How is the organization funded?
The Programme is funded by company sponsorships and by intern participation fees.  It is based in the United States.  It receives no outside funding and operates as a not-for-profit organization.

What is the Participation Fee for?
It contributes to work permit expenses, orientation, placement, certificate costs, plus advice and support of staff in New York, London and Bangkok.

How many internship programs does Mountbatten run?
Two.  One in New York City and one in London.  Both last for 12 full months (+4 months with MBA option).  Mountbatten only deals with its own programs - it has no links with other programs of any kind.  Mountbatten does not operate short internships, such as summer internships, or internships suitable for graduation requirements.

Can candidates arrange their own internships?
No.  However, if you feel you have a particularly good case for developing an internship with a company you are appropriately connected with, you should discuss the matter with the Mountbatten staff.  If deemed suitable, our staff will follow-up (on its own terms).  You should be aware that such leads rarely develop into internships.

What are the language requirements?
Our programs are not designed for people who wish to learn English.  Your spoken and written English should already be of a sufficiently high standard to allow you to start work immediately in a London office environment.

What type of internships do you offer?
The following companies currently sponsor or have recently sponsored interns:  Citi Private Bank, BGC International, Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited, Thomas Miller & Co Ltd, and UBS Investment Bank, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Lovells, Deutsche Bank, Clifford Chance LLP, Forrester Research, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Spencer Stuart, London Clubs, American Express, Fragomen LLP, OrderWork and The Blomfield Group.  The companies may vary for the next program.  Most internships are in the professional range of entry-level positions in corporate environments.  Good office skills are required.

What are some of the job titles for these companies?
Our current job titles include:  Sales & Marketing Assistant, Team Administrator, Law Firm Group Assistant, Business Development Assistant, Marketing Intern, Marketing Executive, Assistant Analyst, Testing Analyst, Implementation Coordinator, Administrator Researcher, Human Resources Assistant, Business Analyst, Securities Operations Assistant, Network Manager, Client Services Representative and Office Manager.

Can I pick which companies and job positions I want?
We are constrained by both sides of the matching process.  We will do our best to accommodate your wishes - within these constraints.

How competitive is the application process?
This is difficult to estimate.  The London Programme has grown steadily over the past 8 years.  Our recruiting has evolved from targeting pilot candidates to a more open recruitment.  Consequently the program has become more competitive.  For March 2008 we placed 102 interns.  We hope to place 125-135 in August 2008.

You will be working in a different culture, perhaps outside your familiar comfort zone both personally and professionally.  This may test your patience, your competence or your resolve.  Successful applicants will be those who are flexible, enthusiastic, positive, and have the stamina to succeed in a challenging program.

I have been out of college for several years and have a lot of work experience.  Will this help or hinder me in getting placed with a company?
All companies are different.  Some prefer a person with a lot of experience, others don't.  Most companies do prefer candidates with office work experience.

I have reference letters from past employers and professors.  Do I have to have them fill out your reference sheet?
Yes.  All of your referees must fill out our form.  They are encouraged to include letters, however.

My references were sent before I sent in my papers or finished my application.  Will this be a problem?
No.

Can I get a part-time job to supplement my income?
No, the work permit provided does not allow this; it would be illegal to accept such work.

Is the allowance enough to live on?
Yes, if you budget carefully.  However London is an expensive city to live in.  Transportation to work is typically about GBP £93 a month.  (see Living in London)

Am I responsible for finding my own accommodation?
No.  (see Living in London)

Do I have to interview in person?
Yes.  There are no exceptions.  We normally hold interviews in New York, California, Chicago, Bangkok and other locations as demand necessitates.  The interview lasts about 1 - 2 hours and you will be expected to present yourself professionally.  Applicants must make (and pay for) their own travel and accommodation arrangements for attending interviews.

When do interviews take place?
Interviews are normally held in April/May for internships beginning in August, and in November/December for internships beginning in March.

May I contact some former interns?
Yes - but we ask you to wait until after you have been accepted (but not yet placed) into the program.  Meanwhile, please e-mail or call our office with questions.

What if I only want to work in London and have no interest in following one of the Academic Programs?
You should not apply.  The Mountbatten Internship Programme places great importance on personal growth, international experience, and business education.  The academic programs are part of a structured program that strives to give interns this well rounded experience.

I have student loans.  Can I get them deferred?
We can provide you with a letter stating you are a student.  Sometimes they are deferred, but sometimes they are not.

Is the allowance amount adjustable depending on experience or education?
No.  Companies that sponsor interns do so under the condition that they pay a set fee, regardless of experience, college degree, etc.

Will I need to get health insurance?
See Important Information (INSURANCE section).

Can I stay in the United Kingdom for longer than the year?
No.  The terms and conditions of the visa specifically obligate you to leave the United Kingdom upon the termination of your internship or after 12 months, whichever is the sooner.  You may come for a visit or to study, but not to work.

I have been accepted, what next?
First we use all your information to compile a profile.  We then send your profile (complete with photograph) along with your resume (called a CV in the UK) and personal statement to one or more sponsor companies.  If they want to interview you by phone, we will contact you to set up the date and time and give you information on the potential sponsor.

How can I increase my chances of being placed?
The best way is to be flexible about your job placement.  Many of our positions are entry-level and you may be expected to do routine clerical jobs, such as photocopying, faxing, and filing.  In most cases, however, your position is what you make of it.

I haven't interviewed yet with any companies, should I get discouraged?
Placement can sometimes take a long time and a candidate can sometimes get placed at the last minute.  We do ask companies to pick candidates quickly, but they often take their time or are slowed down by having crucial staff away from the office.  We ask that all those accepted be patient with the process and try not to get discouraged.  If you feel that you cannot wait any longer for a placement, please give us some warning so we can notify companies of your urgency.  You may also withdraw and join up again for the next internship season.

After my interview with a company, how will I know if I was accepted?  Can I contact them directly?
The sponsor company communicates with our London office regarding whom they want to interview and whom they want to accept.  We will then contact you to let you know whether you were accepted or rejected.  While following-up with a company that you have interviewed with would normally be wise, in our program, Mountbatten handles ALL communication with companies.

Can I choose my placement company?
No, but you are invited at the interview to express a preference for a particular area of business if you wish.  Candidates are usually offered to a number of sponsor companies and it is the companies who make the final choice.

Can I reject a placement?
Yes, but if we feel your rejection is unreasonable you may not subsequently be placed and you will not be refunded your Initial Deposit.

I have been placed with a sponsor company, what next?
So far so good - but we still have to get your Work Permit and you will have to obtain Entry Clearance.  You will be getting information in the mail and also via e-mail.

Payment of the rest of the Participation fee is due before you leave for London.  It is crucial that you pay on time.  You will be charged late fees for late payment.  If you have a problem with payment, please call our office to discuss your options.

Can my Work Permit be rejected?
Yes - Since 9/11 and 7/7 there has been a tightening of immigration regulations.  Work Permits UK can refuse a Work Permit if in their sole judgment you are not deemed to have the appropriate relevant academic qualifications OR 12 months previous relevant work experience.  The Programme does its best to match your background to meet the immigration criteria but the process is subject to interpretation by Work Permits.

Can my Entry Clearance be refused?
Yes - but to date (July 2008) this has never happened.

What if my Work Permit is rejected or my Entry Clearance refused?
This would be a government decision outside our control and we would be unable to do anything about it.  Your application would have to be terminated without any liability to the Programme.  Your Participation Fee would be returned in full provided you had not withheld important relevant information that should have been disclosed (such as a criminal record).

Can I now purchase my flight?
Not until your work permit has been approved.  Depending on when you are placed this might be quite close to the scheduled fly date.

What will I need to bring with me to London?
Whatever you would normally need in a new furnished apartment.

How soon after I arrive in London will I begin work?
We would like everyone to arrive on the same day at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport in order for someone to meet you and coordinate transportation to your temporary accommodation.  You will have a few days for orientation and to move into your permanent accommodation (see Living in London).  In order to start your allowance you will need to begin work about a week after your arrival in London.

How much money should I bring?
We recommend you bring at least GBP £1,500 to hold you over until your first paycheck.

How much vacation do I get?
About 20 days as well as 8 or 9 national holidays (called Bank Holidays in the UK).

Can work placements end prematurely?
Contractually, your sponsor can dismiss you with or without cause.  Thus you could be fired for poor performance or laid off in a downsizing.  Equally, at your instance, we can withdraw you from an internship that in our opinion is counterproductive.  But you cannot just quit of your own accord.  Our policy for such issues, on either party's side, is to step in and do what we can to resolve matters.  Sponsored internships are very hard to get and each carries the potential of providing one American after another with a chance to experience a year in London.  In our management and resolution of these cases we have to keep both the interests of the intern and the long term goals of the Programme in mind.  Thus (except in extreme cases) we try to give the sponsor (or the intern as the case may be) a chance to correct or improve matters and we expect the intern to comply with this policy.  That said, we would not wish to keep a sponsor on our books, who in our opinion is unsuitable.

What would happen if I were fired or withdrew with your approval?
If your work placement is terminated either by the sponsor or by Mountbatten (on your behalf), and we are satisfied that you should continue on the Programme (for which we consider your academic work and your general approach to the Programme), we will attempt to place you somewhere else.  This is not always easy and our policy is to give it 3 weeks, during which Mountbatten will continue to pay you, even though your internship is unfunded at that point.  If after that time the Programme wishes to go on trying to place you for another week or two, it may do so but you will no longer be paid until, and unless, you are placed.  If however, at the point of termination we are not satisfied with your performance or attitude to the Programme, we reserve the right to terminate your internship completely and send you home.  That's rare - generally speaking we have a good track record of working things out for compliant interns who are eager to stay.

At the end of the internship, can my sponsor company hire me permanently?
By law you must leave the UK after your internship is completed and you cannot then return to work in the UK under a TWES work permit for two years.  For most trades or professions, there is no way around this, and you should be aware that Mountbatten will always comply fully with the letter and spirit of the law.  Mountbatten sponsors are actively discouraged by the Programme from hiring their interns in the UK.  However, it is perfectly acceptable for your company to hire you permanently at an office in a different country.

After completing my internship, can I return to the UK to visit or study?
You may return to visit as a tourist.  You may also return to study but under different visa arrangements, which you should look into when the time comes.