How to Find Internships in Europe

If you know how to find internships in Europe then you will be prepared to network with people from all over the world, immerse yourself in a different culture, and even learn a language. All of the aforementioned skills can make your resume or CV stand out and lead to new professional opportunities.

Ready for an international internship that launches your future?

Additionally, interning abroad may offer an opportunity to develop professional contacts and acquire useful skills in a particular subject or industry. Not to mention, certain internships for Americans in Europe could provide the opportunity to travel and discover new foreign destinations.

There are plenty of reasons why interning abroad is a great idea—and why Europe is the ultimate destination. Here’s how to make it happen.

Are internships paid in Europe?

It’s always important to assess the cost of living and your finances before embarking on a new experience. Many students seeking internships wonder if internships are paid in Europe. Internships can be paid or unpaid in Europe, determined by the company and field.

While some organizations provide a wage or stipend to help with living expenses, others only provide academic credit or other perks. Some traineeships are similar to internships, except they are designed for graduates seeking direct experience in their field. These positions often offer a salary for up to five months.

Even though there are a limited number of paid internship opportunities available throughout Europe, where you choose to complete your internship will have a significant impact. Paid internships are possible in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, whilst unpaid internships are more prevalent in nations like Spain and Portugal.

Therefore, though it’s possible to find paid opportunities, don’t rely on doing an internship in Europe to earn money. Before submitting an application for an internship, look over the salary information if you're unsure whether you'll be paid or not.

READ: Paying for Internships Abroad: Your New How-To Guide

Do I need a visa to intern in Europe?

Depending on the length of the internship and the number of hours of labor per week, the rules for obtaining an internship visa in Europe varies by country. For the vast majority of internships, a short- or long-term visa with work rights is necessary.

For example, France provides long-stay internship visas that enable you to complete an internship there for longer than four months. You’ll need a current passport, an internship agreement, and proof of a home or residency in France in order to get it. You can apply for a temporary internship residency permit when it expires.

Grab your passport and find out if you need a visa for your internship in Europe.

Also, depending on where you want to intern and your nationality, you may need an internship visa in Europe. Different European Union (EU) countries have different visa requirements, but in general, many foreign nationals do not need to obtain a visa when visiting Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, there is a list of countries whose citizens are required to apply for a visitor’s visa during that time frame. It’s also important to keep in mind that foreign nationals must have a valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the duration of their stay.

With that said, non-EU citizens who want to intern beyond the 90-day period are required to obtain a visa before beginning an internship in Europe. This usually includes a process that entails submitting many essential documents demonstrating identity, history, and financial means to cover expenditures during the stay. So before making any trip plans, check the visa requirements for your nationality and the country in which you wish to intern, and allow for up to 12 weeks for processing.

4 other requirements for interning in Europe

European employers and institutions have varied requirements for evaluating candidates for internships, so it’s critical to understand the needs and preferences of the organizations you want to intern with. Nonetheless, keep the following general considerations in mind:

• Student status: As a university student, you will most likely be expected to be enrolled as a full-time student at your home university during the time of your application.
• Language: Throughout Europe, you will find various languages listed as an official language. However, in most cases, English is also listed as an official language. Simply knowing how to speak English will get you by in many places and may be all you need for an internship. Remember that investing time to learn or at least making attempts to communicate with others in their language helps to improve cross-cultural communication. Some internships may also require you to speak another language.
• GPA and experience: While it’s not the only factor taken into account, many European employers and universities will pay attention to an applicant’s GPA or academic performance. Furthermore, some companies may prefer candidates from specific universities or majors. Other aspects such as applicable experience and talents are also considered.
• A creative application: It’s important to be creative with your application. Consider the process a numbers game with many others applying. How will your application stand out?

How to get an internship in Europe

Views like this will become part of your everyday life when you head to Europe for an internship.

Here are some steps you can take to learn how to find internships in Europe:

1. Start the process early

Initiate your search for internships in Europe at least six months before your desired timeframe to begin interning. This will allow you enough time to investigate, apply for, and prepare for your internship abroad. If you start early you will find that there are a ton of internships for Americans in Europe as well as other nationalities.

2. Research and prepare

Start by researching organizations and internship programs in Europe. Look for reputable organizations that align with your interests, skills, and desired time frame to intern.

Once you have selected a country where you would like to intern, begin to prepare by researching the specific requirements, application process, and deadlines for the company you are interested in. You can also attend career fairs or connect with alumni from your school who have interned in Europe.

3. Utilize your network

Don’t underestimate the power of exchanging information and ideas among people in your major or field, including professors. Perhaps they or someone they know has interned in Europe before and can lead you in the right direction on how to proceed.

Use Facebook, LinkedIn, or other networking sites to get in touch with professionals in your field. All of the above may lead to insightful information and contacts that open up the possibility of an internship.

4. Build your CV and cover letter

Throughout Europe, the term CV is essentially a synonym for resume. So, if you're looking for a position in the EU and the description mentions a CV, then realize that it actually refers to a resume.

Customize your CV to the internship for which you are applying. Emphasize relevant experiences, abilities, and coursework that qualify you for the role. Create a convincing cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the industry and why you want to intern with that particular organization.

5. Apply

Your hard work putting together a creative internship application will pay off!

Once you have identified the companies you are interested in, apply for as many internships as you can. Keep track of your applications and deadlines to avoid missing out on any opportunities.

Discover whether or not you will need a visa for the duration of your stay. If applicable, prepare essential documents and apply for your visa as soon as possible.

READ: Internships Abroad: Tips For Your Interview

6. Book your flight

Once you’ve been accepted to intern at said company and you’ve received confirmation of your visa’s approval, if applicable, then you are ready to book your flight. While most turn to the old-reliable Google Flights, a site called Student Universe offers affordable flights at a discounted rate to university students.

7. Be open-minded

Don’t allow rejection to keep you down. All the more reason to revisit steps one and five: Start early and apply to as many opportunities as possible.

A no is not always a permanent no, and it is common for interns at big companies to apply several times before finally receiving the acceptance email they long for. And after agreeing on your internship, be open to learning about a new culture, language, and way of life in Europe. Accept the obstacles that come with living and working overseas, and be open to new experiences.

3 internships in Europe to consider

1. IES Abroad: Study Abroad and Intern

• Highlights: With IES, you could intern part-time as part of a study abroad experience. A part-time internship will provide you with international work experience, increasing your career preparedness and giving you an advantage after graduation. More than half of the semester study abroad programs with IES allow you to substitute one of your electives for a part-time internship! You’ll take courses to help put what you’re learning on the job into context. You can also opt for a full-time internship through IES.
• Location: Spain, Germany, Ireland, England, Italy, France, Austria
• Read IES Abroad reviews

2. CIEE Global Internship in Berlin

• Highlights: As an international intern in Berlin, you’ll have several options to work in a variety of companies in unpaid positions. Your coursework will be complemented by extracurricular excursions and cultural events in and around Berlin that will fully immerse you in the history and culture of the city. English is the language of all internships and students can expect to work 19 to 25 hours per week on their internships, plus an extra one to two hours per week for study.
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Read CIEE reviews

3. Internships in Europe - Amsterdam, London, Berlin, and More

• Highlights: Stage Global offers both paid and unpaid internships. A paid internship will often come with a monthly stipend of between €250 and €650 or housing reimbursement. For up to six months, students, recent graduates, or young professionals who want to obtain more work experience in a certain field may enroll in this internship program. They will help by matching you with a suitable company for your internship, organizing accommodation and travel arrangements, and providing you with helpful advice while living in the city of your choosing!
• Location: England, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain
• Read Stage-Global reviews

Get matched with 5 internship programs in Europe for FREE

Europe is full of possibilities for your international internship!

Once you know how to find internships in Europe, you’re ready to fly toward a transformative experience.

Interning in another country is a significant challenge. It can be frightening, but now that you know how to get an internship in Europe it should help you grow confidence. Pay attention to those who know what they’re doing and always clarify when uncertain. If you follow these steps, you should finish your internship with a lot more information about your industry and organization, and possibly even a permanent offer!