Agriculture Internships Abroad

Had a great time with Beyond Academy in Tokyo. Every week they'd have events were you could meet the coordinators and other interns. I got set up with my own room in share house with a very good location. Definitely met a lot of nice people and had a bunch of cool experiences. I would recommended Beyond if you're looking to go to Tokyo!

I am so grateful to have gone to Spain with Isla last summer. Malaga is a beautiful and fun city where I made many international friends and got to experience the amazing Spanish culture. My internship wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but Isla worked with me to set up new opportunities to ensure I was getting a lot out of my experience. I met so many wonderful people on my trip and had so much fun.

I enjoyed working in collaboration with ISLA this past summer and my subsequent internship with PROAMB in Malaga. The ISLA staff is very supportive and attentive to your needs, and Malaga is a vibrant young city with lots to offer! PROAMB was a small sustainability consultancy, whose campaugn this summer requirede the work of myself and a team to travel to towns all over the province of Malaga and work with local communities (stakeholders, businesses, local governements, etc.) to improve their circular economies. The team was truly accommodating, and my housing was in the university neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants. Overall, a very positive experience.

Originally, I had a placement that wasn’t a great fit and Isla was so quick to place me somewhere better for my needs! I was able to help out in a Michelin-star restaurant to make a sustainability plan for them to receive a Michelin green star!

Don't get me wrong, my first week in Shanghai was really tough. It happened to stand in a supermarket and try to understand something basic. It is precisely this kind of challenges that I have chosen, and GAC provided me with a good support system for that. My placement was in a business consultancy, and my team members were pretty tolerant to me. They did not ignore me; they were taking things slowly in the meetings, tried to explain everything to me, and invited me to lunch even though I hardly knew how to speak Chinese. The tasks I had to complete were real. By week three, I became an active participant of client presentations and conducted market research for European brands entering the Asian market. And here I must say that the GAC took care of all those issues which I would have been worrying about otherwise – my visa, accommodation, transportation from the airport, etc. Those three months changed my understanding of my capabilities entirely. Not only I have gained some experience, but also have changed the way I look at life now. So, if you have any doubts, just go for it!

I had such a wonderful time studying abroad and grew immensely through the experience. Living with a host family and pursuing an internship allowed me fully immerse myself in a new community and the intercultural citizenship education I did throughout the experience helped me understand and appreciate both a new culture and my own back home through a new perspective.

I had the most amazing time ever in Europe in general. I was able to explore most of the Malaga region in Spain. Met new people got to travel and shop. I was able to scratch of 3 countries that I wanted to go to Spain, Portugal and France

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in the fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity to lead tours for international visitors to the farm, go truffle hunting with some adorable puppies, and prepare and eat 4-course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS, compared to other abroad opportunities, is that it is supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist, I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although studying abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting, it taught me to find comfort in uncomfortable situations; a lesson that has stayed with me long after my study abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS, I explored a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Italian countryside, its unique cultural heritage, and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a lifelong learner and global citizen.

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in Fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity of leading tours for international visitors to the farm, truffle hunting with some adorable puppies and preparing and eating 4 course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS as opposed to other abroad opportunities is that it provided a fully culturally immersive experience, that was supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although study abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting it provided me the confidence to seek discomfort long as as a form of growth long after my semester abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS i was able to explore a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the italian countryside, it’s unique cultural heritage and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy including Rome, Florence and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my prior notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a life-long learner and global citizen.

Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and participating in the internship program was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I had the incredible opportunity to work at a medical negligence and personal injury law firm, where I gained valuable professional experience and developed a better understanding of the legal field. The placement exceeded my expectations, and I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Everyone was welcoming, supportive, and willing to help me learn, which made me feel comfortable and included from the very beginning. One of the aspects I appreciated most was how structured and organized the entire program was. From the initial preparation to the internship placement and support throughout the experience, everything was thoughtfully planned. The program provided clear expectations, consistent communication, and guidance whenever needed, which made the transition to living and working in another country so much easier. I always felt supported and knew there were resources available if I needed assistance. Beyond the professional opportunities, living in Dublin allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, meet amazing people, explore Ireland, and step outside of my comfort zone. This experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, while giving me memories and connections that I will carry with me for years to come. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad or completing an international internship. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Over the summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and intern at a tourism company through Bucknell University's College of Management program. I cannot say how much this experience has impacted my life, and as moments pass and the world keeps moving, I will always remember the people I met, the family I found across the sea, and how to live life to the fullest. Mark was an amazing boss, friend, and mentor. He taught me valuable lessons that not only helped me in my job as a marketer, but also gave me lessons I can use throughout life. Going into the internship, I honestly had no idea what the job would mean. After traveling an hour and a half to get there on my first day, I showed up in slacks, a button-up, and a purse, ready to be a business professional. I thought I'd sit behind a desk and curate videos and media. I quickly learned that was not the agenda. Instead, four amazing puppies greeted me at the door. Then I met Mark and Paddy—a 6'7" red-haired Irish man who admittedly scared me a little at first but quickly became one of the funniest people I will always remember. Their kind faces and welcoming community made me feel like I could create my own home here. That first day, we went on a five-mile hike. I was completely underdressed and hadn't worn the right clothes, but I was so excited to start working. Looking at the Irish land and atmosphere made me fully take in nature and the history behind it. After 8 weeks, I never got bored of the view and now fully understand all the Irish jokes along the way. Between balancing my classes and job, sometimes were stressful, but the people I met that I will never forget made it that much worth it. I hope to find myself back in Ireland, where my second home belongs. If you are ever nervous about going somewhere you have never been or starting a new job, take that step, because it might help you build the kind of feeling you've always been searching for. From the memories of fun class excursions through different parts of Ireland to the small fishing port I love so much, I will always carry this experience with me. If you are in Ireland, I would highly, highly recommend visiting Howth, where you will experience more than just an amazing tour; you might just leave with a memory you will never forget. I came to Ireland feeling like I was missing something from my life and came back finding myself and more, so if you want a professional or personal change, I would highly, highly recommend joining Connect-123 for memories that will change your life.

I told Connect-123 I wanted something in finance, and I knew that could be hard to find. They ended up finding me an internship at a venture capital firm in Barcelona. An opportunity like that is so hard to get back home in the U.S., and I got to do it through them. It was exactly what I was looking for. I loved where we lived, too. The neighborhood was great, and they made sure we were close to the metro, which made it easy to get around. The events were honestly one of my favorite parts. They were really well organized, and there was always something going on with the other students. Big shoutout to the coordinators. They were super nice and would message me just to see how things were going. Any time I texted them, they got back to me quickly. I had a couple of things come up while I was there, and they helped me sort them out. It meant a lot knowing I had people I could count on in Barcelona.

I was connected to Isla through my Graduate program to fulfill a requirement for my program and I’m so glad I chose Isa. From the in-country support to the scheduled activities everything was taken care of. You do pay a fee, but that fee covers housing, in-country support, and scheduled activities. I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, navigating the city, or what to do in an emergency because Isla helps you with all of that. As someone who had never traveled alone before it gave me peace of mind knowing there was someone I could call. The internship I got exposed me to a new field I didn’t even know existed, and I completely changed my career path because of Isla. I couldn’t have ever imagined traveling across the world on my own, and with Isla, I didn’t have to.

Working in Kosovo was such an amazing experience that set me up for success in so many ways. I got to meet so many other passionate change makers from across the world and interact directly with new culture. With Kosovo being such a new nation and so many arising issues, my work actually felt meaningful. It felt like I was helping shape Kosovo despite the short time I was there. It was also so cheap and easy to travel to other Balkan countries, so it was a great opportunity to travel to other parts of the world I've never experienced and might not easily experience again. Isla was such a great support the whole time. They found us housing, they helped us take advantage of opportunities, they supported our mental health, they connected us with community-centered groups, and they helped us get groceries.

The most rewarding part of my summer in Kosovo has been the work I’ve done through my internship. This study abroad program stands out at USC as one of the few that offers students in Global Studies and related fields the opportunity to gain real-world experience through an internship. That aspect was a major reason why I was drawn to the program. In this blog, I’ll share about Isla, how I got my internship, what my responsibilities have been this summer, and highlight a few experiences from other Isla interns as well! Isla, USC’s partner organization in Kosovo, helps students from around the world find internships aligned with their academic and professional interests. Through its network of local partner organizations, Isla connects students with organizations that have openings in sectors such as Global Health, Business, Education and more. With the amount of partnerships they have, they truly can find internship positions for students in any field of interest. In my case, I reached out to Isla’s Executive Director, Leila Ali, to express my interest in an internship after securing my place in the Peacebuilding in Kosovo study-abroad program with a USC professor. She provided me with a list of available positions in my field of interest: Democracy and Governance. From there, I scheduled interviews with the organizations that most interested me and began the internship placement process. After receiving a few offers, I was able to choose the position that best suited my goals and Isla then facilitated the next steps by sending me the necessary work contracts. Isla handled all of the daunting logistics for me, like securing housing, arranging airport pickup, and organizing weekend trips. This aspect of studying abroad was what I found most stressful, as navigating these details in a new country with a language barrier seemed very overwhelming. Leila and our Program Coordinator, Dijana, made the entire process so great. They were there for us at any time of day, even checking in with us at 5AM during a weekend trip to make sure we made our bus. Their assistance was so reassuring, both for me and for my family, who appreciated knowing I had such a reliable support system abroad. With their help, I didn’t need to worry about all these details and could just enjoy my time living and working in Kosovo! This summer, I am an intern at an NGO focused on transitional justice and human rights. My work has involved conducting research on strategies to bridge community-based initiatives with formal policy enactment through methods like policy hackathons and the development of grassroots networks. I have also supported the organization’s information management systems by helping create logical frameworks and compile data sets to facilitate reporting to the European Union. As a result, I’ve learned a lot about EU-related processes and documentation. My favorite part of this internship is how much I’ve grown personally and professionally. Technology has always been outside of my comfort zone (my friends call me a grandma when it comes to anything with computers), but I’ve worked hard to overcome my ineptitude. As a result, I’ve gained valuable skills and greater confidence in my ability to adapt to new situations.

What started off as a desire for change turned out to be the most unforgettable time of my life. I sent in an application expecting the usual response delays I had experienced through the many intern abroad programs I had combed through but was happily surprised when Nicole was patient and kind, communicating often how available she was be it through video calls or email to sooth my anxieties. She helped me sort through my options and even when I had settled on an internship in Scotland, she kept searching and found me one most suitable for me: London. I sound like a broken record but it was truly life-changing. I had support throughout; Nicole with her check-ins to make sure I was settling in, my manager Ammu who was my rock and the best boss I have had the pleasure of working with and interns from another program who made my experience what it was. Walking to my train every morning felt purposeful and fun: I felt like a mini adult carving out a life for myself in this big city. I was excited to pop into my local Tesco and learn more about my roommates who invited me out every weekend; from window-shopping in the streets of Westminster to intimate dinners in a Fitzrovia neighborhood. At work, I was challenged! I learned how to interview, I was given responsibility over the intern team (again, the best people) and there wasn't a moment I felt afraid to be inquisitive or express my insecurities about the job. Every week was a new adventure and a new way to grow. I remember our manager had an idea for a viral tiktok and all 8 interns stood outside the work building searching for incoming buses, lingering close to where they'd park with a straight face, then burst into fits of laughter because of how unpredictable our work was! The train rides were honestly one of my highlights. The place I moved into after a month in London was 5 minutes from Canary Wharf so a quick 9 minute walk from my apartment to the train station looked like putting my headphones on while I admired the scenic waters of Canning Town before starting the day. London has an awesome transportation system so if you missed one train, best believe another one was coming a minute or two later (5 at most!). I travelled to Nottingham on the weekend and had a blast, and was surrounded by a great group of people. My landlord was the nicest and so was my housemate from both of my living situations, I had a wonderful time getting to know full-time staff through a get-together my manager organized and to this day, most of those people I am still in contact with. Shoutout Tina, Alicia, Stuart, Kate, Krystal, Nicholas, Catherine, Gayathri, Kamini, Shelby, Claire and Nate! Another to Nicole, Ammu, Ben, John and Georgeena for their continued support. I was lucky in that the issues I faced weren't program related, but I'll admit a travel kit of sites to see would have been nice! I was given housing recommendations as well though a person of support to regularly communicate with on residence issues I faced would be of great help as well. If the thought of study/intern abroad even occurs, run with it. The job experience was invaluable, the beautiful cultures I interacted with - from India to USA - have stayed with me and the memories linger in the "I miss you" messages shared amongst the intern group. Living away from home can be daunting, but you won't regret it for a second. I miss it and appreciate the opportunity beyond comprehension.

Some experiences stay with you long after they come to an end, and my time in Bali was definitely one of them. I had the opportunity to spend five weeks in Bali, completing my internship at Made Tea in Ubud, and honestly, it turned out to be so much more than I expected. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Working with Made Tea gave me the opportunity to discover a different professional environment, develop my communication and digital marketing skills, work on creative projects, and gain valuable hands-on experience. I had the chance to create content, work on social media, communicate with potential business partners and contribute to real projects. It was rewarding to see that my ideas and work were genuinely valued. One of the highlights was definitely the people. I am especially grateful to my supervisor, Roni, for her kindness, trust, guidance and patience throughout my internship. Being surrounded by such welcoming people made the experience even more special. And then there was Bali itself! 🌺 Living and working in Ubud allowed me to discover a completely different culture, meet people from different backgrounds, experience the local lifestyle and create memories I will always cherish. Every day brought something new, whether it was discovering beautiful places, trying new food, learning about local traditions or simply enjoying the atmosphere. What I appreciated most was the balance between professional development and personal discovery. I didn’t just gain experience to add to my CV; I also became more independent, confident, adaptable and open-minded. If you are considering an internship abroad, I would genuinely encourage you to take the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You might arrive expecting to gain professional experience, but leave with new skills, wonderful connections and memories that will stay with you forever. Thank you, Made Tea, and Bali, for five unforgettable weeks. A little piece of my heart will always remain in Indonesia. ❤️ Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never fully expect.

Isla really provided everything you could ever need while living and working abroad. They answered all my questions and helped me feel safe. Homesickness was an issue I struggled with, but Isla helped me get through it!

My eight weeks in Prishtina, Kosovo, through ISLA were an experience I will never forget. I arrived excited to gain professional experience and learn about a new culture, but I left with so much more than I expected. During my internship at the Kosovo Women's Network, I had the opportunity to contribute to research and archival projects focused on women's rights, climate policy, and gender equality. I developed valuable skills in research, writing, and archival organization while learning from an organization doing meaningful work to support women across Kosovo. Beyond my internship, what made my experience so special was the opportunity to actually live in Prishtina and become part of everyday life there. From spending afternoons at cafés and exploring the city to cooking with my landlord, Dije, and making llokuma, some of my favorite memories came from the simplest everyday moments. My housemates, friendships, and the people I met along the way made Kosovo feel increasingly like home. ISLA gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while immersing myself in a culture and community I might never otherwise have experienced. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking for more than a traditional study abroad experience. Eight weeks went by far too quickly, and Kosovo will always hold a special place in my heart. It truly became a second home.

My three-month experience in Kosovo, where I had the opportunity to intern at the Office of the President, was truly unforgettable, both professionally and personally. During my internship, I had the chance to work alongside incredible people in a stimulating and welcoming environment. I was particularly lucky to share this experience with another Isla intern. Together, we had the opportunity to contribute to projects and discussions on topics that are especially close to my heart, particularly gender equality. One of the highlights of my internship was taking part in a large-scale Women, Peace and Security Forum, which was an inspiring and enriching experience. These professional opportunities allowed me to deepen my knowledge, develop new skills and gain valuable insights into issues I am passionate about. I left the internship having learned so much, with a stronger understanding of my field and a very rewarding professional experience. Beyond the professional aspect, this programme offered so much more. We regularly took part in cultural activities and excursions, which allowed us to discover Pristina, explore different parts of Kosovo and learn more about the country’s history, culture and traditions. These moments were just as meaningful as the internship itself and created memories I will cherish for a long time. Finally, I cannot emphasise enough how wonderful the people behind this experience were. The programme organisers were incredibly kind, supportive and attentive throughout our stay. Their dedication, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm made us feel welcome from the very beginning and helped make this experience so special. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and would wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering this programme to take part. It is an experience that goes far beyond an internship!