Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the expected salary for a summer co-op internship at Volvo, particularly from the perspective of an applicant from Eastern Europe. Participants explore the financial implications of traveling to the USA for the internship, including potential costs and the viability of living on the expected pay.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses surprise at receiving an internship offer from Volvo and questions the expected pay and whether it would be sufficient to cover living expenses in the USA for three months.
- Another participant shares personal experience from 20 years ago, noting a wide variation in pay among interns, with some earning $10 an hour and others $25, and mentions that some internships included housing.
- A different participant expresses uncertainty about the feasibility of accepting the internship and raises concerns about the employment of foreigners in the US, questioning the profitability for companies to hire outsiders.
- One participant points out that many summer internships in the US are unpaid and advises directly asking Volvo about reimbursement.
- Another suggests that even if the internship is unpaid, it could still be valuable for future opportunities and encourages negotiation regarding pay.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the expected salary or the feasibility of the internship for the applicant. Multiple competing views regarding the nature of internships and their compensation exist.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the variability of internship compensation, the potential for unpaid positions, and the applicant's specific situation regarding travel and living expenses.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals considering internships in the US, particularly international applicants, and those interested in the financial aspects of summer co-op positions.