Internships in Edinburgh, Scotland

In the nineteenth century, Edinburgh’s economy was formed through shipbuilding, banking, and brewing. Today, the city’s economy has grown into a strong force with a focus on scientific research and tourism. With the second strongest economy in the United Kingdom, interns will have endless options when finding a placement. 

Short term internships and summer internships vs. long-term internships. Both the Old Town and New Town of Edinburgh feature many universities, where interns can study while participating in an internship. Spend a couple months earning academic credit or up to one year interning post-graduation. Many internships in Edinburgh require a bachelor’s degree, but if you’re still studying, no worries! Previous experience in a related field will land you a great placement.

Popular fields of work. The most popular field for internships in Edinburgh focus on business, economics, and finance. The banking industry has carried the city since the beginning, and it has now expanded with global headquarters for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Others will find placements in technology and science, with opportunities to conduct research in any subject, from iPhone apps to 10,000-year-old landscapes. For those interns who want to experience the magic of Edinburgh, consider an internship in tourism. You may find yourself working in a castle or at one of the city’s major festivals. 

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Edinburgh. The only downside here is the unpaid nature of most internships. Edinburgh placements, even with the lack of pounds, usually offer incentives, such as meals and accommodation. No matter your money situation, it’s a good idea to keep the old Scottish saying in mind: “mony a mickle maks a muckle!” Look after your pennies and the dollars look after themselves.

Edinburgh combines a down-to-earth nature with majestic views, mythical legends, and late-night drinking. Whether you want to sip on hot whiskey, search for Nessie, or embrace festival life, interns will never cease to find magic while interning abroad in this stunning city. 

Interns can spend their days visiting primeval castles, like the Edinburgh Castle, where they’ll feel like royalty, and their nights in crowded pubs with new friends. Feast on haggis (a savory pudding made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs) with a deep-fried Mars Bar for dessert, and then burn off those calories with a climb up an extinct volcano that is now Arthur’s Seat. And no matter what time of year you intern abroad, be sure to check out some of the famous international festivals, like Edinburgh Fringe Festival or Hogmanay.

In between adventures, interns can rest their heads in flats or dorm rooms offered through university programs. Consider budgeting, as the city is quite expensive. If your program does not include accommodation, rent can cost between $800-$1000. If you choose city life, try cooking at home, as a meal out will cost over $15, and a small cappuccino will be about $3.50.

As in every workplace, interns in Edinburgh should follow a certain protocol to fit in with their new company. Interns should always dress to impress (yes, sometimes this means wearing a kilt), be punctual and polite, and accept the fact that there will many tea breaks filled with laughter. 

Once you settle into your internship in Edinburgh and start to befriend locals, you’ll notice immediately that the Scottish accent and slang are truly unique. While you may struggle at first (after all, it hardly sounds like English!), the Scots are welcoming, fun-loving people who will teach you all the tricky lingo you need to know. Keep the heid (stay calm) and approach the language with a sense of humor, because as they say, “failing means you’re playing” (it’s better to be doing badly than not taking part). 

If you’re looking for a challenging and legendary internship, Edinburgh will provide an experience that is full of laughter and learning, so look no further than here. Interning abroad in Edinburgh will surprise and delight every traveler, and you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this mystical land. Get ready to have a pure dead brilliant time interning abroad in Edinburgh.

Check out more programs on interning in Scotland to keep the magic alive!