The Office of Engaged Learning provides innovative experiential learning opportunities for a diverse student population through the Internship and Prior Learning Office and the Study Away Program.

Students
Are you looking to gain practical experience in your field? Do you want to experience another culture? Let our OEL staff help you explore your options in the areas of study away, internships, projects, prior learning assessment, and service-learning opportunities.

Educators
UIS faculty and departments may request assistance with: developing a national and international travel and educational experience for your students; facilitating visas for international new hires and visiting scholars; coordinate required internships for your program.

Employers
Employers, find interns to work at your organization? Our internship program can assist you in recruiting talented students and facilitating their placement.
Contact Us
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM;
Phone: (217) 206-6640
Email: oel@uis.edu
University of Illinois Springfield
One University Plaza, MS BRK 482
Springfield IL 62703-5407
Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom
Discover how engaged learning experiences help students grow personally and prepare professionally. Get engaged in opportunities where students apply knowledge and skills, experiment in various types of environments, interact with diverse individuals, and reflect upon those experiences. Engaged learning academic courses are paired with work-integrated and community-based global learning experiences offered by Internships and Prior Learning, and Study Away Programs, with the intent to prepare students for professional, public service, and culturally diverse endeavors.
Study Away Program
Live, learn, and thrive by discovering exciting and culturally diverse national and international study away experiences, where students engage in global learning activities. Students discover new interests, learn about various topics and cultures, and develop personal attributes and skills employers seek. Experiences vary in length, location, subject matter, and program structure. Don’t let costs deter you, since they are comparable to studying at UIS and financing is available from scholarships, financial aid, and loans.
Internships and Prior Learning Program
With Internships and Prior Learning, students can move beyond the traditional learning space to engage in career-education experiences. Students explore applied, professional, and career-driven opportunities, such as internships, professional projects, and research projects. These work-integrated learning experiences are designed to expand knowledge, develop skills, and enable students to acquire relevant work experience. Service experiences combine learning and community action goals with enriching reflection opportunities to study social and civic responsibility, develop multicultural understanding, and discover career paths while contributing to the common good. Students can earn credit through prior learning assessment if they demonstrate substantive learning gained from extensive work and training experiences. Potentially, this process can save time toward degree completion and reduce education costs.