See Application FAQ's for more details.

Today – Apply!
Submit Application, Application Fee, and Letter of Reference. You will receive an email from FSD within 48 hours confirming receipt of your application materials.

Within 14 days of applying – Acceptance
FSD will begin processing your application upon receipt of the required application materials. Your application will be reviewed by both San Francisco and International Staff.

If you are accepted, you will receive information on your assigned internship placement within 14-30 days.

Within 7 days of acceptance - Confirmation
If you choose to accept, you will have seven days to confirm your participation in the program. To confirm, you will submit a signed contract, release form, and passport copies, along with a Confirmation Deposit. The Confirmation Deposit is $300. Please note that your deposit is credited toward the total amount due for your program. Upon receipt of your confirmation materials, FSD will set up a time for your telephone interview.

8 weeks before program start date - Interview with FSD
This 30 to 60 minute interview is the opportunity to further clarify for us your goals, ensure that you understand our expectations of you during the program, address questions or concerns, and assess your language skills if applicable. Your participation in the program is contingent on the interview.

Your Site Team abroad will use the information gained from the interview to finalize your host organization placement. The Site Team will match you with an organization that expresses a need for your skill set and abilities and that best aligns with your interests, experience, language level, and time commitment.

7 weeks before program start date - Final Host Organization Information
Five to seven weeks before your program begins, FSD will send you information about your finalized host organization placement. This will include additional details about the activities you may be involved in, as well as information about past FSD Intern and Volunteer projects with that organization.

If FSD is unable to place you with a host organization in your area of interest, we will let you know as early as possible, and you will receive a full refund of your deposit.

6 weeks before program start date - Balance Payment
Your final balance payment is due to FSD 45 days before your program begins. Please note that all contributions towards your program fee are tax deductible.

It is your responsibility to secure your flight, get all vaccinations, and take care of all Visa preparations. We suggest you do so at least four weeks before departure.

FSD lists reliable resources for information about Visa and vaccination requirements on each country’s page of our website. As part of the application process, FSD will also provide you with suggested flights and tips for international travel.

2 weeks before program start date – Final steps…

Proof of Insurance
FSD will send you your Proof of Insurance Card for your limited medical and evacuation insurance as well as additional information about the FSD program four weeks before the start of the program.

Host Family Information
Two weeks before your departure, you will receive host family information and final reminders from your FSD Site Team abroad.

Pre-Arrival Check-In – One Week Prior to Arrival
We recommend that you contact your FSD Site Team abroad to confirm flight information and to address any of your last-minute questions or concerns.