Internships Abroad

Young professionals looking to advance in their careers can often benefit from international internship opportunities. Working as an intern in another country provides professional skill development in an exciting new environment, often providing one-of-a-kind learning experiences that simply cannot be replicated back home. Finding the right internship requires diligent work and preparation, but a lifetime of rewards awaits, both personally and professionally. Recruiters and employers also often seek candidates who have interned internationally, as it indicates both a dedication to self-improvement and an ability to think outside the box for learning opportunities. A foreign internship will undoubtedly stand out on a CV as well, as something like a summer internship in Italy at Fendi is sure to shine.

• What fields allow people to intern abroad?
• Do I need a college degree to intern abroad?
• Are foreign internships paid?
• Do you work the entire time?
• How long do foreign internships last?
• How do I find internships abroad?
• Will I be learning useful skills or doing menial work?
• Do I need a visa?
• Where will I live?
• How is interning abroad different from volunteering abroad?

What fields allow people to intern abroad?

Internships abroad exist for almost every field you can imagine, plus some you’ve probably never even imagined, such as a dog daycare in Nepal. You’ll find the most choices, however, in the popular fields of business, education, and public health.

Do I need a college degree to intern abroad?

Almost all internships are looking for candidates who are either earning their degrees or have already graduated. Some are geared specifically towards undergraduate students, some are for grad students, and some only want young professionals who have already gained some real-world work experience.

Are foreign internships paid?

Some will pay interns a stipend and cover housing and most daily expenses, while others focus more on providing an on-site workplace education. The focus here is on learning rather than earning.

Do you work the entire time?

You are there to work, but people interning abroad often learn as much from the foreign experience as from the job itself. Your work schedule will likely leave you with time to explore your new temporary home. Some companies and internship organizations organize events and excursions to help foreign interns adapt and learn about the local culture.

How long do foreign internships last?

Many internships last from June to August in order to accommodate the typical college schedule, but there are also semesterly, seasonal, and yearly internships available.

How do I find internships abroad?

There are two main routes for finding a foreign internship, either by applying directly to the company itself, or by using a foreign internship service that will help with placements, accommodations, paperwork, etc. Many of these opportunities do not overlap, so if you have a particular company or field in mind, it is a good idea to research that online in addition to browsing lists of internship postings.

Will I be learning useful skills or doing menial work?

This depends on the program, but most interns do lower-level work that every professional has to do at some point in their careers. You will be learning the ropes and likely be doing a little bit of everything. Exposure to a wide variety of tasks will help you narrow down your focus as you look toward the next steps in your career.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, countries require interns to obtain the proper visa before starting. The company or internship organization should help walk you through the process, but you will likely need a certified translation of certain documents, such as school transcripts, medical records, etc.

Where will I live?

Interns typically stay in group housing or a shared apartment, which may or may not be arranged by the company. If you decide to find your own accommodations, make sure you are clear on common issues like transportation, how to pay utilities and services, etc.

How is interning abroad different from volunteering abroad?

Both can be valuable experiences, but interning is focused on developing real-world professional skills in your specific area of interest. There may be some overlap, but a dedicated internship will emphasize career skill enhancement.