Frequently Asked Questions

When do I apply for internship?

It depends on what type and level of internship you are applying for:

Non-Final level applications for the Fall semester are due March 15th or the first business day following. Applications for the Spring semester are due the last week day in September.

Final level applications for the Fall semester are due February 15th or the first business day following. Applications for the Spring semester are due September 15th or the first business day following.


How long is the internship?

This depends on what level of the program you are enrolled in.

Block 4 non final internship is comprised of twelve weeks in a setting with cultural and linguistic diverse students that are reflective of the student's area of concentration.

Block 5 final internship is comprised of twelve weeks of extensive internship in a setting with cultural and linguistic diverse students that are reflective of the student's area of concentration.


How do I know if I am eligible for my internship?

A completed internship application must be submitted by the appropriate due date. A completed application includes completion of ALL required course work, a "C" or better in all Professional and Subject area courses, an overall grade point average of 2.5, and a 2.5 or better in Professional Education Subject areas.


How do I know if I have all of my prerequisites?

Upon submittal of your application to the Internship Office, the Academic Advisor will review and notify you of any internship criteria that has not been met. The Criteria for Placement Information Sheet is available in the College of Education.


What documents do I need to apply?

You must complete the official application with all related forms and submit them by the established deadline. The application is available on the FGCU College of Education internship website at http://coe.fgcu.edu/Internship/ .


What steps do I need to follow to apply?

A completed application along with the appropriate program card must be submitted to the Internship Office. Directions and forms are available on the Internship website. School Districts require students to be fingerprinted before entering classrooms for internship. Fingerprinting instructions are available on the internship website.


How are the placements made?

Sites are selected from the five counties served by FGCU. School placements are approved by the College of Education and meet Florida Department of Education requirements to serve as field sites. Sites are chosen, in part, by the availability of clinical education trained teachers, and by the school's capability to accept cohort groups consisting of interns from different programs.


Can I choose the school for my internship?

You may request the county you would like to have your internship in and you may indicate preference area within the county. You may not serve an internship at a school where you have relatives or where you have been employed.

You may not request a particular school or arrange placements with schools or teachers.


How many days will I be in the classroom?

This also depends on what level of the program you are enrolled in.

  • Block 4 Non Final Field Experience: Tuesday and Thursday half days; all day Wednesday.
  • Block 5 Final Internship: Full time, Monday through Friday during teacher school hours.

When does my internship start?

Orientation is mandatory and will be held the first week of the semester. The classroom experience usually begins the second week of the semester.


What other requirements will I have for this internship?

Each level of internship has accompanying assignments. Satisfactory completion of these assignments is necessary to successfully complete your internship experience. You will also be required to attend seminars that will enhance your internship experience.


Who will be my instructor/supervisor for this internship?

You will be assigned a University Supervisor. The University Supervisor and the Cooperating Teacher will be working together to make your internship a positive one.


How will I be evaluated in the classroom?

The University Supervisor and the Cooperating teacher will be doing a combination of formal and informal observations based on the Florida Accomplished Practices and the Florida Performance Measurement Standards. This experience is intended to follow a team concept. The feedback portion of this process is extremely important.


Will there be a letter grade assigned to my internship?

No. Your internship grade will be satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or incomplete.


If I am only seeking certification, may I take the internship?

No, you must be enrolled in a degreed program.


Can I enroll as a guest intern?

Yes, if your home university contacts the internship office to make arrangements and all criteria are met.


Can I complete my internship through another university?

Yes, providing you have met all criteria and permission has been granted by the College of Education Undergraduate Division. Please contact the Internship Office for more information.


FGCU Information Sources

Information concerning the Internship Programs can be obtained by contacting the Internship Office at (239) 590- 7775 or by reviewing this web site.

Information concerning College of Education programs, faculty, course schedules, and admissions, can be obtained by contacting the College of Education at (239) 590-7800 or by reviewing the web site at www.coe.fgcu.edu.

Information can also be obtained by contacting the University's Registration Office at (239) 590-7980 or Toll Free: 800-590-3428 or by reviewing FGCU's web site at www.fgcu.edu.

Revised 7/2009