International Relations 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.

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'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 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.

Beyond Academy responded to this reviewOctober 14, 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience, Casper! We’re so happy to hear that your two months in London were some of the best of your life. It was lovely having you in our community, and we’re delighted that your placement went so well and that you’ve left with new friendships, valuable experience and plenty of photos to look back on! Your advice about researching the city is a great tip for future Beyonders—London always has something new to discover. We wish you all the best with your next chapter. Once a Beyonder, always a Beyonder! Thank you also for your honest feedback about the accommodation. We know those issues affected your stay, and we’re glad our team could help resolve them and get the missing bedding to you. Although the property is managed by an external provider, supporting you throughout your stay is an important part of our role, and your feedback helps us identify where improvements are needed.

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.