Many artists and art students travel abroad to inspire their creativity, expose themselves to different forms of art, and study the paintings, architecture, sculpture, and fashion of different countries and cultures. Exploring how to get an art internship can be dreamlike—who wouldn’t want to live and work in the art meccas of Florence, Paris, or Beijing?
While life-changing, you’ll want to carefully consider how to make your dream a reality, taking into account finances, duration, and other details of your internship. If an art internship abroad is your objective, don’t give up! There are incredible destinations around the world with a wide variety of art internships available, whatever your genre, schedule, and budget.
Are art internships paid?
Whether you go for a paid or unpaid internship, you’re sure to have an inspiring time abroad.
Aspiring artists should consider the cost of international art internships. There are paid art internships available, but many positions are filled quickly and you may face fierce competition for those most sought after (or those with the best pay). Doing your research via listing sites and job boards and trying not to narrow your search will help you find the best paid art internships around the world.
If you have a budget and are in it for the experience an internship will provide, you may be able to find opportunities that will provide accommodation in lieu of a stipend. When budgeting, consider the cost of living in the country you’ll be interning in, the cost of travel to and from your destination, and the cost of materials if you intend to continue your own art while participating in your program.
How to find art and fine art internships
When researching how to get an art internship, you’ll want to take your time and take notes! Follow these steps to find the best art internships based on your skill set, needs, and future goals:
1. Decide when and where to go
You may have only a short period of time for an internship, or you may have a full semester or year. Work with your current school or advisor to determine how much time you can take and if you’ll receive credit(s) while away, and use that information to see what locations may best fit that timeframe. If you already have ideas about where you want to go, research what the best times to be there are (for example, Australian summer starts in December).
2. Choose a program after inquiring at your university
Determining the best art internship for you will most likely depend on what you hope to gain from your time abroad. Getting hands-on experience in a certain field of art, like graphic design or conservation, goes a long way in securing a future job and can also give you clarity as to what you can expect by focusing on it as a career path.
Internships are also an opportunity to learn something new that may not be your primary focus now, but could come in handy in the future (for example, working in the communications department at an art museum).
Pro-tip: Your college may have internships available at sister universities around the world and applying through them may make the process easier, so make sure to inquire while also checking other internship search sites, like GoAbroad.com.
3. Make sure you meet requirements
Make sure you meet program requirements so you can learn about the art world.
After selecting your top one to two programs, ensure you are eligible and would make a competitive applicant. Eligibility factors could include age, citizenship, and time available but could also relate to your prior art experience, degrees, and schooling.
You may need to submit a portfolio of work, letters of recommendation, and reference information. There most likely will be an interview process that you can prepare for by learning more about the organization or program that will host you.
4. Apply for programs
Gather any necessary materials you will need for your application and check out the program’s website and other materials if available. You’ll want to put your best foot forward!
After gathering the necessary materials, submit your application! If you’re concerned about not getting into a program, have a backup plan—apply for your top choices so you’ll still have options if you don’t get your first choice. Make sure to apply by any deadline provided and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed!
5. Apply for a visa if necessary
You’ll also want to make sure you have the time and ability to apply for any necessary travel documents, like a passport and visa. Depending on where you’re traveling and for how long, a tourist, student, or work visa may be required.
Allow yourself plenty of time to secure permission to enter the country your internship is based in. You may need to apply after receiving confirmation you’ve been accepted to your art internship, and your program may provide visa/travel assistance.
6. Create a budget
Thinking about how to get an art internship can be exciting, but don’t lose sight of the financial burden that may come along with it. If your internship will be unpaid, will you have enough savings to cover expenses? Will your program provide room and board?
If you’re traveling to a dream destination, you’ll want money for weekend trips, transportation, and souvenirs. If you stick to your budget, spend smartly, and live like a local, your art internship will be memorable without breaking the bank.
7. Book your travel and pack your bags
You’ll find inspiration in your surroundings—but first, you have to pack!
Plan your travel in advance of the start of your internship. You’ll want time to acclimate to the new time, culture, and language, find your way around, and be on time on your first day!
While you may need return information for your visa, it could be worthwhile to wait to purchase your return ticket if you don’t. Perhaps you decide to travel after your internship, stay for an extended period of time, or find a better way home after such a life-changing experience.
Pack your bags for the climate, type of internship program you’ve accepted, and culture of the country you’re visiting. Get ready to start an incredible journey!
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How much do art internships typically cost?
For an art internship, you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,000 per month. However, this number can vary widely depending on your destination. Below, we’ve broken down the overall cost into major budget factors and how much you can expect to spend on things like housing, transportation, and food.
If after thinking about how to get an art internship you find yourself concerned about the cost, consider your options. There are a range of destinations and internships to choose from, so when perusing, pay attention to the primary factors that will influence your budget. Here are some estimates based on three month programs:
- Housing: Some, but not all, internship programs abroad provide housing, so you should be prepared to find your own accommodation. Prepare to spend around $3,000 on a three-month program, especially if in a city, although this could be less if you share housing or live in an area with lower rent. If the program fee includes housing, make sure to see if this aligns with typical rent in the area.
- Transportation: While you could pay upwards of $700 on a flight to your internship destination, you also need to take into account transportation in the country. Public transportation could cost up to $1,000 during your time abroad. Make sure to account for any baggage fees, moving expenses, etc.
- Food: Save some money by cooking at home! Eating out in most locations could drastically impact your budget. If you shop locally and avoid expensive areas, a budget of $1,500 should see you through the end of your three-month program.
Keep in mind there are other costs associated with internships abroad. You may need to enroll in school to qualify for an internship, pay for utilities as part of your housing agreement, and purchase new clothes or materials for your job.
3 art internships to consider
Once you know how to get an art internship, you’re ready for a life-changing experience.
It’s a wide, wide world and it’s full of art internships for you to explore! Here are three options that may be a great fit for you:
1. Visual Arts Internships in Argentina
- Why? Bright and busy Buenos Aires is the perfect space to meet some of the most creative artists and designers in the world. Practice your Spanish while gaining experience in the visual arts through World Endeavors! Collaborate with other artists, share ideas, and show your work in workshops and exhibitions. Plus, you’ll get to see more of the country on weekend sojourns with other interns and locals.
- Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Read World Endeavors Reviews
2. Arts and Culture Internship (Art Gallery)
- Why? Choose from a variety of locations to work in a leading art gallery with the Institute for Global Studies. Duties could include setting up the gallery, promoting gallery events on social media, and marketing. You could also do public relations work, sharing your love of art with the public! Gain real life experience that will look impressive on your resume while being immersed in a new culture.
- Where? Multiple locations
- Read Institute for Global Studies reviews
3. Film, Photography, and Art Internships
- Why? Travel to artistic hubs like Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, Shanghai, or Sydney with the Connect-123 internship program! Learn from experts in the fields of film, photography, and art and expand your global network. Can you see yourself working on a documentary, editing a movie trailer, interning at a broadcasting company, or learning from master conservationists and curators at a world-renowned museum? This could be the perfect opportunity for you!
- Where? Multiple locations
- Read Connect-123 Internship Programs reviews
Explore ALL art internships abroad on GoAbroad
An art internship can help provide the focus and clarity you might need!
While it’s important to keep budget, timing, and other factors in mind when learning how to get an art internship, discovering more about yourself, the world, and your field of study is an invaluable experience that will impact you for the rest of your life. An art internship abroad will broaden your horizons, expose you to new forms of art, and introduce you to a global network of artists and other professionals. There is nothing like travel to inspire your art—your internship is just the beginning.
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