by Interstride
Interning abroad as a college student can be a life-changing experience, both professionally and personally. If this sounds appealing to you, you’ll need to know how to find an internship abroad.
Some students may travel to another country specifically for an internship, while others may participate in a longer study abroad program that includes an internship component. Even if your study abroad program doesn’t include an internship, you may be able to find one independently to make the most out of your time abroad.
Regardless of the path you choose, this article will guide you on where to look for international internships, how to find the best-fit internship for your goals, and how to apply for it. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to find an internship abroad.
Why should you intern abroad?
Interning abroad can truly expand your horizons and offer many benefits. Immersing yourself in a different culture gets you out of your comfort zone, allows you to adapt to new environments, and fosters personal growth and resilience.
Whether you’re working with international teams, navigating language barriers, or exploring new cities, each experience will broaden your worldview and boost your confidence.
Internships abroad can help college students gain invaluable skills, enhance their resumes, enrich their personal lives, and make them overall more competitive candidates in the job market. While interning abroad, you can:
- Hone your communication skills in a cross-cultural setting
- Build your international network
- Gain international references
- Increase your foreign language skills and cultural competence
- Access potential job opportunities at an international scale
Explore the benefits of studying abroad to see if this is the approach you want to take for your international internship.
Types of international internships
In the US, both unpaid and paid internships are common. When interning abroad, however, you’ll likely find that most internships are unpaid. Paid internships are less common in other countries due to student visa regulations.
Nonetheless, many students can earn college credit for their internship, which adds significant value to their academic journey and professional development. There are several different ways to intern abroad as a college student. They are all worth exploring when deciding what international internships you will apply for.
You’ll also need to determine when you will intern abroad. Summer internships abroad are common for college students as they do not have classes in the summer. They usually last 2-3 months. Some internships may also take place during the school year. The duration of the internship will vary depending on the company, internship role, and your academic program.
Interstride tip! Most international internships are unpaid, and if you are earning college credit, you will essentially be paying your university to work. Some universities have internship stipends that you can apply for. Visit your school’s career center to ask about stipends and other possible financial aid opportunities such as scholarships.
Study abroad internships
Some internship opportunities are part of larger study abroad programs. Most programs that include international internships will have a list of possible organizations you can intern with. You will likely be able to receive academic credit for these internships. Internship credit options usually vary by school and program. Talk to your academic advisor or your school’s study abroad advisor for more information.
Internship placement programs
These are internship programs that you pay for. A third-party organization arranges the internship for you and assists you with the visa process to live and intern abroad. Housing may or may not be included for free or for a reduced cost.
Many students choose internship placement programs because they provide guidance during the application phase, help with preparations to travel and live abroad, and offer continued support throughout the internship. Some programs such as ISEP even guarantee placement. Students who want a more independent experience or want to work directly for a local small business may not enjoy an internship placement program as they often place interns with larger companies.
Some popular international internship programs for US college students include:
DIY international internship
Lastly, you can find an internship abroad by applying directly on a company’s website or reaching out to them to express your interest in interning there. These opportunities are typically not affiliated with your study abroad organization or university.
When seeking your own internship, leveraging leads and referrals from your personal network is essential. While this can be time-consuming, it allows you to avoid the additional fees associated with internship placement programs. Additionally, depending on the company you’ll be interning for, you may need to navigate the visa application process independently. In many countries, you will only need a tourist visa for your unpaid internship, while in others, you may need a temporary work visa.
International internships can be found with a variety of organizations, including:
- Non-profit organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Peace Corps
- Governmental agencies, including the European Union (EU), the African Development Bank (ADB), and the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Multinational corporations, such as Apple, Accenture, Kimberly-Clark, Marriott, and FedEx
- Local private companies that are based in the host country
Tips on how to find an internship abroad
Ready to embark on your international adventure? Here are four tips from Interstride’s international education experts to help you land that dream internship abroad.
1. Define your personal and professional goals
Start by reflecting on what you want from your internship abroad. Consider your specific field. Industries vary significantly by country so location matters.
Research companies that pique your interest and check for available internships. Focus on organizations that align with your field, interests, or desired study abroad location. As you think through your options, ask yourself:
- What skills do I want to develop during my internship?
- Would this internship boost my resume?
- Are there particular companies or industries that excite me?
- Which international job markets align with my career goals?
- How does this internship fit into my academic schedule?
- What type of work environment do I thrive in—formal or casual?
- How can this internship enhance my global perspective and cultural understanding?
- Does the company provide a strong network?
- Can the internship open doors for future opportunities at the company?
2. Choose the best geographic location for your internship
Do your homework on the cost of travel, higher education system, and cost of living in each international location you are interested in. Just like in the US, the cost of living, culture, and quality of life can vary significantly within a country, so focus on specific areas or cities where you’d like to work. Here are some questions to reflect on when choosing where to intern abroad:
- What countries or regions am I most interested in?
- Is there a specific language I want to learn?
- How well will I be able to communicate while abroad without being fluent in that language?
- What type of climate and culture do I want to be immersed in?
- What are the visa requirements for interning in the countries I’m interested in?
- What is the job market like in my desired field within those locations?
- Are there networking opportunities or professional organizations I can connect with?
3. Leverage your local and global network
Try to connect with peers or upperclassmen who have lived, studied, or interned in the countries and cities of your interest. Chatting with them about their experiences can provide valuable insights.
Consider joining an alumni association to meet former international interns. These connections can be especially beneficial, as alumni often understand the unique challenges of entering the job market and can offer firsthand experiences and advice. Additionally, alumni can provide valuable references, enhancing your credibility with potential employers.
Your university may also have a mentorship program for undergraduate students. When you join, be sure to look for someone aligned with your career interests and specify that you’re looking for guidance on the process of interning abroad. A good mentor can provide valuable insights and connect you with their professional network, which can significantly enhance your chances of finding internship opportunities
Try the networking tips to land an internship abroad:
- Leverage LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for internship roles and identify fellow students and alumni from your school who have worked in your target cities or organizations. This approach will help you expand your network beyond your immediate location and connect with professionals who can offer valuable insights.
- Attend career fairs that focus on global opportunities: Seek out in-person or virtual career fairs that feature international employers offering internships or jobs abroad. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to engage with global recruiters, ask questions, and build a connection
- Join international organizations: Get involved with international organizations related to your field of interest. They often share job postings and host networking events, giving you additional opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn about potential internships.
Interstride tip!
Follow recruiters in your desired industry on LinkedIn. Recruiters often post about job openings and job search tips. You can also message recruiters directly on LinkedIn to introduce yourself or inquire about specific internship openings.
4. Take advantage of university and third-party resources
Visit your university’s study abroad office to explore international internship programs. Many universities offer the opportunity to earn college credit for these internships, and collaborating with your school can simplify the credit transfer process, as they often have established partnerships with companies and organizations. If you’re currently studying abroad or planning to do so, your program leaders can also serve as valuable resources for finding internship opportunities.
Additionally, consider alumni associations and mentorship programs available through your school or external companies. If you are joining an external organization, make sure to choose only vetted organizations.
Look into external internship placement programs as well. Keep in mind that while these programs may provide visa assistance, they often come at a high cost to students. To find free internships abroad, utilize online job boards, many of which allow you to filter for international opportunities.
Internship job boards that include international internships:
Interstride tip!
Look for local job boards in the location where you are interested in interning to expand your search and find unique opportunities. Many countries have their own free online job boards. For example, you could search for “job boards in Italy”. The websites may be in another language, but most internet browsers have the option to translate the site into English.
How to apply for an international internship
Many international internship applications are completed online. Before you start, tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your international experience and the unique value you bring as a global worker.
You’ll also need a valid passport to travel abroad, and most countries will require a visa and/or work permit to intern legally. Application timelines and visa requirements and processes vary by country, so it’s crucial to research thoroughly before accepting any position. Some permits require a job offer before applying, while others may not. Start the process early to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before your internship abroad.
Find your perfect internship abroad
Make your dreams a reality by finding an internship abroad! The earlier you begin your search, the better your chances of discovering the ideal opportunity that aligns with your career goals. Stay open-minded about potential locations and commit to thorough research and preparation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your network—whether they’re close friends or acquaintances—to conduct informational interviews and seek out potential internship leads. Embrace this exciting chapter, knowing that you’re about to embark on a transformative journey that will enhance both your professional skills and personal growth.
