Finance Internships Abroad

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.

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.

My experience in Japan was very memorable. I was able to meet people from all over world and exchange a connection like no other. I was able to learn how to be a financial analyst and benefit from Claude AI intelligence. Studying abroad with the Peaceworks KK help me gain independence and self cconfidence.

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.

I chose Cape Town because I had always wanted to visit South Africa, but I was also very interested in the country from an economic perspective. Doing an internship in venture capital gave me the opportunity to understand much more about how startups, innovation and investment contribute to the local economy. My internship gave me exposure to several different parts of the venture-capital process. I helped write a funding proposal that was accepted, supported financial models for startups and the venture fund itself, screened startup applications and contributed to work around raising capital and monitoring existing portfolio companies. Through that experience, I gained a much better understanding of how venture funds work, what investors look for in an early-stage business and some of the factors that help startups succeed. I especially enjoyed being able to work with companies focused on innovation and seeing how financial decisions can influence whether those ideas are able to grow. The internship also taught me to be proactive. There were times when everyone was busy, so I learned that it was important to clarify my skills, ask what I could work on next and actively look for ways to contribute. That is something I would recommend to future interns as well. Outside of work, I loved the lifestyle in Cape Town. The combination of the city, nature, music and people made every week feel different. I travelled along the Garden Route, went on safari, did a bungee jump and spent a lot of time with friends in Observatory. I also strengthened my English and learned a lot about myself by living and working in a completely different environment. Seven weeks went by very quickly. If I were doing it again, I would stay longer. The experience gave me a much clearer picture of venture capital, startups and the kind of innovative work I would like to be involved in in the future.

I came to Cape Town wanting to gain experience in sales and business development before starting university, and my internship gave me a much better understanding of what that kind of work actually involves. One of the most valuable parts of the experience was working directly with customers. During one week, we visited distribution centres around Cape Town, where I explained the company’s healthcare product to employees, spoke with them about how it worked and helped people sign up. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me much more confidence speaking to people I had never met before. The internship also helped me learn something important about my future career. I discovered that I really enjoy talking to people, explaining products and the sales side of business, but I also realised that I would not want a role focused entirely on sales. I would like a career where I can combine that with other areas of business as well. That kind of clarity was one of the biggest things I took away from the experience. I also appreciated being able to see how a growing healthcare business was trying to make its services easier and more affordable for people to access. Being involved in introducing the product to new customers gave me a practical sense of how sales and business development connect to the wider goals of a company. Outside of work, Cape Town became a place I felt very comfortable very quickly. Living close to the other participants made it easy to spend time together, and the friendships I made were a huge part of the experience. I also knew that VAC was there when I needed support, which made living independently in another country much easier. I would definitely recommend staying for at least three months if you can. It takes time to settle into the city, build friendships and really feel part of everyday life here. My time in Cape Town gave me professional experience, more confidence and a much clearer idea of the kind of business career I would like to pursue.

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 loved the laid back office environment and the opportunities to gain real hands on experience with invoices, bookkeeping, and financial record management as an operational finance and accounting intern. I gained useful experience that helped prepare me for future roles!

I visited Cape Town before and fell in love and knew I would come back. I wanted to try living abroad for a short period of time, and the tech industry in South Africa is really developing, so I wanted to be part of that. I had an amazing process, to be honest. Rowan communicated every detail and took what I was looking for into consideration, so just keep up the good work. One of my personal goals was simple: I wanted a job and I got it. I really appreciated the internship placement, the support and knowing I could call VAC staff if I needed anything, the weekly activities, Culture Series, and VAC staff support. Orientation was very informative and fun. We were a small group, so it felt like chatting with friends. My advice for future interns is to have fun, learn, and try to enjoy every second. It goes by very quickly.

I'll be honest — the first week was rough. The language barrier hit me harder than I expected, and I remember standing in a supermarket in Shanghai completely lost, trying to figure out which bottle was shampoo. But that's exactly why I chose this. I wanted to be pushed out of my comfort zone, and GAC made sure I had support while I figured things out. My placement was with a business consulting firm, and my team was surprisingly patient with me. They'd slow down during meetings, write things out for me, and invite me to lunch even when I could barely keep up with the conversation. By week three, something clicked. I started understanding more, contributing more, and actually enjoying the chaos of it all. My manager even let me lead a small client presentation toward the end, which terrified me but ended up being the highlight of my time there. I left China with more than work experience — I left with a completely different mindset about what I'm capable of.

I spent 2 months living in London completing an internship in London for Business/Marketing, and I had the most amazing time! I had never really travelled much before with my family or anything growing up, but in 2025 I went to Europe for 3 weeks fresh out of high school with just my best friend. We started and ended the trip in London, and I knew straight away that London is a definitely a place I want to experience living in one day. I was super lucky I had such an amazing flatmate who I became super close with, and I also made another close friend at a lunch I went to on my 2nd day in London to meet some of the other interns. We all ended up hanging out together in London heaps, I went to Barcelona with one of them which was so much fun! I also got to see some friends from home (Melbourne, Australia) while I was in London which was amazing too. Towards the end of my time there, I even went to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest with some friends from home which was incredible!! I stayed in Sheffield with my flatmate at her uni for my last weekend before going back to Australia, and got to go to Manchester with her too! Everyone at my internship was always super lovely and helpful throughout my time there, and I really learnt a lot which was amazing. Overall, I had an amazing time, and feel so much more independent and confident having to figure things out and adapt on my own. I'm really glad I did it, I had the best time and it really showed me I'm truly capable of anything I put my mind to!

Beyond Academy responded to this reviewOctober 15, 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience, Jaeda! It’s so lovely to hear how your first visit to London inspired you to come back and experience life in the city with us. From meeting a close friend at your welcome lunch to travelling with your flatmate, it sounds like you’ve left with friendships and memories that will stay with you for years to come. We’re also delighted that your internship team made you feel so welcome and helped you learn along the way. Hearing that you’ve returned home feeling more independent, confident and sure of what you’re capable of is wonderful. Thank you for being part of our London community—we can’t wait to see where you go next! Once a Beyonder, always a Beyonder!

I had a great experience with the program. From the beginning, they were always attentive and available whenever I had any questions or problems. My advisor, Nisha, was especially helpful and always made sure I had the information and support I needed throughout the process. Overall, the program was well organized and I felt supported throughout my experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an internship abroad.

My Erasmus+ traineeship in Japan was an experience that changed the way I see both my professional and personal development. During my time at Peace Works, I had the opportunity to work in an international environment, take part in creative projects, and observe how communication and collaboration works. One of the most meaningful aspects of the traineeship was the opportunity to work on photography and social media content. I could use my background in photography while also learning more about content creation, visual communication, and working with a team. Every project gave me the chance to try something new and become more confident in sharing my ideas. Living in Tokyo was an important part of the experience as well. Being surrounded by a completely different culture encouraged me to become more independent and adaptable. I met people from many different backgrounds and learned to communicate with people whose experiences and perspectives were different from my own. I am grateful for the people I met, the opportunities I was given, and the challenges I faced along the way. This traineeship not only gave me professional experience, but also helped me understand myself better and become more confident about the direction I want to take in the future.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect before going. I'd never been to Asia, and the idea of working in a Chinese company felt intimidating. But from the moment I landed, the GAC team was there — airport pickup, apartment sorted, everything. My placement was with a consulting firm in Shanghai, and within the first week I was already sitting in on client meetings and helping with research. My manager didn't treat me like "the intern" — she actually trusted me with real work. The office culture took some getting used to (meetings can be long!), but my colleagues were patient and always willing to explain things. I also took Mandarin classes twice a week, which helped more than I expected — by month two I could order lunch on my own. Three months flew by. I came home with actual experience on my CV and a lot more confidence.