US Citizen Student Internship in Quebec

I am currently in the process of finding the best option for my time working/staying in Quebec City for a student internship.

I am a US Citizen and full time student at a University in the US. I have a paid internship offer that I independently found through connections with a director. A few factors that make this a special circumstance:

• It is very short term, 8 weeks over the summer 2026.
• It was not found or affiliated with my university but does strongly correlate with my studies. I believe my university could still provide support though.

What may my best option be? I know many may say IEC but this is highly competitive and costly from my research. Going through an RO for my short position sounds like a hassle. From my understanding, IEC is also for internships or work longer term (12-24 months). Therefore, I don't think IEC is the proper route.

Am I eligible for LMIA-Exempt Work Permit or is something else required to allow me to stay and work for these eight weeks? Help please! I have been researching for what feels like forever.