On the shorter Summer and Quarter programs students work a full five day week. The EPA staff keep in touch with both student and supervisor, make site visits and ask the supervisor for a written report at the end of the program. The internship carries half of the semester credits - normally eight out of a total of sixteen. On Summer or Quarter programs six to eight credits are normally awarded for the internship. On semester programs, students take academic courses in addition to the internship.
Students can choose from a number of courses taught by faculty from local universities.
Classes in each subject normally meet once a week and are specially taught for EPA students. Given the nature of the internship program, in particular the timetable involved, it is not possible for students to take regular courses at the local universities, except in Melbourne and Madrid. The approach adopted in all other classes is the same in each program location. Discussion and well-reasoned dispute are encouraged. Sessions are arranged on seminar lines and everyone is expected to complete the reading assignments each week and to contribute to the discussion.