How to find internships in Europe
Traipsing about Europe may seem like a cliché way to travel abroad and get your fill of vitamin C (for culture, of course). But, instead of strapping on your backpack and partying studying your way from country to country, break out of the mainstream and intern abroad in Europe! Interning in Europe is a meaningful experience that provides you with important things to do, places to go, and people to see, while leaving you with something much more significant than passport stamps and Instagram likes.
So, instead of aimlessly floating down the lazy river transporting you from college life to adulting, check out our roundup of top internships, broken down by region, but also including summer and paid internships in Europe:
Internships in Western Europe
1. Cultivate agriculture skills in Edinburgh with Adelante Abroad
The surreal natural landscapes formed 10,000 years ago will keep interns interested in agriculture memorized by the deep lochs and rugged coastal areas of Scotland. With more sheep than people, interns will find good opportunities to intern in agriculture in Edinburgh.
Pros: You will get to work outside, on a beautiful summer day, every day.
Cons: Manual labor is hard, full-time, and full on, but incredibly satisfying. Working overtime is the norm, but you will gain new muscles you didn’t even know you had and you won’t need to count sheep to help you sleep at the end of the day.
[Browse all agriculture internships in the Scotland]
2. Get down to business in Madrid with The Intern Group
The city moves fast and your career is about to keep up.
Gain highly sought after work experience in one the world's business powerhouses. Choose from a range of top companies and organizations for your internship in Madrid, all of which will help boost your professional development in your specific area of interest.
Pros: Improve your Spanish language skills while boosting your career prospects AND enjoying Spanish cuisine daily. You'll be able to take advantage of Madrileños lifestyle motto, which is "work hard and play harder."
Cons: If you don't know Spanish at all, you may struggle a bit to immerse in the local culture and work environment.
[Browse all business internships in Spain]
3. Make strides in your field of choice in Barcelona with CISabroad
Recreate all your favorite Cheetah Girls 2 moments in Barcelona.
Innovation is the name of the game in Barcelona. As one of the biggest and best tech hubs to find internships in Europe, you might consider a meaningful tech work placement, which will provide you with more than just a new bullet point on your resume. Or maybe you want to score that Finance internship—or intern anywhere so long as you can use your super-advanced-and-workplace-friendly Spanish skills...
Pros: Barcelona is known for it’s sunny climate, world-class beaches, and vibrant social scene. Interning here will allow you to enjoy a lifestyle few cities in the world can match.
Cons: If you took Spanish in high school, you probably know that Spanish in Spain is a little different than what your profesor was teaching. The Barcelona dialect and accent might throw you at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
[Browse all internships in Spain]
Internships in Eastern Europe
4. Build a better world from Bulgaria with Isla Internships Abroad
Centuries of history in the hills — your internship backdrop hits different.
Bulgaria is a hidden gem where you can contribute to high-impact projects away from the crowds of Western Europe. Isla’s "Live, Learn, and Intern" model focuses on community-led development in fields like human rights and sustainability.
Pros: Isla customizes every placement to ensure your work matches your specific career goals and academic background. Bulgaria’s low cost of living also means your budget stretches much further for weekend travel to the Black Sea.
Cons: Grassroots work in smaller communities can present a language barrier compared to corporate city offices. Navigating Eastern European professional norms requires a high level of independence and cultural adaptability.
[Browse internships in Bulgaria]
5. Pre-Med shadowing in Budapest with the Atlantis Project
Even as an unpaid intern, you’ll never go Hungary during an internship in Budapest.
Intensive shadowing for pre-med students in the U.S. is difficult to arrange and simultaneously essential. If med school application due dates are looming, hopping over the pond to shadow doctors during internships in Europe is what will make your application shine.
Pros: Pre-med students need to understand health care in a global context to expand their perspective as a physician. This internship runs during university breaks, so pre-med students can this global experience without missing a beat and kill two birds with one stone.
Cons: Taking the road less-traveled is no easy feat, and interning in Hungary is definitely a road less traveled. But, at the end of the day, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
[Browse internships in Hungary]
6. Save the dolphins in Funtana with GoEco
Diving off a boat into the Adriatic Sea
Work closely with bottlenose dolphins in effort to help conserve the declining species. Interns will not only gain extensive knowledge on the species, but also participate in conducting research, observations, and data analysis, as well as educating locals on the dolphins and their role in the marine ecosystem.
Pros: Live and work on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Go ahead and Google image search “Funtana.” You’re welcome.
Cons: While it would be great if your internship could seamlessly turn into the fabulous expat life abroad, it’s more than likely that you’ll have to return home at some point.
[Browse all marine biology internships in Croatia]
Internships in Northern Europe
7. Master Your Craft in London with Artbound Initiative
Pick up some sick slang and a taste for beans on toast during an internship in London.
London isn't just a city; it's a global stage for the creative industries, and Artbound Initiative is your ticket to the front row. Their creative internships plug you directly into high-end studios and agencies across design, fashion, film, and fine arts in the UK’s bustling capital.
Pros: Artbound offers a "guaranteed placement" model with personalized coaching to help you land a role that actually fits your portfolio and artistic voice. Their extensive global network also provides lifelong access to an elite community of creative professionals and exclusive industry events.
Cons: The creative world in London is notoriously fast-paced, so you’ll need to be ready to hit the ground running from day one. Additionally, the cost of living in London can be high, requiring some savvy budgeting to enjoy the city’s endless galleries and theaters.
[Browse all fine arts internships in England]
8. Hit a High Note in Vienna with IES Abroad
The whole city is your concert hall — even the commute slaps.
Vienna is the undisputed world capital of classical music, making it the ultimate classroom for any serious musician. This program immerses you in the city’s rich heritage, offering performance-based curriculum alongside world-class faculty and local maestros.
Pros: You get unparalleled access to private instruction and practice facilities in a city where music literally breathes through the streets. The program also facilitates tickets to the State Opera and legendary concert halls, ensuring your education continues long after the bells ring.
Cons: The academic and performance standards are exceptionally high, so be prepared for a rigorous schedule that demands peak discipline. While the city is beautiful, the formal and traditional music culture can feel a bit more conservative compared to more modern, experimental hubs.
[Browse internships in Austria]
Paid internships in Europe
9. Secure the Bag in London with Capital Placement
London locals bring the energy and your résumé is about to match it.
If the "starving artist" or "unpaid intern" trope isn't for you, London’s financial and tech hubs are calling. Capital Placement specializes in high-quality paid internships, ensuring you gain elite professional experience in the UK while keeping your bank account in the green.
Pros: Their "paid" model is a massive win for students looking to offset the higher costs of living in a world-class city like London. They offer robust support, including visa assistance and professional development workshops, to help you navigate the competitive British job market.
Cons: Because these roles are paid, the application process is significantly more competitive and rigorous than standard volunteer or unpaid programs. You’ll need to be prepared for a fast-paced corporate environment that demands a high level of professional maturity and "hustle."
[Browse internships in London]
10. Be awed by architecture in Prague with World Endeavors
It’s Prague. C’mon. What more do you need us to say?
Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and picturesque setting, Prague has become a top destination for interns with an eye for design. Interns in Prague will have the opportunity to be dazzled by this enchanting city while gaining hands-on experience in the field of architecture.
Pros: The buildings may be old, but they are filled with new life. Prague knows how to have a good time and will keep you well entertained when you’re not working.
Cons: Prague thrives on a great deal of tourism, which unfortunately breeds a lot of petty theft. Just remember to pack your common sense and all will be well.
[Browse all architecture internships in Czech Republic]
11. Live the Luxury Life in Greece with SWS Group
Your days off look like everyone else's dream vacation.
Trade the traditional office for the turquoise waters of the Aegean with a high-end hospitality internship. SWS Group places you in luxury 4 and 5-star hotels across Greece, offering a masterclass in Mediterranean tourism and elite guest services.
Pros: These are fully paid internships that include free housing and meals, allowing you to save your stipend while living in one of the world's top vacation destinations. It’s a fantastic way to gain professional hospitality experience while spending your days off exploring ancient ruins or island hopping.
Cons: The tourism season is incredibly busy, so be prepared for high-pressure shifts and long hours during the peak summer months. You’ll need to maintain a "flawless" professional demeanor at all times to meet the exacting standards of luxury hotel clientele.
[Browse all hospitality internships in the US]
Summer internships in Europe
12. Stockholm Synergies with Beyond Academy
You’ll never want to leave Stockholm.
Skip the meatballs and dive straight into the "Silicon Valley of Europe" with an internship in Sweden’s innovative capital. Learning Beyond Academy connects you with Stockholm’s cutting-edge startups and established firms, focusing on sustainability, tech, and creative industries.
Pros: Stockholm is a global leader in work-life balance and flat hierarchies, meaning you’ll likely have a seat at the table and your ideas heard regardless of your intern status. The program emphasizes professional mentorship, helping you navigate the sophisticated Swedish professional landscape with ease.
Cons: While the quality of life is incredibly high, Sweden can be notoriously expensive, especially when it comes to dining out and socializing. You’ll also need to be prepared for the seasonal darkness if you choose a winter placement, though the cozy "fika" culture helps bridge the gap.
[Browse all internships in the Sweden]
13. Gain the artist’s eye in Rome with IES Abroad
This is what dreams are made of in Rome.
Italy is believed to behold about 70 percent of the world’s recognized art, making it a prime location for interns to gain international experience in the home of Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Art interns will assist with exhibitions and press releases, or lead museum tours in one of the many museums located in and around Rome.
Pros: Fulfill your dreams of driving to work on a Vespa and eating a lifetime’s supply of handmade noodles lathered with Nonna’s love-infused tomato sauce. You will be living la dolce vita as you live and work in Rome as an intern in Europe.
Cons: Italians don’t have the greatest reputation for their fluency in other languages. If you really want to commit to Italian immersion, pick up as much of the language as you can before starting your internship in Europe.
[Browse all art internships in the Italy]
Finding internships in Europe will be 100% worth it—trust us!
There are a million reasons why interning in Europe is an incredible opportunity with boundless benefits, but perhaps the most profound is that it will introduce you to the importance of the career you’re pursuing. Seeing the significance of your possible career abroad firsthand, in a different realm and from a new perspective, will undoubtedly make you even more passionate about your future.
When it’s all said and done, and your resume sparkles with international street cred, you will be able to walk out of your first job interview donning a John Hughes fist pump of victory all because of your internship in Europe.
Now is the time to find a program that matches your career goals and truly enjoy the benefits of an internship in Europe. Before you ride off into the sunset, be sure to read reviews, reach out to program alumni, and save and really do your research to find the best fit for you.
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Kendall Dick
GoAbroad Contributor
Kendall is a travel junkie, sustainability activist, nutrition guru, personal chef, writer, and missionary. She studied nutrition communication at Arizona State University and is currently living in Michigan. Kendall has traveled to Australia, Europe, and Africa.
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