Education Internships Abroad

I never thought that studying abroad was going to be for me. As a student on scholarship and graduating a year early, studying abroad for a whole semester was out of the question. Yet, I also didn't want to sacrifice possible internship opportunities during the summer that would have helped me get a job. This program was perfect for me as I got all of the benefits of studying abroad without having to sacrifice anything. Additionally, the program was super flexible with their excursions, which was perfect for a busy student like me. I got to have the support of their team while also getting to feel like I was an adult professional in a foreign country. I couldn't have asked for a better group and a better time abroad and thank you AIFS Berlin for making it all happen.

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!

my experience was unique because I got to meet other interns and we connect it right away. The special sekaia events help to connect with other people. you immediately connect with the locals too and you learn the language kind of automatically. It is great for the people who want to do something different after graduating. It looks good on your résumé and it definitely helps you personally too. I would recommend it to everybody who is open for a new experience. Sekaia is a very good help to get you through the internship. What was your funniest moment? my funniest moment that I had was with another intern who is now a friend of mine. We were waiting for the bus and when it took too long, we started walking and then all of a sudden the bus drives past us. Pros - you learn a lot of new things - Building your portfolio - Getting out of your comfort zone What other participants should know - you should be open to new things - Don’t be scared - You should enjoy your time

I did this internship during my Master's Program and felt that it was the most professionally and personally rewarding thing I could have done. Isla made moving to a new country for the internship by finding the NGO and housing. They also provided any in country support I or anyone else needed (i.e. Sim Card, city tour, etc.). The program also included countless additional experience I would never had the chance to do, such as attending international security forums, meeting the first female President of Kosovo, private museum tours, attending peace building talks with UN representatives, and so much more! I also was able to do many personal trips on weekends to neighboring countries and hikes around the region. I cannot express how amazing this experience was, and I highly suggest it to anyone needing an internship or wanting some more professional experience.

Wow. what an amazing opportunity to take part in a wonderful work environment, with amazing colleagues, I learnt so much in my internship and had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience. Specifically to beyond academy, the team was so helpful, supportive and very interesting. From community engagement, to exploring different parts for london and taking part in a vast variety of events. A very active group chat where one can connect with both the team and fellow interns. Guidance on career progression, London culture and way of life and even wonder day to day Hacks and ideas. Amazing accommodation, close to transport facilities. Great communication and insight on multiple experiences, ideas and perspectives.

incredible opportunity, not only to live in another country but also to gain professional experience and become involved with a local company in a foreign culture. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. None of this would have been possible without the amazing support and dedication of the Maximo Nivel staff. Even before I arrived in Cusco, the team took the time to connect me with a company that was carefully selected to match my interests and give me the best possible opportunity to succeed in my internship. Throughout my entire stay, the staff continued to be incredibly helpful, making sure everything was going smoothly, both with my internship and my experience living in Cusco outside of work.

I'll be completely honest — moving halfway across the world for an internship when you don't speak a word of the language is terrifying. The first week, I genuinely wondered if I had made a huge mistake. Navigating a new city, the sheer volume of people, the culture shock... it’s a lot. But the GAC team was the safety net I desperately needed. They didn't just dump me in an apartment and disappear. My local coordinator literally helped me set up my SIM card and showed me where to buy groceries on day one. My placement was at a fast-paced tech company. The work culture was intense and completely different from what I was used to back home — meetings were direct, and expectations were high. But my supervisor actually cared about my learning. By week three, I wasn't just fetching coffee; I was running data reports and sitting in on client strategy calls. The friends I made in the shared housing were the highlight of the whole thing. We were all in the same boat, so we became a little family, exploring night markets and surviving the language barrier together. Looking back, it was the hardest and most rewarding three months of my life. It forced me to grow up, adapt, and figure out what I actually want to do with my career. If you're on the fence because you're scared, I get it. But just go. You'll figure it out.

Living: The living situation was excellent and I think is a rare find compared to most study/intern abroad programs, especially because in other programs they'd probably charge you for a private studio. I'm currently studying abroad in Barcelona and I live in a dorm with a roommate, and I still think back to how good my living situation was in Berlin. I remember there being ample cooking utensils, stove, microwave,toaster, coffee maker, not to mention it cam e with a flatscreen TV. I had queen bed and the bedroom was separate from the kitchen area. My current living space doesn't compare at all with my place in Berlin.. Like the if i wanted an apartment they wouldve charged me a large amount adn even then you share the apartment with 4 other people lol. So the berlin program had a top tier living situation. Work: This was my first internship, and I'm extremely grateful to this company for giving me the opportunity to work with them. My boss was extremely helpful and wanted to make sure we we're doing work that interests us, if we wanted to do more entreprenurial work or corporate finance/ accounting. I was impressed by the immense global reach of the company. I worked mainly in finance/accounting and most of the people I communicated with were based in the Netherlands or South Africa. A lot of the finance infrastructure was in Dutch, but using the translating tool, it was always easy to navigate.. towards the end I stopped using the translation tool and I really ended up learning a lot of Dutch finance terms. I always enjoyed socializing/ networking with other people in the office. They were very helpful and communicative, especially at the very beginning. I learned so much from them and my supervisors and working in an international environment. Now I feel more confident in the professional space and working in a team. The only complaint I have is that a clear work schedule was not specified with me and the other finance interns at the beginning, however, we soon found out and apologized for the misunderstanding. We understood to be there at 10am, we just didnt have communication or anything in writing, as to when the work day ended at first. Activities: I enjoyed the tours and group trips, great way to get to know better the city and rest of the country. I really enjoyed the Warnemunde trip. I wish I had gone on the Poland or Czechia trips. But I really enjoyed how accessible the nature was in and around Berlin. One of my favorite things to do was go hang out by a lake, which Berlin has many of and is great to do on a hot summer day. If I were to suggest another activity.. maybe a bike tour around Berlin. Or a group tour of some of the DDR sites- I loved visiting the DDR museum and all the remnants of that era. I really enjoyed my time. Hope to visit again.

My time in Berlin was amazing, I got exposed to new cultures and ideas as well as getting valuable and relevant work experience. AIFS connected me with incredible mentors who helped me grow personally and professionally as well as organized cultural outings to show me the unique experiences Berlin has to offer.

I lived in Madrid for 10 weeks and was astounded by the culture of Spain and its diversity! Sage Corps helped me get to experience the wonders of traveling abroad as a college student and be able to intern abroad! They were very supportive and led us in many group activities to interact with local experiences.

I had a good time here. The VAC staff were so welcoming and friendly and definitely one of the best parts. My internship was fulfilling, the doctors were patient and friendly, and I got to do a lot of things as well!! During my internship, I pushed myself to be a bit more confident and not afraid to try new things at the hospital. My advice for future interns is to be open and friendly, learn some isiXhosa, and don’t hold yourself back. I stayed for four weeks and definitely see how staying longer would be even more beneficial educationally. Outside of the internship, there were some fun things to do in Cape Town and lots of places to try. The pre-arrival information had so much detail and made me feel reassured, and the airport pickup was very friendly and reassuring. I also really appreciated the internship placement and the weekly activities.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to understand how youth programs work here because I’m interested in working for a youth program back in the States. During my internship, I was able to learn more about different political issues here in Cape Town. I also really appreciated the weekly activities, the support and knowing I could call VAC staff if I needed anything. I really love the VAC staff <3

My internship gave me the opportunity to grow both creatively and personally. It was an incredibly open-minded and creative environment, with a strong sense of belonging and community. There were so many opportunities to get involved, build meaningful relationships with the students, and contribute to different creative projects. During my time there, I gained much more confidence in my creative process as an artist and developed a clearer sense of direction about what I want to pursue in the future. I was able to contribute to projects that supported the organization’s mission while also supporting students on their own creative journeys as artists. What stood out to me most was seeing how music and creativity can create opportunities for young people to express themselves, heal, and shape the direction of their lives. Being part of an environment driven by creativity and a genuine sense of community made my internship especially meaningful. I also really appreciated the support I received from VAC. The calls and communication before arriving made me feel much more confident about joining the program, and I especially appreciated how responsive my placement advisor was throughout the process. Once in Cape Town, I enjoyed the weekly check-ins, Friday meetups, and Monday culture series, which gave us opportunities to connect throughout the program. My advice to future interns is to really take advantage of the opportunities around you. Get involved, make connections with the people at your internship, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are projects you can help with. There is an abundance of opportunity if you’re willing to put yourself out there.

My experience in Cape Town was truly amazing. I was able to learn so much about the history of South Africa and the way that apartheid is continuing to affect communities. I have loved the access to nature, with both the oceans and the mountains so close. During my internship, I was able to create a Climate Change manual for migrant women that describes what it is and how it disproportionately affects migrant women. I also went to visit several schools and was able to work with young learners on a walkway games and art project, which was super fun. The organization I worked with is directly involved in community work in many of Cape Town’s townships, contributing to social cohesion and human rights. Once I got adjusted, I loved the ability to go out into communities, work on really cool projects, and work with young people. I will never forget watching the sunrise on top of Lion’s Head and swimming during incredible sunsets at Llandudno. But most of all, I will miss the people that I met along my journey and the friends I made, both from South Africa and from all over the world. The VACtivities and Culture Series were so fun and a great way to experience all the different parts of Cape Town, from the food to music to hiking.

I had a really positive experience with Beyond Academy. I think you get out of the program what you put into it, so having an open mind, being willing to meet different people, and taking initiative makes a real difference. The coordinators were fantastic: approachable, supportive, and genuinely lovely people who made it easy to ask for help and advice whenever needed. I really appreciated how personal and welcoming they made the experience feel. Overall, the program was a great opportunity to gain professional experience abroad, expand my knowledge, and step outside my comfort zone. My biggest advice to anyone considering it would be to stay curious, be proactive, and make the most of the opportunities and connections around you. Your attitude really shapes the experience you have.

Working with AIP was a great experience! AIP helped me locate an internship in Tainan, Taiwan. On the weekdays I received hands-on experience with my company, and on the weekends I adventured. My accommodations were right in the heart of the city, which made sampling Tainan’s cafe and food scene very convenient! I also had the opportunity to partake in mid-autumn festival. Enjoying mooncakes and pomelos under a bright night sky was unforgettable memory. I made so many meaningful experiences and connections from this trip, and I really appreciate AIP’s dedicated team for helping me along the way.

I had just graduated college two years early, and as proud as I was, I was also scared. So much was changing, and I worried about whether I knew enough to go out into the real world. Looking back, the opportunity to intern abroad came at exactly the right time. My time abroad taught me so much. It challenged me to live on my own, work in a new place, and step out of my comfort zone. I was the first in my family to have an opportunity like this, which made it especially meaningful, even when I didn’t know what to expect. The support of the Absolute Program Coordinators gave me peace of mind. I could connect with them about anything, from questions throughout my internship to advice on local coffee spots. Having someone to turn to made a new city feel a little more familiar. I was also grateful to have a very supportive boss on La Guilde’s communications team. He gave me the opportunity to help with big projects and marketing deliverables I didn’t think I would get to work on as an intern. Being trusted with that work helped me build confidence at a time when I was still questioning how ready I was. Beyond my internship, I always looked forward to the day and weekend trips our Program Coordinators put together. They were a chance to get outside the city, explore more of France, and take a break without breaking my budget. I’m grateful for this experience and for the people who helped me feel at ease along the way. I went abroad worried about whether I knew enough for what came next. I came home with more confidence in my ability to figure things out.

I chose to come to Cape Town because I had a brief visit last year and fell in love with the city and the people I met. I felt really uncertain about how I wanted to go about it, but I’m so thankful that I had my South Africa experience through VAC. My internship gave me a lot of opportunities for field experience and individual learning, which I really enjoyed. I learned a lot, especially about advocating for myself as well as just how an NGO functions. I planned an event which required a lot of correspondence. I think my communication skills, especially surrounding fundraising and donations, really improved. I also think my general understanding of the functioning of nonprofit organizations improved. The organization focuses a lot on local people and communities and contributes towards long-term change within the city of Cape Town in terms of human rights education and development. The VAC employees are so helpful and kind, and I genuinely looked forward to seeing them every week. The weekly meetups were always so fun and engaging and were a great way to get to know our peers and see the city. VAC also made integration into my internship really easy, which I appreciated. Even though there were some moments that challenged me, I feel like I grew a lot. I always knew I could reach someone at any time of day, and I think the personal WhatsApp communication makes everything super easy. Orientation was SO MUCH FUN! I think orientation week provides the perfect opportunity to make friends and see the city.

My time with VAC allowed me to have an experience that not only immersed me in South African culture, but also taught me to always keep learning, push my comfort zone, and promote positive and meaningful change in communities! I learned all this while creating life-long friendships and enjoying the beauty of Cape Town! During my internship, I loved the research I got to do. I was able to write and complete a 3,000-word research article to be published in the organization’s article review. The organization does incredible research, litigation, and community outreach for Cape Town and South Africa as a whole. I played a small role in bolstering their publications. I also loved the highly personalized VAC experience. Orientation was amazing, and the Culture Series activities were so unique and fun! I appreciated the support and knowing I could call VAC staff if I needed anything. Overall, my time in Cape Town taught me to keep learning, push my comfort zone, and promote positive and meaningful change in communities, all while creating life-long friendships.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted to experience a different culture while gaining hands-on experience in education. What I loved most was getting to experience everyday life rather than simply visiting as a tourist. Through my internship at a local primary school, I was able to build connections with students and teachers while learning about the community firsthand. One of my main goals was to better understand education outside of the United States and see how a school responds to the needs of its community. I spent time observing younger learners, seeing how teachers supported different learning and behavioral needs, and having meaningful conversations with staff about their experiences and the challenges facing their students. Seeing the relationships teachers built with their students was one of the biggest highlights of my internship. I stayed for about eight weeks, which gave me enough time to adjust and really experience the culture. The VAC staff and weekly activities made settling into a new country much easier and introduced me to parts of Cape Town I probably would not have discovered on my own. I am especially grateful for the people I met and the opportunity to experience education and community from a completely different perspective.