Critical
London
Internship
Information
What is the HOD Capstone Internship in London?
 The London internship exists to allow students to gain international organizational experience. The
worksite experience and accompanying coursework is the focal point. A desire to seek international
organizational experience should be the primary motivation for this experience.

This is an international work experience, not study abroad. While you will certainly be abroad, this is
not the primary purpose of the experience. While we encourage travel throughout the UK and Europe
during free time, it should not be the reason you have chosen this internship.

You are responsible for housing, living expenses, and travel costs incurred. All housing options posted
on our website have been visited by the HOD Internship Office.
What are the steps?
You must go in order; some steps require materials from previous step for submission.
Budget about $2,000-$2,500 for the items on the to-do list (includes buying a flight).
1) Complete HOD internship application and London proposal and submit to the HOD Internship office
2) Partner with HOD Internship Office to secure internship
a. Website: http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/departments/hod/undergraduateprogram/internship_program/internship_sites/london.php
3) Obtain BUNAC Blue Card (to be eligible for visa, no alternative)
a. Allow 2 weeks for this step, plus the time for your employer to fill out their part of your application
b. Cost: $755
c. Website: www.bunac.org
d. BUNAC provides further information and guidance on the visa application process, life in London,
and tips on finding housing
4) Apply for Tier 5 Visa (UK Visa)
a. You can apply as early as 3 months before you leave
b. Cost: approximately $300 + any shipping or expediting costs
c. Website: https://www.gov.uk/tier-5-government-authorised-exchange
d. *Note: DO NOT wait on this – if so, you will have to pay a fee to expedite
5) Attend Biometrics appointment
a. Scheduling this appointment at a location near you is part of the visa application
b. Obtain fingerprinting and photos
c. Located at an Application Support Center run by Department of Homeland Security (Note: a simple
Google search will locate the center closest to you)
6) Mail everything to the British Consulate in New York
a. Allow three weeks from the time you send in your documents to receive your visa and passport.
There is an option to pay more to expedite the process.
-- EU passport holders have other options. Discuss this with the HOD Internship Director.
-- NOTE: The BUNAC Blue Card and UK Visa process take a while, so do not wait until the last minute.
Additional London Checklist and Items to Consider:
___ Cancel campus housing for current semester, meet deadlines for return housing
___ Book flight
___ Obtain passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html
___ Obtain International Student Identity Card https://www.isic.org/
___ Arrange housing in London: Visit “HOD in London” website and BUNAC for recommendations
___ Arrange phone service: http://www.three.co.uk (this can be arranged upon arrival)
___ BUNAC Certificate Details:
___ Resume
___ Proof of health insurance
___ Official transcript
___ Passport copy
___ Letter of Recommendation
___ Employer application and agreement
___ Proof of sufficient Funds
___ Visa Details:
___ Passport
___ Hard copy of the completed application form
___ Proof you have paid the visa
___ Biometric Receipt
___ Passport sized photograph
___ Certificate of sponsorship (BUNAC)
___ Receipt for priority service (if applicable)
___ A return label and envelope
NOTE: Packing
Do not bother taking things such as
hair dryers, telephones, etc. with
you as it is much simpler to just
purchase these items there. Keep in
mind a cost efficient way of doing
so is to purchase items and
textbooks from students who have
previously completed internships.
___ Plan tentative budget
___ Buy foreign currency at local bank
___ S.T.E.P. Registration: You must complete the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State
Department. https://step.state.gov/step/
___ University Travel Policy: Because this earns credit, you must register through the Vanderbilt Student
Travel Policy. An explanation and links to the policy and process can be found on the Vanderbilt GEO website
(links below). When you complete the process, you are classified as an independent student, not a group.
https://webapp.mis.vanderbilt.edu/studioabroad/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Link_ID=3
41DC54F-0932-7741-C4C5C75D413E361F
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/vio/travel/student-travel-policy.php
https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGM000066&AspxAutoD
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