Internships in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

While you may think of Hawaii as a vacation destination for lazing on the beach, learning how to surf, or hiking through tropical forests, it’s also a prime spot for you to choose from any of the internships in Honolulu! After all, why not combine a bit of leisure with a professional learning opportunity? Whether you’re studying fish habitats in Hanauma Bay or learning how to hula, interning in Honolulu, Hawaii, gives you a chance to gain work experience in your field while also learning about the unique culture of the United States’ most remote metropolis.

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40 Internships in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

Institute for Global Studies

9.43

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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A Guide to Internships Abroad in Honolulu

Popular Internships in Honolulu

While you may not associate skyscrapers with tropical beaches, Honolulu has both, lending itself well to internship opportunities across all types of work. Often considered a crossroads between the United States and Asia, the city has become a successful business hub and is home to multinational companies and local organizations alike. The best part? After a hard day at the office, you can easily head out for a quick surf session or hit up Chinatown for some dim sum with friends.

Short-term and summer internships vs. long-term internships. Internships in Honolulu can be just a few short weeks or last an entire year, depending on your schedule and the company’s needs. While a short-term internship can certainly be beneficial, consider a longer program as well. This will give you time to get to know your company’s workplace culture, make some local friends, and feel at home on the island of Oahu.

Popular fields of work. Hawaii is a nature lover’s paradise, and many internships are centered around the natural sciences. Those studying ecology and environmental studies will have plenty of opportunities to choose from, as will zoology and marine science majors. The island’s location as a major trade hub makes it a good spot for business students to get experience, and with all the tourism the island generates, hospitality internships are also plentiful.

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Honolulu. Many internships in Honolulu are paid, while others offer other benefits such as discounted or free housing. You’ll need to check in with your internship provider for specifics, but keep in mind that the cost of living in Honolulu isn’t cheap (neither is the plane ticket to get there!) so it’s best to arrive with some savings to get you started.

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Latest Program Reviews

So much learning

February 24, 2021by: Pamela S - United KingdomProgram: Women and Children’s Shelter Internships

Children and women are being exposed to so many risks, like emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuses. While society are doing its best to address these issues, there are still a handful of cases left unheard and unresolved. In my internship, I was tasked to answer hotline calls from abused women and children, interact in their therapy sessions, and even organize parties for the children in the shelter. These kids are so adorable and I could not bear the fact that some people are finding it easy to resent them. At the outset, before we started our internships, we are trained by licensed guidance counselors and psychologists and told us what to and not to do. I learned a lot.

An honor to be chosen as an intern

February 24, 2021by: Leanna U - UgandaProgram: Women and Children’s Shelter Internships

Indeed, domestic violence poses serious threats to women and their children. I have witnessed it first hand in my own home, and I regret every second of it. When I was presented with the chance to work with women and children in their care shelters, I was ecstatic. Even told it to my mom and she was very supportive. Internships like these are rare, and being chosen as an intern here is an honor for me. Happy to do it with IGS! :)