Student Placements

Student
Placements

Discover, Learn, Grow

USA NCAA Division 1
Volunteer Placements

We collaborate closely with various partners worldwide to offer unique Strength and Conditioning (S&C) placement opportunities. These include volunteer roles in S&C/Sports Performance departments, comprehensive internships, and study abroad exchanges.

Our flagship volunteer program specifically targets university degree students and recent graduates, linking them with NCAA Division 1 Sports Performance/S&C departments. In our fifth year of operation, we've partnered with some of the most prestigious universities in the USA, creating opportunities for overseas students and graduates in some of the top sports performance environments globally. These settings boast state-of-the-art facilities, elite coaches, and athletes, providing a rare glimpse into the collegiate sports performance landscape.

Participants in our volunteer program gain hands-on experience in advanced periodization and programming, enhancing their practical skills. They also become proficient in the integration of cutting-edge technology in sports performance, a critical aspect in today's athletic training and development. Additionally, this experience is a significant addition to a CV, setting participants apart in job interviews, as emphasized by our colleagues and partners. This can we a unique opportunity to open doors to future career opportunities.

Moreover, these placements offer the chance to travel, experience new cultures, and broaden one's global perspective, adding an invaluable dimension to both professional and personal development. This unique blend of professional growth, cultural immersion, and skill acquisition makes our program a standout opportunity in the field of sports performance.

About Volunteer Placements

IUSCA Volunteer experiences are unique and rewarding opportunities within the world of sports performance and S&C. These provide the opportunity to volunteer at leading NCAA Division 1 institutions alongside their elite level coaches and athletes, in world-class facilities.

NCAA DIVISION 1 UNIVERSITIES

ENHANCED EMPLOYABILITY

6-12 WEEKS DURATION

EXCITING LOCATIONS such as New York,
California, Colorado, Florida, and many more

HANDS ON EXPERIENCE

OPTION TO COMPLETE LEVEL 4 OR LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATIONS

I really became a better coach, and it was an incredible learning experience. I learnt more in 7 weeks than I have in 4 years of higher education!

Matt, Placement at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Grateful and honored for the opportunity to collaborate with IUSCA providing opportunities for those internationally. We strive to bring in the top talent no matter what part of the globe they are from.

Stephanie Mock, Director of Sports Performance at the University of Pittsburgh

I appreciate the IUSCA for allowing me to go out and complete this volunteer experience at a young age, giving me a big head start when I go back to my degree.

Dhani, Volunteer Placement at the University of Washington

It was the best time in coaching and S&C that I have had in my life. If anybody is thinking about doing it, I would definitely recommend it.

Liam, Volunteer Placement at the University of Washington

Feature
Placement

Sam Thomas, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

University of South Wales
to the University of Colorado, Boulder

7
Weeks

8
Weeks

4,653
Miles

Lifelong
Memories

Sam Thomas, a master's in Advanced Coaching in Strength and Conditioning student from the University of South Wales recently undertook an IUSCA placement at the University of Colorado, Boulder. You can read more about Sam's journey in our Feature Placement article by clicking the link below.

The internship was great, it pushed me outside my comfort zone and I learned so much about the field and myself.

India, Volunteer Placement at the University of Pittsburgh

I have never felt so welcomed in a new workplace before, I was able to soak up so much information and gain a ton of hands on experience. It was the experience of a lifetime.

Imogen, Volunteer Placement at the University of Pittsburgh

Feature
Placement

Imogen Dawson, University of Pittsburgh, USA

University of Kent
to the University of Pittsburgh, PA

7
Weeks

3,761
Miles

Unforgettable
Experiences

Imogen Dawson, a student from the University of Kent, studying for a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, recently undertook an IUSCA placement at the University of Pittsburgh. You can read more about Imogen's journey in our Feature Placement article by clicking the link below.

Recent Placement Partners Include

How to Apply

Selection for our USA Volunteer Placements is highly competitive. Working within an elite NCAA D1 environment requires an excellent work ethic along with foundational knowledge of S&C and coaching principles.

We generally recruit directly through our university network in the UK; initially advertising to the appropriate cohorts of students. Our shortlisting procedure involves:

The submission of a CV and Cover Letter
Recommendation from University Tutor
Video Interview with IUSCA Panel

There my also be a further round of shortlisting involving an interview with the NCAA Host Department.

If you are a current students, please look out for these opportunities being advertised by your course tutor.

If you are a recent graduate, or you are unsure if your university is currently involved with this scheme, please get in touch with us directly.

This has provided an excellent springboard to the students, who have been lucky enough to benefit from these opportunities, providing them with invaluable skills for future roles in the industry.

Jason Lake, Course Leader in BSc S&C at the University of Chichester

Other
Opportunities

Internships

We are able to provide both unpaid and paid internships with our partners around the globe.

Internships offer an excellent way to 'work' within a high performance environment, gaining education and experience, while also opening up possibilities for future employment.

This really helped develop my confidence and coaching skills. You don't get a lot of practical experience like this at university, but this taught me so much.

Bea, placement at Quinnipiac University

Enquire

I have high regard for this association as I think the IUSCA has done a tremendous job trying to link universities and students across the world to drive the performance industry towards new heights.

Rick Franzblau, Director of Sports Performance at Clemson University

Study Abroad

We can facilitate formal study abroad/exchange programs for universities interested in offering credit bearing opportunities for their students.

We have a vast network of university partners in the UK/Europe, USA, and Australia, which enables us to coordinate student exchange programs.

If you are a university interested in how to embed a semester/year abroad for your students, please contact us now.

Enquire

The IUSCA are 2 for 2! Last year Dan crushed the placement, and this year Sam did the same thing! Great program you are running!

Steve Englehart, Director of Sports Performance at the University of Colorado

Funding

Placements can be funded in a variety of ways. Typically this can be through the support of university 'Go Global' grants or similar, individual contributions, or crowd-funding activities.

This year will also see the launch of the Turing Scheme in the UK. This will enable partial funding for many placements that are eligible under:

A university led application (we can provide support for this)

To find out more about the Turing Scheme, please click here, or contact your university to discuss your eligibility.

Enquire