How to Intern Abroad in Ireland

A Guide To Interning In Ireland

Ireland is one of the few countries where preconceived stereotypes actually make an internship experience better. The locals are overtly welcoming and friendly; the grass does grow greener in the gardens, and most offices do wash down the business day with a pint at the neighborhood pub. The country termed the “Celtic Tiger” might have slowed down a few years ago, but this proud country is still roaring and an ideal location an internship abroad.

Grafton Street, Dublin. Grafton Street, Dublin. Photo Courtesy of Lucy Remitz

Considered to have one of the highest standards of living in Europe, Ireland remains at the forefront of health, education, business development, and international aid. Also an ongoing leader in fashion, music, and arts, Ireland defies rumors that the financial downturn has ruined the place. As most natives will tell you, “If we could fight the British for 800 years…” Which means it will take more than a depression to tame Erie’s rebel spirit.  

So pack up all your commonly-held ideas of The Emerald Isle, and prepare to learn just how right – and wrong – they are.  

Internship Locations In Ireland

Of Ireland’s four main industrial and commercial centers, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, Dublin is the capital and largest city, with over 1.2 million people. In professional field placements, interns can expect to find positions at international and national businesses in Dublin, or one of the smaller cities.

Opportunities to intern in environmental conservation, education and healthcare are also available in smaller, regional villages and towns. The differences between placements are varied. Dublin is a massive metropolis and its residents consider themselves far removed from the back-country “cuds” (middle of nowhere) that is rural Ireland; farmers and small-town residents, in turn, consider themselves a world more grounded than their posh, big-city cousins.

Internship Placements

Due to Ireland’s economic re-growth, some of the most popular internship placements are in the fields of advertising and marketing, public health, and education. There are well-respected placements for primary (elementary) school teachers, as well as opportunities to work in higher-level education. Many interns find positions as nurses and nurses’ aids in hospitals and clinics.

Interns looking for further experience in marketing and advertising may be placed in a wide variety of positions, from an international ad agency, to a local music studio or national art gallery. Most internships through placement agencies are designed to combine with college credit if the intern desires.

The costs of an Irish internship vary between placement agencies; note that if you are paying for an internship, it is likely an unpaid position without weekly wages. However, most agencies will use your initial fees to arrange housing and transportation during your time working in Ireland. In previous years, internships potentially led to long-term job placement. Unfortunately, this is a trend that has slowed down with the economy. Interns interested in transitioning to a full-time position should clarify these concerns with their employer.

Internship Atmosphere

No one should accuse the Irish of being lazy – that’s one incorrect label noticed immediately! But, while a typical working day is full from start to finish, the Irish business environment is more flexible and casual than that of other countries. A typical shift might not run from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and will require more breaks (typically for a cup of tea or a cigarette) than interns are accustomed to. It is not unusual for the whole office to share a beer or two when the work day finishes. A strong work ethic is appreciated just as much as a positive, jovial attitude.

Preparations  

Prior to the economic downturn, Ireland was a fairly easy country to enter for short-term work and internship placements. But, with the weakened economy and the European Union policy of open borders (this allows any resident of the EU to live and work in another EU country), Ireland has more immigrants and natives looking for work than it has jobs available. This has increased tension between cultures, and means you should be prepared with the proper visas and paperwork before landing.  

These will typically be arranged through your internship placement. International health insurance is not necessary, as Ireland supports a socialized public healthcare system; however, private insurance may ensure better care in case of injury or illness.

About the Author
Kelli Mutchler

Kelli Mutchler left a small, Midwestern American town to prove that Yanks can, and do, chose alternative lifestyles. On the road for six years now, Kelli has tried news reporting and waitressing, bungee jumping, and English teaching. After working with Burmese female refugees in Thailand, she decided to pursue a MA in Global Development and is, naturally, getting distracted along the road. Opportunities and scenes for international travel are encouraged on Kelli’s blog.