying at universities outside Scotland?
Due to funding and resources constraints, the Saltire Foundation can only accept applications from students studying at Scottish universities.
Q. Can international students apply for Saltire Foundation internships?
Penultimate year undergraduate students of all nationalities are welcome to apply for Saltire Foundation internships if they are spending the full duration of their studies in Scotland. All applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong historic commitment to Scotland and display the ambition to 'give something back'. Non UK passport holders are responsible for checking and confirming that there are no visa restrictions in place which could prevent them entering the country relevant to their project choice.
Q. I'm on study abroad. Can I still apply for a Saltire Foundation internship?
Yes. We will make arrangements for students on study abroad during the interview process. However, students are required to be in Scotland for the Induction Day and Leadership Development Day.
Q. What qualifications is the Saltire Foundation looking for in intern candidates?
Intern candidates must be penultimate* year undergraduate students studying in Scotland at one of the following universities:
Edinburgh College of Art, Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, Napier University, Robert Gordon University, Queen Margaret University, University of Aberdeen, University of Abertay Dundee, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde, University of the West of Scotland.
*Eligible candidates must be in their penultimate year of their honours degree (or equivalent e.g. their 4th year of an M.Eng, 3rd year of BA Hons). Students studying a BA pass degree are not eligible to apply.
Q. What if I am unable to attend any of the mandatory dates listed on the application form?
If you have a valid reason for being unavailable on any of the dates listed on the application form you are still eligible to apply, provided you have notified prior to submitting your application.
Admissions
Q. Are candidates studying in a business or technical discipline more likely to be successful?
Candidates are selected based on their ambition, drive, work/volunteer experience and academic record. Some of our most successful Alumni studied history, international relations and English.
However, some placements are technically-focused and therefore require students with the matching academic background.
Q. Will I receive feedback on the outcome of my application?
All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications. However, due to the high numbers of applications received for Saltire Foundation opportunities, we are unable to provide specific feedback to students on recruitment and selection decisions. We suggest that you contact your Careers Service for support and guidance.
Administrative Details
Q. Can I extend my stay at the end of my placement?
The Saltire Foundation cannot take responsibility for interns wishing to extend their stay. If any intern decides to stay overseas for any extended period of time, they must consider insurance and visa implications and insure that they have necessary arrangements in place. They must also take responsibility for their travel and accommodation arrangements.
Q. Do I need a credit card to travel overseas?
We recommend that all Saltire Foundation interns have credit cards as backup and for use in emergency situations.
Q. How will I get to and from work?
You should research your journey to and from work prior to leaving the UK. The stipend payment is provided to cover all daily living expenses including travel.
Q: What about my accommodation, travel, insurance and visas?
The Saltire Foundation will provide successful candidates with information on how to make travel and insurance arrangements with our travel provider.
Accommodation will be sourced by the Saltire Foundation.
Interns will also be responsible for arranging the relevant visas required, however extensive information and support will be provided by the Saltire Foundation.
Q. What type of accommodation can I expect?
First and foremost, the Saltire Foundation will ensure that interns are housed in clean and safe accommodation.
The Saltire Foundation in the first instance will sort intern housing through student accommodation in the host city. This accommodation will be sourced through university-housing or third party providers.
If student housing is not available, the Saltire Foundation will source housing in extended stay accommodation (such as corporate housing or extended stay hotels.) The Saltire Foundation aims to provide the best value accommodation in this instance.
Depending on the accommodation provider/cost of accommodation, students may be asked to share a bedroom. The Saltire Foundation believes this is a reasonable request as this is a standard practice for student housing, particularly in countries such as the USA.
The Saltire Foundation will cover the student's accommodation 3 nights prior to the start of their internship (for example, if the student starts on a Monday, the Saltire Foundation will pay from the Friday.)
The Saltire Foundation will cover the student's accommodation 1 night following the completion of their internship (for example, if a student finishes on Friday, the Saltire Foundation will pay for Saturday night.)
Q. How much will I be paid during my internship?
The Saltire Foundation pays interns a stipend of £150 per week for the duration of their placement. This is to cover daily living expenses such as subsistence and travel to and from the work place. In most cases this is paid on a weekly basis, directly into the intern's UK bank account.
Q. How much can I expect to pay in visa fees?
Fees charged directly by embassies or consulates can be between £100-£200, depending on your destination. However, the Saltire Foundation is committed to ensuring that finance is not a barrier for students participating in the programme. To support this value, scholarships will be provided for students who are not in a position to make a financial contribution towards their costs this summer.
Q. Am I required to blog?
Yes. Blogging is part of your leadership development curriculum. You will receive guidance on blogging from the Saltire Foundation.
