Launched in 2008, AKU’s International Internship Programme (AKU-IIP) provides undergraduate, graduate, and freshly graduated students with opportunities to engage in international experiences through on-site internship placements in countries where AKDN has a presence. The focus remains on quality, and skills-based experiences, that ensure interns develop strong cross-cultural competencies, communications and critical thinking skills, ethical frameworks, and leadership development.​

AKU-IIP works closely with programme mentors, the local community, University partners, and interns. A key strategy for sustaining results is the participatory and inclusive approach of the programme through strong internship planning, implementation, and ongoing development.