International Relations Internships Abroad

International connections. When interning abroad, you’re bound to meet and get introduced to people from different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds in professional and personal settings.
New languages. It’s built into the field, learning and hearing languages from all over the world. The more you know, the farther you can get in the field.
Personal growth. Between creative problem-solving, working with different communities, and meeting all sorts of new people there’s no room not to grow! Your empathy, resilience, and perspective will never look the same after an internship (in a good way!).
A day on the job. With international relations being such a broad field, any experience can help you examine what a day on the job looks like!

Things to know

You’ll never stop needing to know new information as a person in the international relations field, but while abroad as an intern, here are some basics everyone should know.

Housing - Housing options can vary widely based on your location, so it’s best to coordinate with your employer to understand what’s available.
Program structure - The structure of your program can differ depending on your specific area of focus; as an international relations intern, be open to learning about diverse political systems worldwide.
Visa and paperwork requirements - Visa requirements change based on destination—consult your organization or embassy for the latest updates, and prepare by gathering copies of essential paperwork and documentation.
Language Skills - While English is commonly used in international relations, it’s valuable to learn the local language basics for smoother interactions and easier travel.
Cost and Logistics - Estimate the cost of living, research public transportation options, and confirm if the internship is paid to better manage your budget.
Health and Safety - Check for any health regulations, and ensure all necessary medical check-ups or vaccinations are completed before your departure.
Cultural and Social Etiquette - Learning local greetings and understanding social norms can help you transition smoothly and show respect for cultural customs.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

International relations majors and students can intern at NGOs, non-profits, and federal government offices such as embassies and the Department of State.

8 Things to Know Before NGO Internships Abroad

You can find international relations internships all over the world through websites like GoAbroad, or by researching the specific sectors you’re interested in. Consider looking at the UN, US Department of State, and NGOs for opportunities relevant to your studies.

6 Best Cities for Political Science Internships Abroad

You can intern in international relations in undergrad, grad school, or after graduation. You should decide if you want to intern at home or abroad, and then narrow down opportunities by your interests and goals. Apply for internships with a resume or CV that shows relevant experience or coursework, and provide a well-written cover letter.

How to Get an Internship Abroad

Latest Program Reviews

#Blessed

December 04, 2025by: Maria Mercedes Espinal - United StatesProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

I am legitimately so happy with my internship, like the place, the people, the work itself... Everything is legit so much better than I expected, which is saying a lot cus I had like, pretty high expectations to begin with, ahaha~ My bosses are super nice and understanding, they're so kind and relatable and helpful, always open to help and hear any questions or even suggestions of mine (I've had to say my two cents' worth at times cus I've got some levels of experience at least, ahaha~), and I legitimately love the work environment they've created, it fees very safe and open to share one's thoughts! My co-workers are also so lovely and it feels like I've known them for a good while rather than just a few weeks! Housing is great too, legit was my "dream goshiwon" from a few years back, I can't believe I'm living there! The landlords are very kind too, always sharing info with us when relevant, letting us know of things with time, and they even offered to help me to install a filter for the shower! So not only are there legit zero issues, but they are super kind to top it all off! Also I still can't believe I get to live in Seongsu! I didn't know it was so popular before moving in, but apparently it's like, THE place to be in, in Seoul??! Like, ALL the pop-up stores are in Seongsu! And I get to see them being built up in the mornings and taken down at nights, HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!! ALSO. One of the most popular dance studios in Korea, 1 Million Dance Studio, is like, less than a 10 min walk away from my house, so obviously I joined in, wooooooo!!!! In terms of the actual work of the internship, the workload is good! Sure, there needs to be an adjustment period for me still (need to improve my "business Korean"!!!), but it's the perfect amount, also it's so fun! I didn't think that I would enjoy doing this sort of work as much as I do! Like sure, I thought it would be interesting at first, but it's turned out to be actually so frikkin cool and enjoyable working with all the different aspects in the giant field of marketing! Like, there's something new every day and there's VERY little room to get bored, which my ADHD brain loves soooooo much, ahahaha~ It's so weird, but I actually look forward to going to work every day, it's become a very wonderful daily routine! Commute is also great, the bus stations are like, RIGHT THERE so it makes it suuuuper convenient to get places! Rush hour is still going to be rush hour anywhere, so sure, there's that, but it's nothing unexpected, all good! But even once when I got distracted by something and missed my stop on the way to work like a dummy, it was actually so easy to find the way bacc cus I got lucky and turns out the next station really ain't that far off! xD Of course, there's also the option to take the subway (which, also super close!), and I sometimes do that, depending on where I need to head to next, and everything is just sooooooo convenient that it's legitimately unbelievable! O: I'm always doing something after work too, whether it be exploring alone or with friends, shopping around, dance class, church... Legit, my ONLY complaint is that there are simply not enough hours in the day. Like... I need at LEAST six more hours, please! xDDDDD Forreal tho? It feels like I'm living inside a dream and MANY times throughout the day, I feel the need to just stop what I'm doing and just be present in the moment, taking it all in.. It's absolutely mad to me that I'm able to live this sort of life right now (I get to live in SEONGSU? I get to cross the frikkin HAN RIVER EVERY DAY? To work in FRIKKIN COEX?!!!?!), and I simply cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to have this opportunity..! Like, it feels so unreal you know? Or like, it feels like something that can happen to someone, but not to me in specific, ya feel? Like.. "Why me?" Or "HOW me? When there's sooooooo many other people out there who good things should happen to, how was I the Lucky One?" Cus I've never been "the Lucky One," so it's a strange feeling! Welcome for sure! But still strange, unfamiliar! It might sound a bit cheesey, but I am so, so incredibly grateful for this opportunity..!!! The AIP staff are so kind too, and supportive and encouraging, it feels like we're legit besties and I love that, they're such beautiful souls..!!! Legit feels like I'm getting to re-live life again through the opportunity AIP has given me and I am so thankful, I don't even have the words to express..!!! AAAAAAAAAAA

#Blessed

December 04, 2025by: Maria Mercedes Espinal - United StatesProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

I am legitimately so happy with my internship, like the place, the people, the work itself... Everything is legit so much better than I expected, which is saying a lot cus I had like, pretty high expectations to begin with, ahaha~ My bosses are super nice and understanding, they're so kind and relatable and helpful, always open to help and hear any questions or even suggestions of mine (I've had to say my two cents' worth at times cus I've got some levels of experience at least, ahaha~), and I legitimately love the work environment they've created, it fees very safe and open to share one's thoughts! My co-workers are also so lovely and it feels like I've known them for a good while rather than just a few weeks! Housing is great too, legit was my "dream goshiwon" from a few years back, I can't believe I'm living there! The landlords are very kind too, always sharing info with us when relevant, letting us know of things with time, and they even offered to help me to install a filter for the shower! So not only are there legit zero issues, but they are super kind to top it all off! Also I still can't believe I get to live in Seongsu! I didn't know it was so popular before moving in, but apparently it's like, THE place to be in, in Seoul??! Like, ALL the pop-up stores are in Seongsu! And I get to see them being built up in the mornings and taken down at nights, HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!! ALSO. One of the most popular dance studios in Korea, 1 Million Dance Studio, is like, less than a 10 min walk away from my house, so obviously I joined in, wooooooo!!!! In terms of the actual work of the internship, the workload is good! Sure, there needs to be an adjustment period for me still (need to improve my "business Korean"!!!), but it's the perfect amount, also it's so fun! I didn't think that I would enjoy doing this sort of work as much as I do! Like sure, I thought it would be interesting at first, but it's turned out to be actually so frikkin cool and enjoyable working with all the different aspects in the giant field of marketing! Like, there's something new every day and there's VERY little room to get bored, which my ADHD brain loves soooooo much, ahahaha~ It's so weird, but I actually look forward to going to work every day, it's become a very wonderful daily routine! Commute is also great, the bus stations are like, RIGHT THERE so it makes it suuuuper convenient to get places! Rush hour is still going to be rush hour anywhere, so sure, there's that, but it's nothing unexpected, all good! But even once when I got distracted by something and missed my stop on the way to work like a dummy, it was actually so easy to find the way bacc cus I got lucky and turns out the next station really ain't that far off! xD Of course, there's also the option to take the subway (which, also super close!), and I sometimes do that, depending on where I need to head to next, and everything is just sooooooo convenient that it's legitimately unbelievable! O: I'm always doing something after work too, whether it be exploring alone or with friends, shopping around, dance class, church... Legit, my ONLY complaint is that there are simply not enough hours in the day. Like... I need at LEAST six more hours, please! xDDDDD Forreal tho? It feels like I'm living inside a dream and MANY times throughout the day, I feel the need to just stop what I'm doing and just be present in the moment, taking it all in.. It's absolutely mad to me that I'm able to live this sort of life right now (I get to live in SEONGSU? I get to cross the frikkin HAN RIVER EVERY DAY? To work in FRIKKIN COEX?!!!?!), and I simply cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to have this opportunity..! Like, it feels so unreal you know? Or like, it feels like something that can happen to someone, but not to me in specific, ya feel? Like.. "Why me?" Or "HOW me? When there's sooooooo many other people out there who good things should happen to, how was I the Lucky One?" Cus I've never been "the Lucky One," so it's a strange feeling! Welcome for sure! But still strange, unfamiliar! It might sound a bit cheesey, but I am so, so incredibly grateful for this opportunity..!!! The AIP staff are so kind too, and supportive and encouraging, it feels like we're legit besties and I love that, they're such beautiful souls..!!! Legit feels like I'm getting to re-live life again through the opportunity AIP has given me and I am so thankful, I don't even have the words to express..!!! AAAAAAAAAAA

Amazing summer immersion experience!

December 03, 2025by: Emily Barry - United StatesProgram: Customized Internships & Spanish Immersion at the Beach

10

I spent ten weeks in A Coruña in summer of 2019. It was an amazing experience and I felt like I really was able to learn the language and the culture. Highly recommend to anyone looking for something authentic and immersive.