Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for some frequently asked questions regarding the KACIF program.

Internship Eligibility

• What qualifies as a "necessarily unpaid" internship?
  • A necessarily unpaid internship is an unpaid opportunity with a non-profit organization that genuinely lacks the financial resources to pay interns. Eligible organizations are often:
    • Nonprofits
    • Government agencies
    • Educational institutions
    • NGOs
• Are internships with for-profit organizations eligible?
  • No. Internships at for-profit organizations are not eligible for KACIF funding.
• Does my internship have to be with a formal organization?
  • Yes. Internships should be hosted by an established organization with appropriate supervision and structure. Independent projects, personal ventures, or unsupervised experiences are not eligible. The internship must be a legitimate internship experience, not a course or academic project.
• Can I use an internship placement program to secure my internship?
  • Yes. In some cases, students may use an internship placement program to help identify and secure an internship opportunity. However, the host internship organization must still meet all KACIF eligibility requirements, including being a qualifying non-profit or other eligible organization. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it aligns with the goals and principles of the KACIF program.
• What is considered a "small stipend" for KACIF eligibility purposes?
  • Small stipends intended to offset expenses, such as transportation or meals, generally do not affect KACIF eligibility. As a guideline, stipends under $1,500 have traditionally been considered acceptable. 

Academic Requirements

• Can I receive funding for an internship that is required for my degree program?
  • Generally, no. Practicums and internships required as part of your curriculum are not eligible. However, if you will complete at least 100 additional hours beyond the required hours, you may be eligible if those extra hours are documented in your offer letter.
• Does completing an internship for a scholarly concentration count as fulfilling a degree requirement?
  • No. Scholarly concentration requirements are not considered degree requirements for KACIF purposes. Students completing internships that fulfill a scholarly concentration, such as the Global Bachelor's Program or the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Global Health Scholarly Concentration, remain eligible to apply for KACIF funding, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
• Can I receive KACIF funding for an internship for academic credit?
  • Possibly. Receiving academic credit alone does not make an internship ineligible. However, internships that are required components of a degree program are generally not eligible unless the additional-hours exception applies.

Application and Funding

• Can I apply if my internship has already started?
  • Yes, if enough eligible internship hours remain. However, KACIF cannot fund hours completed before the eligible funding period begins. At least 160 qualifying hours must occur during the approved timeframe.
• Can I receive KACIF funding and other scholarships?
  • In many cases, yes. Students should disclose all current and potential funding sources in their application budget. Some GW funding opportunities may make a student ineligible to accept KACIF funding.
• What do reviewers look for when selecting recipients?
  • Reviewers consider:
    • Quality of the application and essays
    • Connection between the internship and academic/career goals
    • Quality of the internship experience
    • Planned use of funds
    • Financial need
    • Overall eligibility and fit with program goals

Additional Assistance

• What should I do if I need to leave my internship early due to circumstances beyond my control?
  • If you are unable to complete your internship due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact the KACIF team at gwkacifgwu [dot] edu as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, students may be required to return some or all of their award funds. Each case is reviewed individually, and the KACIF team will work with you to determine the appropriate next steps.
• Who can I contact if I have questions?
  • Questions about eligibility, application requirements, or the selection process can be directed to the KACIF team at gwkacifgwu [dot] edu.