Internships Abroad

My experience with the Absolute Internship abroad program was incredibly valuable and memorable. Spending 6 weeks in Madrid, Spain, allowed me to gain professional experience while also experiencing a new culture, work environment, and a new sense of independence. One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to work at Asesoria Debe Haber Asociaciones, where I was able to develop skills in establishing new nonprofit national or local organizations by working on founding their board or statutes. The internship gave me a better understanding of my career interests and allowed me to apply what I have learned in school to a real-world environment while also educating myself on how this country's system differs from that of mine and learning how this can help me build upon my current professional knowledge. Outside of work, living in Madrid allowed me to explore new places, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience the local culture. The program staff was extremely supportive and helpful, making the transition to living abroad much easier. Although there were some challenges, such as adjusting to a new environment and working for the first time at a location that aligns with my professional goals, along with a slight language barrier, these experiences helped me grow personally and professionally. Overall, I would highly recommend this program to other students considering an internship abroad. It provided me with meaningful professional experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater sense of confidence and independence.

I joined an internship at a startup focused on sustainable fashion, creating bags and accessories with a mission to care for the planet. For every item sold, one is donated to a child in Africa. My role involved developing marketing, business, and expansion strategies, applying everything I learned in my Master’s and undergraduate studies. This experience taught me the importance of adapting to different corporate cultures and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a company with a beautiful mission.

After graduating with a degree I wasn’t sure how to use, I found myself feeling lost. I knew I needed time to refocus and understand what I truly enjoy doing. That’s why I decided to take a gap year, to focus on myself and explore new opportunities. When I was first consulted by Korea Gap Year, I immediately felt understood. They guided me through every step of the process and made sure all of my questions were answered. Their support helped me feel at ease before and during my stay in South Korea. I came to Seoul for a one-month internship at Korea Gap Year, where I worked in marketing—my first time ever in this kind of role. I was both nervous and excited, and I truly wanted to do my best. Three years earlier, I had studied abroad in Seoul for six months, so I already had an idea of what to expect. I knew a month would be the perfect length for me this time both emotionally and financially. If I could have stayed longer, I absolutely would have, because I really enjoyed my time working at Korea Gap Year. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Korean work environment. When I arrived, Olivia kindly introduced me to everyone and gave me a tour of the office. I was asked to present myself and share my skills so they could assign tasks accordingly. One of the things I enjoyed most was translating past participants’ stories into English and Spanish. It turned out to be something I loved, and it made me realize that I want to pursue a career in this field. My schedule was Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM. It was definitely an adjustment especially sitting for eight hours straight but I got used to it. One thing that surprised me was how quiet the office could be. In the U.S., people often greet each other with “good morning” or “have a good day,” whereas in Korea, people just quietly go about their work. At first, I felt a bit rude not saying anything, but eventually, the introvert in me appreciated the quiet too. My main goal during this internship was to become more confident and focused on my career. While I sometimes felt frustrated knowing I had to go back home, this experience gave me time to reflect. The job market in the U.S. has been tough, and I often felt uncertain about what was waiting for me. But living alone in Korea for a month was an eye-opener. It helped me learn so much about myself. I've always struggled to express how I feel, but being here helped me open up. Being a student in Korea three years ago was a completely different experience from working here. It’s much easier to make friends as a student. As a worker, it was more difficult, but I appreciated the little moments when locals would approach me during dinner just to speak English. Some even asked about my Mexican heritage and my Spanish, which made me happy and proud to share. It was a meaningful exchange of cultures. Korean culture was breathtaking to experience again. From packed subways during rush hour to cute themed cafes and late-night karaoke, everything felt surreal. I know I’ll truly miss this lifestyle when I return home. It's definitely true when they say Seoul never sleeps! Don’t be afraid to try new things! Try new foods, drinks, visit places, and step out of your comfort zone. You’re in a different country, don't be shy. If you feel discouraged or homesick just remember that you are working towards your goal and future. I also believe your accomodation should be around a loud neighborhood so it’s not totally quiet making you feel at ease being abroad alone. Thank you, Korea Gap Year, for welcoming me as an intern. I’m incredibly grateful for all that I learned and for the support you gave me. To future participants: - Don’t overpack, unless you don’t plan on spending money in Korea. Honestly, it's hard not to! Everything is more affordable compared to the U.S. or Europe, so bring two suitcases. - Research before you go! Watch videos about getting around Incheon Airport, SIM cards, and public transportation. It’s super helpful. - Be prepared for loneliness if you’re traveling for the first time. At home, eating alone is comforting, but in a new country, it can feel isolating. Thankfully, some coworkers invited me to eat together, which I truly appreciated. - Try new things! Whether it’s food, places, or stepping out of your comfort zone. You’re in a different country! Don’t be shy. If you ever feel homesick, remind yourself why you’re here and what you’re working toward. - Stay somewhere lively. If possible, choose accommodation in a busier area. The noise and energy can help ease feelings of loneliness. What to Bring: - Seoul has tons of stores. Daiso is a lifesaver for essentials and affordable finds. - Two things I had trouble with: finding foundation that matches my skin tone, and pants that fit (if you’re tall, they may run short). So pack those ahead of time! - Don’t forget an adapter for your electronic, but don’t worry if you forget something everything’s accessible here. My Gap Year Review! Environment ★★★★★ I was not used to such a quiet working environment but it was really nice getting to experience a different working culture. Language ★★★★★ It was nice being around the Korean language as it made me learn new vocabulary but if you don’t speak it that’s okay there so many things that are translated to English. Accommodation ★★★★★ I got an Airbnb near the company which was so convenient especially during working hours it gets super busy in the subway. So, if you can get an accommodation near the company I suggest that. Safety ★★★★★ Seoul is very safe in my opinion so I never had to worry about any dangerous parts or activities but it’s still an important thing to be safe wherever you are. Learning ★★★★★ Thank you Korea Gap Year for giving me this opportunity! I learned a lot of new skills and realized what tasks I really enjoy doing. I also learned more Korean than I thought!

Thank you to the program; I was able to travel overseas for a good time, in the United States, where I met amazing people!. The culture overseas is very wide, as there is not only 1 culture; there are many. I worked with people from Mexico, Nicaragua, the United States, Africa, etc. I made good friends from whom I learnt more aspects of living in the United States, plus the different ideas conveyed in a way of living. Also, most of the things that I learned back in my school days, I'm glad that I can apply them to real-world scenarios in material science, management, etc. Sharing the same room with people whos carriers are +20 years of experience and learning from them at the company was the most exciting adventure, as you not only acquire new knowledge, but you are also able to provide new perspectives with what you have learned in the past, plus having a new framework on how to handle things. The whole experience was amazing to me.

I enjoyed spending time in the operating room and learning from the kind and communicative surgeons and nurses. I also had the opportunity to meet many different people and experience a new culture. I especially loved the historical aspects of the experience, including seeing ruins and learning about Greece's history through museums. This experience not only gave me an inside look at possible career paths, but also allowed me to learn in multiple hospital settings and gain a better understanding of different areas of healthcare. Beyond the medical experience, I was able to immerse myself in another culture and develop a much broader perspective of the world. Overall, this experience helped me grow both professionally and personally, and it is something I will always value.

What an amazing internship experience! It was an unforgettable month that pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me experiences I’d never have at home, and allowed me to learn about conservation while meeting some amazing people. I learned a great deal and the entire experience definitely exceeded my expectations! I really enjoyed game drives. It was a good way to explore the reserve, learn lots about the environment and wildlife, get to know other participants and no drive was ever the same. Seeing all the animals, sunrise and sunsets on drives and getting to know new people made the experience truly unforgettable.

The time spent doing my GIS internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve exceeded my expectations in both the knowledge I received and the amazing views I was fortunate enough to see. I learned a great deal, saw a lot of amazing animals and it was extremely rewarding to learn so much about GIS and wildlife.

The Marine Biology & Reef Conservation internship in Sodwana Bay (South Africa) was an amazing experience! I learned a great deal - had an awesome time and met some wonderful people! It was unforgettable to see the manta rays too!

Emails were clear and easy to follow. I had the absolute best experience I could have ever asked for because of my host mother. She took such good care of me and any students to get her as a host are super lucky! I enjoyed getting to know a new culture and traveling around Spain. I think it helped me mature a little bit by being alone in a different country and just further added to my self dependence which will help me in my career and life.

Throughout my 2 months living and working in Madrid, I absolutely fell in love with the city. The culture, food, social scene, and environment was unmatched. Thanks to Absolute, I met some of my best friends while abroad. I am so lucky to have found such an amazing group of people to share this experience with including our program coordinators who were the BEST. On top of my actual internship which gave me so many great connections, I truly built a life in Madrid during my time there. This summer has been the best of my life, I gained so many friendships, learned so much about myself, and experienced places and memories that will last a lifetime.

I had a great time here in Taiwan with the internship from AIP. Everyone was very kind and the food was good here. I learned a lot from my host company and would highly recommend this program to my peers 10/10 experience for sure.

I was definitely nervous before going abroad, but AIFS made the whole process so easy. They set you up with everything you need beforehand, and continue to support you throughout your entire time abroad. On my first day in Prague, I met our two program leaders, who are both locals and somehow knew everything about the city. They gave me so many great recommendations throughout my time there, helped me whenever I had questions about navigating life in Prague, and constantly checked in to see how my internship was going and if I needed anything. One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to explore Prague and other nearby countries with the other students in the program. We became so close and made so many memories together. AIFS also planned activities throughout the summer that I never would have thought to do on my own, including pottery painting, a jazz concert, a theatre performance, group dinners, water activities, and even a weekend trip to a town in the Czech countryside. These experiences were such a huge part of what made the summer so special. I felt like I was actually living in Prague rather than just visiting as a tourist. Our program leaders showed us the local spots, introduced us to different parts of Czech culture, and helped us experience the city in a way we probably never would have been able to on our own. Professionally, I was also really happy with my internship placement as a marketing intern. It was a great fit for the skills I wanted to strengthen and the goals I had going into the summer. I learned what it’s like to work in a different country, communicate across cultures, adapt to different workplace norms, and build professional relationships outside of my immediate team. Between making lifelong friendships, connecting with people at my internship, exploring Prague and surrounding countries, and constantly trying new things, this summer pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way. I came home more confident, independent, adaptable, and grateful for all of the people and experiences that made this summer so unforgettable. I would choose this experience a million times over. ❤️

Overall, I had a great experience. ABI was super on top of everything throughout the whole process - from the modules, to recruitment, through my actual internship; everyone was very communicative and responsive, which I appreciated. I got my first-choice internship type and location, working as a design intern at a boutique creative marketing agency in NYC. I enjoyed getting a look behind the curtain at all the different aspects of agency life. From a design standpoint, I learned a lot about the intersection between client management and conceptual creative thinking, but I also got to learn a bit about the account management and production side of the agency world too. Overall, the experience gave me a much stronger understanding of agency workflow and the competencies needed to excel in similar settings in the future.

Hi~ I’m Jodie from Germany, and my love for K-pop is what first led me to Korea. I’m a huge fan of BTS, and I also love Mamamoo and Seventeen. Because of them, I dreamed of visiting Korea one day—not just as a tourist, but to truly experience everyday life in this country. Through the Korea Gap Year program, I had the chance to work as an intern at a Korean cosmetics company, and it became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. My time as an intern was both fun and incredibly rewarding. Everyone I worked with was kind and welcoming, which helped me feel comfortable from the very beginning. I learned so much about Korean cosmetics—how they are developed, marketed, and used by people in Korea. I even found skincare products that were perfect for my own skin. Through this experience, I finally understood why Korean beauty products are loved all over the world. What made this experience even better was the thoughtful support from Korea Gap Year. They took great care of everything in advance and always made sure I was doing well. They also recommended places to visit and fun activities to try, which helped me enjoy my time in Korea beyond work. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to explore the country with confidence and curiosity. My time in Korea was truly, deeply happy. Every day was filled with excitement, learning, and warm memories. Korea now feels like a place close to my heart, not just a destination on a map. One day, I hope to return again with my friends and family!

I always wanted to experience what it would be like to work in the beauty industry. This internship gave me the opportunity to explore my interests and learn more about how the industry works behind. I was able to ask questions, discover things I was curious about, and gain real insights from the team. It was exciting to see how ideas become actual products and how much effort goes into creating beauty trends and experiences. This experience helped me better understand the industry and gave me valuable knowledge and confidence for my future. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in beauty, creativity, and gaining practical experience in an international environment.

After doing a six-month internship earned through ArtBound, I feel more prepared for the type of work in my industry. Before my start date, I did the ABI Academy, which helped build my interview skills, improve my resume, and helped me understand how the choices I made for my portfolio could affect the quality of opportunities I am offered. During the duration of my internship, I was in constant contact with the program coordinators, who were able to guide me during a period of time when I was having communication issues with my boss at Asia Contemporary Art Forum. My role was web/media designer and curatorial fellow; however, I wore many hats while doing my internship. I feel that I was able to truly learn how to work in a small team, how to take charge and make decisions, and improve my institutional style writing. Though I didn't get to participate in most of the intern gatherings during my internship program, I like that I will always have a community to engage with thanks to ArtBound, now that I am an ABI Alumni.

The internship experience in Barcelona was absolutely amazing both in the office and out of the office. Our local host Isabel was amazing when getting us acclimated to the city, as well as providing reccomendations and ensuring our safety. On top of that, her community events that she planned for our group were so much fun whether it was a day trip to the beach, going to dinner, or attractions like park guell. The internship on the other hand was a great work experience, and I learned so much about working abroad.

My experience with GlobalEd Abroad’s 2+2 Pre-Med Internship + PHTLS Certification in Spain was an incredible opportunity to combine professional healthcare experience, international education, and cultural immersion. The program gave me the chance to gain valuable exposure to the medical field while experiencing what it is like to live and learn in Spain. The combination of the Pre-Med internship and PHTLS certification made the experience especially unique, allowing me to develop both professionally and personally. What stood out most was the support and organization from the GlobalEd Abroad team. From the moment the program began, I felt supported throughout the experience. The staff was approachable, helpful, and genuinely committed to making sure students had a meaningful experience both inside and outside of their internships. Living in Spain also added a completely different dimension to the program. Being immersed in a new culture, navigating daily life in another country, and meeting people from different backgrounds made the experience unforgettable. Overall, I would highly recommend the GlobalEd Abroad 2+2 Pre-Med Internship + PHTLS Certification in Spain to students looking for hands-on international experience, professional development, and the opportunity to grow outside of their comfort zone. It was a rewarding experience that I will carry with me long after the program ended.

I had a great time in Berlin! I got to experience living on my own for the first time in a brand new city. Learn how to use public transportation, save money, take care of myself, and learn new things from my internship.

This internship was truly eye-opening. It was my first time in a real workplace, and it pushed me completely out of my comfort zone — from the language barrier to adapting to a professional environment for the first time. I got to apply finance in a hands-on way that no classroom could ever teach, working on real projects with real businesses. Beyond the technical skills, I learned so much about myself: how I handle pressure, how I show up professionally, and just how seriously I take my work when it matters. It was challenging in the best way, and it genuinely shaped how I see my future career path. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.