An externship is method of experienced-based learning that focuses on giving students practical work experience in their concentration. This can take the form of simply pairing up with a mentor on-the-job, shadowing professionals working in their environment, etc.

Typically, an externship runs anywhere from one week to a couple months, and is usually treated as a volunteer, non-credit activity. Oftentimes, these occur during school breaks between classes, as a quick way to learn more about a profession prior to returning to class. Information on externships can usually be had from the career planning departments of schools. Externships are similar to internships in that they prepare students for entering the professional, working environment upon graduating from school.