Center for International Programs

 Fast track your career development with a unique semester program that integrates business theory and practice, with real cultural immersion experience. 
The SUNY IIB one semester certificate in business delivers a blended curriculum of study and work that offers you both the experience of interning in New York's fast-paced world of business, and studying on campus at nationally recognized American University. Our 2- month academic study program is followed by a 2-month professional internship in New York. IIB's program combines all the benefits of traditional American college life with all the excitement of the big city business world. 
 

 

                               

On-Campus at SUNY New Paltz

IIB students are immersed in the American college experience, attending classes at New Paltz School of Business, and taking part in a wide variety of on-and off-campus activities. Hanging out in the campus quad, playing Frisbee, listening to a music department performance, or simply go to dinner in the campus dining hall, all offer easy cultural immersion opportunities into campus life. There are multiple on-campus networking events, clubs, and guest lectures from visiting scholars and celebrities. Another popular meeting place on-campus is the fully-equipped state-of-the-art Athletic and Wellness Center, which offers fitness classes in everything from cardio kickboxing to yoga. Off-campus, New Paltz offers an ideal glimpse of small town America where students enjoy relaxing nights out in town with dinner, drinks, billiards, open microphone nights, and game nights, often in the company of IIB faculty and staff. 


                                                 
                                                                             
Set in upstate New York between the Hudson River and the Shawangunk Mountains, New Paltz has great opportunities for kayaking on the river, horseback riding, zip lining in the Catskill Mountains, and other fun outings sponsored by the university and various student organizations. Conveniently located just a few hours' drive from New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C, New Paltz also presents exciting opportunities for weekend trips. Options include historical and cultural destinations, as well as some of the best shopping opportunities on east coast!

 
Become a New Yorker for two months and enjoy the myriad of social and cultural attractions that the city has to offer in the arts, entertainment, publishing and communications. From Broadway to the Bowery, from Wall Street to Madison Avenue, and from Central Park to Park Avenue, New York City offers the perfect backdrop to an incredible internship experience. After completing their academic studies on New Paltz campus, students move to New York City. They put their new-found knowledge to work, as full-time interns in a fast-paced New York business or international organizations. Students visit and can intern at network studios, national publications, fashion houses, advertising agencies and international NGOs. Networking events are organized at various Chambers of Commerce, concerts in Central Park, movies, harbor cruises, barbecues with fellow participants, and trips to the U.N. New York's own exciting social scene assures students of an unforgettable cultural immersion, taking advantage of world-famous restaurants, theaters, galleries and museums. 


                                  
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
 
 
 

Spring 2023
October 15, 2022	Application deadline
January 18, 2023	Program start date (Arrival date at JFK / New Paltz)
January 19-20, 2023	IIB Program Orientation; orientation to campus and New Paltz
January 21-22, 2023	Free weekend to get acclimated to New Paltz
January 23, 2023	First day of classes
March 10, 2023	Academic portion ends; move to NYC, check into NYC housing
March 11 & 12, 2023	Free weekend to get acclimated to NYC
March 13, 2023	Internships begin in NYC
May 17, 2023	Last day of internship
May 17, 2023	IIB Graduation ceremony in NYC
May 19, 2023	Program ends; check out of NYC housing
Fall 2023
April 15, 2021	Application deadline
August 22, 2023	Program start date (Arrival date at JFK / New Paltz)
August 23-25, 2023	IIB Program Orientation; virtual during quarantine / as needed
August 26-27, 2023	Free weekend to get acclimated to New Paltz, campus
August 28, 2023	First day of classes
October 13, 2023	Academic Portion ends; move to New York City program Housing
October 14-15, 2023	Free weekend to get acclimated to NYC
October 16, 202	Internships begin in NYC
December 13, 2023	Last day of internship
December 13, 2023	IIB Graduation ceremony in NYC
December 15, 2022	IIB Program ends

PROGRAM DETAILS

New Paltz is a highly ranked 4-year college, known for its teaching excellence and its creative, challenging and supportive learning environment. The IIB program is a customized one semester program for international students of Business, Communications and Management, offered by the university in conjunction with the New Paltz School of Business. 
The rigorous academic program provides a foundation in U.S. culture and business practices in just two months. Students carry 5 courses and earn 5 CEU units. 

• Two (2) electives from AACSB - accredited New Paltz School of Business; 
• Two (2) IIB courses specially developed with the English-speaking international Business and/or Communications student in mind; 
• An internship practicum as preparation for an internship/field placement experience: and
• Individualized career counseling sessions with an internship advisor.

Courses are taught by New Paltz Faculty, all experienced experts in their respective fields. 

School of Business (2 courses)

Students can choose from graduate and undergraduate curriculum listed on the website and taught by department faculty. Together with their American classmates from the School of Business, they participate in classroom instruction that encourages the critical thinking, teamwork ethic, and globalized business approach that is characteristic of the U.S college education system. 

IIB Courses (3 courses)
 To compliment the Business School's curriculum, the IIB has developed two courses:

• American Business Communication & Culture focuses on American business writing styles, techniques and terminology as used in letters, memos, reports, and presentations. This serves to strengthen English grammar and vocabulary skills for improved fluency, as well as to strengthen conversational skills that are necessary for business communication and networking. 
• Public Relations for the Business Major examines the use of persuasion and public opinion techniques in electronic media, mass media, and international advertising, providing insights into American public relations practices. Students write and present press releases, as well as review and critique websites. 
• Internship Practicum The practicum augments traditional classroom study with a weekly study and intern advisor-taught practicum in comparative analysis of home country and U.S business practices, understanding American business norms, and managing expectations. Alumni panels share their internship experiences, adding peer group guidance on the practical implications of field work and living in NYC. 

Individualized Internship Counseling and Internship Preparation
Individual student counseling sessions provide a structured learning environment for preparing and reviewing resumes, applications, and interviews. Techniques in self-appraisal, self-presentation, and seamless integration into the workplace help students network and perform during their internship as well as articulate the benefits of their internship experiences for future career development. 

PROGRAM FEE
                                                             
Fall 2023 Program Fee (approximately): $11,500 USD

Fee Includes:

    * Academic Instruction and program fees
    * Use of university campus facilities
    * Social & cultural events (site visits, guest speakers, graduation, etc.)
    * Group transportation from the airport to New Paltz*
    * Group transportation to New York City 
    * Issuance of the DS-2019 & DS 7002 for J-1 Intern status
    * Full-time internship at a company in New York City
    * Internship administration

Fee does not include:

    * Airfare
    * Meals 
    * Health insurance for duration of program status
    * Incidental fees (health center, college fee, tech fee, etc.) approx. $620
    * Course textbooks (these are expensive and can vary from $100 - $400 per class)
    * Incidental personal expenses (estimated conservatively at $3500 for 4 months)
    * Accommodations in New Paltz (we will provide guidance and set deadlines for booking)
    * Accommodations in NYC (we will provide guidance and set deadlines for booking)
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

Q: How is the internship arranged?

A.  The internship is a result of collaborative efforts on the part of the intern and the program coordinators.  There are NO GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS.  You will work very closely with the program coordinator to review existing opportunities and to find new opportunities.  You should be realistic and flexible in your internship goals.  The IIB program seeks the following for an internship:

• Full time opportunity (32-40 hrs a week)
• An internship setting that provides an overview to American business practices
• an opportunity to network with professionals working in your career area of interest
• a learning environment where you will be able to "get your hands dirty" and support a team / manager in your internship with meaningful tasks & responsibilities.

Failure to meet regularly with the IIB coordinator, to respond in a timely manner to emails and phone calls requesting interviews, etc. will likley result in you failing to secure an internship in a timely manner.  Failure to secure an internship before moving to New York City could result in your being dismissed from the program.

Q. What business courses are available?

A. Both graduate and undergraduate courses are available. Follow this link to learn more about the undergraduate business courses being offered in upcoming semesters, and this link to learn more about the graduate / MBA level courses. (Please note that course listings vary by semester, and not all of these courses are offered to IIB students each semester.  Check with the program coordinator to ensure you have an updated course listing).

Q. What kind of students attend IIB?

A. IIB students come from all over the world. They are preparing themselves to enter the global marketplace with business and language skills that will help them get the jobs they want. To qualify for admission, they must have at least two years of university education in a business-related field, and should have some on-the-job experience. In addition, they should be able to demonstrate ability in English with 80 on the TOEFL / IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent test of English.

Q. What kinds of qualifications do the IIB instructors have?

A. The faculty, who teach business, public relations, business English, and American culture, bring with them a wide range of experience. Many of them have doctoral degrees in their field of expertise in addition to many years of on-the-job experience. You will have access to business and public relations professors and practitioners, business English teachers, and people who have been introducing American culture to international students for many years.


Q. Do IIB graduates receive credit or a certificate of completion?

A.  Graduates of the IIB program receive a certificate of completion in American Business Practices and are issued continuing education units. Each continuing education unit issued is equal to ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.  Continuing education units are not equivalent to academic credit.  Certificates of completion and transcripts are awarded at the graduation ceremony in New York City at the end of the program.

Q. What is the village of New Paltz like?

A. New Paltz is a small college town with many shops and restaurants that cater to the college community within walking distance of the college. It has a long history that goes back to the seventeenth century when the French Huguenots settled here after living in Germany for a number of years. Some of the original houses built by the Huguenots are available for touring, again within walking distance of the college. Many of the local inhabitants are descendants of the Huguenots, and bear the names of their ancestors.
 
Q. What is there to do in the fall and spring semesters while I am there?

A. Here is a sampling of events that occur in both semesters: Year-Round Events

Q. What kind of visa is required to attend the IIB?

A. SUNY New Paltz will issue you the required documents for you to obtain a J-1 Intern visa at your nearest USA consulate or embassy. Visit the visa information page for more details.

Q. How long before my J-1 program starts can I arrive in the United States? How long can I remain after my program ends?

A. J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are admitted for "duration of status" (D/S), which is defined as the period indicated in item 3 of Form DS-2019, plus a 30-day grace period following the program end date, "for the purposes of travel." In addition, exchange visitors can enter the United States up to 30 days before the program begin date listed on their Form DS-2019.

Q. Do I need to purchase health insurance?

A. Usage of our Health insurance policy is mandatory and you are automatically enrolled and billed. Details are available under "learning content" once you start an application.

Q. What kind of health care is available to me in New Paltz?

A. There is a health center on campus which will take care of routine health problems. In more serious cases, local doctors can be used. If a student needs hospitalization, a local hospital will be used. The health insurance covers all these types of care, although co payments may be required. If a student needs to see a dentist, a local dentist will be recommended, but the SUNY health insurance does not include dental benefits.

Q. What kind of immunizations must I have to enter the United States?

A. You must show proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (commonly referred to as an MMR vaccination). A combination of one measles and one combined MMR OR two measles and one mumps and one rubella immunization will fulfill this requirement. NOTE: both sets of the MMR immunizations must have occurred after your first birthday.  If you arrive and your immunizations are NOT up to date, you will be asked to take the required immunizations at our health center BEFORE you can start classes, or continue in the program.  SUNY New Paltz also requires COVID vaccination by a WHO recognized vaccine to attend classes in person.

Q. Will there be an orientation to SUNY New Paltz after I arrive?

A. Yes, you will arrive several days before classes start so that you can receive an orientation which will help you to deal with emergencies, learn the location of various offices across campus, resources in town, J1 visa rights and responsibilities, as well as learn about the college facilities.
                                                              

Q. Can I have a roommate during the program?

A. We make recommendations for safe, secure, clean and affordable housing in New Paltz and in New York City. We have worked with many of these housing providers for years and can help facilitate an IIB roommate for you if you desire.  A double room (2 students) will be less costly than a single (one student) room in both locations.  Contact the IIB program before securing housing if you would like to be considered for a roommate.  We will do what we can to accommodate all requests, but understand that sometimes we are unable to accommodate if there are an odd number of students, etc.
                                 

Q. What are the deadlines for applying?

A. The deadline for the fall semester is April 15, and the deadline for the spring semester is October 15.  However, contact us if you have any questions.  We can review applications for future enrollments, and in some cases, review them after a deadline, or in advance of an application window opening.

Q. What kind of local transportation is available?

A. Most of your needs will be met on campus or within walking distance of campus. There is a local shuttle that is free to students that can take you to most destinations in town.  If you want to travel to New York City, frequent bus service from New Paltz is available. Round-trip bus fare to New York City is $30 - $40.

Q. Can I exchange money in New Paltz?

A. There is no ability to exchange foreign currency for dollars in New Paltz, so you should plan on using a bank card for US funds, or for withdrawing US funds from your accounts at most automatic teller machines.  You can use bank cards almost anywhere while you are in the United States, as well as most credit cards.

Q. How much will books cost, and where will I buy them?

A. All the textbooks and other materials you may need are available in the college bookstore. Textbooks are very expensive here in the USA. You may need as much as $200 for one textbook. Some students agree to share books, while other buy used books, and others rent digital versions from the publisher online.  It is sometimes possible to sell your text books after you have used them at the campus bookstore, but at a reduced price. 

Q. Should I bring my laptop computer with me?

A. If you have a personal laptop we would advise you bring it as most alumni have told me it is very convenient to have one.  However, you do not have to have a laptop to attend the IIB program.  Computers with internet access are available to students at many places throughout the campus, and in NYC.  While you might benefit from having your own laptop, it is not a requirement.

Q. Will my internship be arranged before I arrive in New Paltz?

A. No.  Internships are usually arranged during the eight weeks that you are studying in New Paltz. This is because most employers require a face-to-face interview with potential interns. Shortly after you arrive, the SUNY New Paltz Career Advising Center will help you with your resume, and you will have an opportunity to have a "mock interview" to help you hone your interviewing skills. Some students will interview with two or even three organizations before they are offered an internship. 

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Q. Can I continue to work in my internship after the program has officially ended?

A. The J-1 Intern work authorization may be extended for up to 12 months.  Speak to the IIB program coordinator if you are interested in extending your internship time.  There are several requirements that must be met before you can extend.  NOTE: When you extend beyond the end of the program, you will be responsible for paying for your NYC housing and all other living expenses, and must demonstrate you have the funds for an extension.  SUNY New Paltz also requires all participants extending to maintain their SUNY International Health Insurance. The fees can all be reviewed before you elect to extend your internship.

Q. Are scholarships available?

A. Unfortunately, scholarships are not available through the IIB. However, many students come on scholarships from the governments of their own countries or are sponsored by their employers.  ITESM has an IIB scholarship available, if you are an ITESM student applying for IIB, contact your campus' international programs office to ask about this.

Q. Where can I find more information about SUNY New Paltz?

A. See this page

HOUSING

Housing in New Paltz

IIB students will be directed to rent a room at an off campus at a local motel.  All students must abide by rules & policies during their stay. 
 
New York City is a large, cosmopolitan and diverse city.  As such, short-term housing tends to be rather expensive.  The IIB program will make recommendations for safe, affordable housing in Manhattan near public transportation.  

VISA INFORMATION

Once you have been accepted to the IIB, in order for us to issue the DS-2019 & DS 7002 we will need the following documents:

• A signed financial support statement if you are being financially supported by someone other than yourself such as a parent, employer, or any other type of sponsor. This statement says that this sponsor is willing and able to support you for the duration of your stay. (#9. on the application form below provides such a statement and a place for your sponsor's signature.)
•  A bank statement from your bank (or your sponsor's bank if being sponsored) verifying that you (or your sponsor) has access to at least $21,000 USD. This amount includes the program fee of $11,500, estimated housing, meals, personal expenses, the cost of textbooks (which may cost over $350), and emergency funds (which we hope you will not have to use).