International Relations Internships Abroad

I chose to come to Cape Town because one of my friends who had been here adored it, and I can see why! Between the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and everybody I met, it’s hard to leave it behind. The weekly opportunities put together by VAC let me connect with people outside of my internship, but still with the shared experience of learning abroad. I really appreciated the internship placement, weekly activities, Culture Series, and knowing that I could call VAC staff if I needed anything. My internship gave me many opportunities to lead in different areas. I got to lead supporting stations like food prep and the cleaning station, while also leading stations working directly with the birds, like the rehabilitation pens. The organization works to rehabilitate marine birds and educate the public about the birds around them and their own impact on the environment. My role was to help provide the necessary care to the birds so that they could eventually be released. For future interns, most of the skills you learn on the job come with practice. Everybody on the team is rooting for you, so don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t get the hang of something the first few times.

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.

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.

I have had such an amazing journey with beyond academy. The staff were wonderful and accommodating, my placement program could not have gone better, and overall I had the best two months of my life. If I had to complain it would be about some aspects of my accomodations, which were not through beyond academy. They helped me find a place and booked it for me, but were not the owners of the building and thus were also confused by some of the occurrences that happened there. Beyond academy helped me to resolve those issues and even brought bedding when the accomodations forgot to provide any. This team is very good at what they do.

I had a great experience with the AIP Asian Internship Program. The team was very helpful throughout the process, and the internship gave me a great opportunity to gain international work experience and learn about a new culture. I would definitely recommend AIP to anyone looking for an internship abroad.

I had the opportunity to work as an intern in Japan for three months through the Asia Internship Program, and the entire experience was amazing from the very beginning. I would like to sincerely thank Ted Ko for his support throughout the company search process, as well as Kate for her continuous help and support during my stay in Japan. Their guidance made the whole experience much smoother and more enjoyable. The experience and knowledge I gained during this internship will be extremely valuable for my future. It gave me the opportunity to experience a professional environment firsthand and gain a better understanding of the real-world workplace. This opportunity helped me grow not only professionally, but also personally. I also really appreciated not having to worry about arranging accommodation. AIP did a great job finding a comfortable place to stay, and living in a sharehouse was an experience in itself. I had the chance to meet many new people, make new friends, and share memorable experiences. Overall, I am very grateful for this opportunity and for everything I learned and experienced during my time in Japan. It was an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me into my future career and personal life.

My experience interning with Intern México was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Having previously interned abroad through a few different agencies, I can confidently say that none compared to how easy and seamless Intern México made the entire process or to the kindness and support of their staff. I was placed with an amazing international architecture firm where I had the opportunity to grow professionally, gain hands-on experience, and learn things that simply cannot be taught in a university classroom. Beyond my professional development, the experience also allowed me to grow personally while living and working in one of the most incredible cities in the world. I am extremely grateful for the experience, the people I met, and everything I learned during my time in México City.

I stayed two months at the Excellence Center between June and July, which was perfect timing between large cohorts. Everybody who works at the center is lovely. Rafat is welcoming, friendly, and diplomatic, and does everything to help volunteers enjoy their experience and for refugees and migrants to settle safely. Doushan handles background operations, and is a hilarious, cheerful person. It's truly a pleasure when he joins everyone for lunch or subs in for Rafat. Muaz was my Arabic teacher and helps to run just about everything in the Center. He's a well-known figure in the local community thanks to providing free translation help for refugees and migrants between German, Arabic, and English, and supports legislative change for anti-racism in Halle. He introduced me to some wonderful, kind people who became good friends, and was a phenomenal Arabic teacher. I arrived with a bare knowledge of the alphabet, and Muaz taught me everything until I passed the A2 level in about 5 weeks. I enjoyed teaching English so much, though I loved my Arabic classes more. I taught three students from ages 8 to 30 with varying English proficiency. A lot of people are intimidated by choosing what to teach and how, but I liked making up lessons and games for my students. My advice is to use lots of color-coding, prioritize conversation (at the correct level), and try to enjoy the experience. People learn best when they're connecting with you, rather than being lectured. The accommodations are nice enough for a short stay or an able bodied person, but they get somewhat cramped during July and August, when the majority of people visit. I recommend spending at least a month at the Center if you're able to, though I truly wanted upwards of three months. We went on trips to Leipzig, Berlin, or nearby cities, toured Halle, had picnics, and spent a day with a class of international art students. A local Syrian gentleman taught us basics of violin, Rafat taught us how to cook some Palestinian, Syrian, or Saudi Arabian meals, and another friend tried teaching us Dabke (traditional Palestinian dance). You'll spend a lot of time outside in Halle, and hopefully a lot of time meeting new people. Give this experience as much as you can (and go see Muaz's concerts!) (Doushan, if you're seeing this, hello! I did the review! Sorry it took so long!!!!)

Beyond Academy’s Tokyo Internship Program acts as a structured bridge between young professionals and Japan’s unique corporate culture. Combining guaranteed professional placements across roughly 18 industries—from tech startups to creative design and international business—the program packages real-world work experience with logistical scaffolding and community immersion. For students and early-career job seekers looking to test whether living and working in Japan is a viable long-term move, it serves as a low-friction entry point.

Beyond Academy responded to this reviewSeptember 24, 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience, Jonathan! We’re so pleased that the Tokyo program provided you with a structured and supported introduction to Japan’s unique working culture. Our goal is to help young professionals gain meaningful international experience while also giving them the opportunity to explore whether living and working abroad could be the right long-term path. We really appreciate your thoughtful feedback and loved having you on the program!

Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience. However, considering the high cost of the program (around €6,000), there are a few aspects that should be improved to provide future participants with greater security and reassurance. The positives: I had an excellent time at work: I learned a lot, improved my english, and met wonderful people, including my managers. This is the most important aspect and the reason I am so happy with the overall experience. The organized trips included in the program were also beautiful. Areas for improvement: Clear rules before payment: we only found out after paying a very high first installment (€3,400) that we had only three chances to pass the job interviews. If we failed, we would be excluded from the program with no refund. This should be explained immediately; otherwise, participants feel forced to accept the first job offer to avoid losing their money. The agency's communication: the dates for the included trips were changed by the agency at the end of July without clear communication. When we asked for an explanation, the agency blamed us instead of admitting the misunderstanding. Fortunately, our University helped us restore the original dates, but the agency should show more courtesy and understanding. Better housing protection and support: the contract states that if a participant is dismissed from the internship, they must leave the residence immediately, even if the rent has already been paid in advance. This causes significant anxiety and sometimes makes the experience very stressful. Above all, it is concerning not to feel protected or defended by the agency in the event of a misunderstanding or an injustice in the workplace. In conclusion, I will always carry with me the beautiful friendships I made and everything I learned at work. However, I sincerely hope that in the future the agency will be more transparent and supportive, given the significant financial commitment required.

Studying and interning in London this past summer through CEA CAPA was truly such an unforgettable experience. Being able to immerse myself in a new culture while also experiencing what it was like to work in a different country was something I will always be grateful for. CEA CAPA gave me the support and encouragement to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, and make the most of my time abroad. I loved being able to explore different parts of London through my classes and actually connect what I was learning to the city around me. My internship also gave me valuable real-world experience in an international environment. Most importantly, the people I met made the experience so special. I went into the program not knowing anyone and ended up making some of my closest friends with people from all over the country. Overall, CEA CAPA gave me the perfect balance of academics, work experience, travel, independence, and friendships. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget!

I spent two months participating in a global internship in Bogotá organized by Intern Colombia and had a FANTASTIC experience! Intern Colombia did a tremendous job matching me to an internship that complemented my career goals and values. Not only did they help ensure that my internship experience was a positive one, but I also got to meet many different people and have a wide range of new experiences through the program activities offered that introduced me to the rich cultures in Colombia. This was surely an experience I will never forget!

Honestly probably one of my favourite summers so far - even despite having a job! I remember reading reviews, wondering if the reviews were legit, if I'd find a company that was a good fit for me, and if it was even worth the amount of money if I wasn't going to be making any. It's true, you probably won't earn any money due to the traveler's visa, but I assure you it's 100% worth it. I think this experience is perfect for people trying to grow their CV. I didn't have much experience on mine before coming, but even despite that, I was given two companies to choose from! If you're nervous about the whole "be flexible with your choices" thing, I can understand that. I was the same. I was nervous that my choices wouldn't be interesting enough to warrant coming to Japan, but I've learnt so much through my company, and about work-life in general. I would do it all over again! Beyond Academy coordinators are super good at making sure you're settling in with your company and with the events that are set up for you. If you have any issues while you're in your chosen country, at no point are you stranded and alone. You will always have someone to talk to about changing something at work, and if it absolutely necessary, they will reach out for you. Most events are covered by BA while you're there, and the ones that aren't are usually spontaneous lunches or shopping. You get to go to all the must-go places, like in Japan we went to see Fuji, teamlabs and several other tourist places you'd have to wait ages to get a ticket for. You can even request events! Given that its within the time frame and budget, BA will try their hardest to get it done! As for other interns, I've met people i never would have met without doing this experience, and even some of my flat mates who aren't part of the program will be life-long friends when I go back. There is at minimum, one event per week and most weeks have two or more, so you can socialize as much and as little as you want! However I highly recommend going to all the events you can as they often run longer than planned as we have so much fun :D I'm honestly so sad my two months are ending, as I will miss all the people I've met here, the great food and great experiences! This program is perfect for people trying to breach the working world, make some memories and practice japanese! You get a lot of support, a lot of events set up for you and compared to other programs, it is a lot more cost-effective - especially if you opt for having accommodation included. Seriously, take the leap of faith, you won't regret it!

Beyond Academy responded to this reviewSeptember 24, 2026

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and honest review, Lara! We know that choosing an international internship can feel like a huge leap, so we’re thrilled that your two months in Tokyo became an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come. It’s wonderful to hear that you found an internship with such a lovely team, gained valuable professional experience, and grew in both your confidence and understanding of work-life balance. We’re also so happy that the accommodation, community events, and friendships you made helped you feel supported and gave you the confidence to explore even more of Japan. Our team is always here to help interns navigate any challenges and make the most of their time abroad, so your kind words about the Tokyo coordinators mean so much to us. Olivia, Mizu, Sarah, Natalia, Sidney, and Anika will all be so happy to hear your feedback! We absolutely loved having you on the program and hope you can return to Japan again soon.

I had such an amazing experience in Barcelona. The internship itself was wonderful, I learnt so much about the industry and working abroad with such a diverse group of people was brilliant. Isabel was an amazing rep, all of the events were so much well planned and took us all around the city. We had the chance to try food and see sights that I wouldn’t have found otherwise, and it was a great way to get to know the other interns on the programme! Barcelona is a lovely city and it felt like home in no time.

Beyond Academy responded to this reviewSeptember 24, 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Alice! We’re thrilled to hear how much you learned from your internship and that working alongside such a diverse group made your time abroad even more rewarding. We’re also so happy that Barcelona quickly felt like home and that the community events helped you discover new food, explore different parts of the city, and build friendships with the other interns. We’ll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to Isabel—it was wonderful having you on the program! P.S Izza and Lule say hi!

At the beginning I HATED my internship and i thought i hated the job. But I think the most important learing curve was to give yourself the grace and the patience of being uncomfortbale and to learn something new. because i only hated the fact that it was something different so i felt uncomfrotable, but once i was able to sit with that and allow myself to become familiar with it i really enjoyed it.

For my second co-op, I completed my internship through a program called the Asia Internship Program (AIP). I shared my goals and interests with the program, and they helped match me with a host company in Seoul, South Korea. During my stay in Korea, AIP assisted with arranging my housing accommodation, and the staff were responsive to any questions or concerns I had throughout my experience. I felt very supported and comfortable throughout the program, which meant a lot to me, especially since it was my first time in Asia. For my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute to projects related to brand management, marketing, and market research. Now that I have concluded my internship, I can confidently say that this experience was invaluable to me as I was included in real professional conversations which made me feel that my ideas and perspectives were valued. If you’re looking for a real internship experience with the support of a great program I would do it with AIP! ☺️

I spent 2 months living in Bogota, Colombia, interning with a non-profit organization that was organized through Intern Colombia. This program did not only place me in an internship but they also took us on various day trips, a weekend trip to La Guajira, tours, night excursions, and so much more. The directors of the program are amazing and super funny. I loved my time in Colombia and am so grateful to Intern Colombia for providing me with the opportunity to have had this experiences. I definitely recommend!

I had a great experience with AIP! They were very helpful, professional, and supportive throughout the whole process of finding my company placement in Asia and after as well. The communication was smooth, and they made the process much easier and less stressful. Thanks to AIP, I was able to find an amazing opportunity that matched what I was looking for. It definitely depends on the company you get but they found a great one for me with many other interns which made my stay a lot more fun. I would definitely recommend AIP to anyone looking for an international internship or professional experience abroad!

I joined the program as a recent business graduate from Rotterdam, hoping to gain international exposure before starting my career. GAC placed me with a consulting firm in Shanghai, where I worked on market research and helped prepare client presentations for companies expanding into Asia. My mentor was supportive and always made time to explain how business is done in China — from relationship-building to negotiation styles. The team arranged my visa, accommodation, and even helped me settle into the city during my first week. I came home with practical experience, a wider perspective, and a job offer within two months.

I underwent a two month Internship as a software development intern at a Startup in Osaka, Japan. I really liked the company as I was able to do my part of the project independently, while also coordinating the overall progress with the other interns. My boss was very open to the ideas and opinions of all interns. He had a vague vision of what he wanted at the end, but the process of getting there was entirely left to us interns and I was also able to add some of my own ideas to the project. I also had a lot of time to explore Japan on the weekends, I traveld around in the Kansai region and even went to Tokio. I enjoyed getting to know Japans culture and food, while also gaining work experience.