Sports Internships Abroad

Frequent travelers know that a country's sports culture is one of the most passionate and fascinating parts of life abroad. From game day traditions to national sports stars, sports internships offer unique access to national or regional pride, whether centered on cricket, football, or other sports. Beyond personal involvement, these internships provide professional experience, international connections, and the chance to explore a new part of the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can find summer sports internships abroad by exploring specialized platforms that list opportunities from organizations and institutions worldwide. Leverage your home university’s partnerships or contact organizations directly. Plus, don’t hesitate to attend sports events—the perfect way to expand your network and find entry-level placements while having fun.

16 Top Summer Internships Abroad for 2024

Top countries for sports internships abroad include the UK, offering a rich football culture and sports management roles. The USA boasts a vast sports industry, from the NBA to college athletics. Australia is known for rugby and outdoor sports, while Spain is a football and sports marketing hub. Certain sports industries may be stronger in some regions, and being flexible with locations can open up more opportunities.

20 Gap Year Activities that Look Great on Resumes

Yes! Remote sports internships are available, particularly in marketing, analytics, media, and digital strategy. Many organizations offer virtual roles focusing on content creation, data analysis, and fan engagement, allowing you to gain experience without being on-site. This flexibility is growing with the industry adapting to digital platforms.

Paid sports internships are less common but do exist, especially with larger organizations like professional sports teams, major leagues, and established sports marketing agencies. Most paid roles are competitive and typically found in these sectors: management, analytics, and media. However, many internships in the sports industry remain unpaid or offer stipends.

A sports internship offers college students hands-on industry experience, networking with professionals, and insight into ideal career paths such as sports management, marketing, or coaching. It helps build critical skills, from teamwork to leadership, and boosts a resume, making students more competitive in the job market.

Why Student Athletes Should Study Abroad

Latest Program Reviews

A Life-Changing Gap Year in China

May 17, 2025by: Emily Nash - United KingdomProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

Joining the GAC Gap Year Program was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Splitting time between learning Chinese and interning gave me the perfect balance of cultural immersion and professional growth. The language classes were intensive but enjoyable, and the teachers made the process really engaging. My internship placement matched my interests and helped me gain valuable hands-on experience. I also appreciated the cultural activities, which made it easy to connect with others and explore the real China. It’s a program I’d recommend to anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.

The Perfect Blend of Culture, Language & Career Growth

May 14, 2025by: Angela Ross - United KingdomProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

My gap year with Go Abroad China was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I studied Mandarin during the week, interned at a local startup, and explored the culture on weekends. The language immersion was incredibly effective, and the internship gave me real-world skills that I still use today. The GAC staff were supportive every step of the way, making the transition smooth and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a gap year that combines learning, career building, and cultural adventure, this is it!

A Life-Changing Gap Year in China

May 17, 2025by: Emily Nash - United KingdomProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

The Perfect Blend of Culture, Language & Career Growth

May 14, 2025by: Angela Ross - United KingdomProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

A Guide to Sports Internships Abroad

Prepare for an Internship

Understand the benefits

Anywhere you take a sports internship can prove highly beneficial to you! Some basic perks that anyone can walk away with are:

Resume builder. The world of sports is a highly competitive one, so if you aren’t a pro athlete or know people, the more tangible experience you have the better! The experiences you have abroad can directly translate into better career prospects.
Hands-on experience. Being able to go beyond theories and have practical experience in any specialty only helps improve your work and adaptability.
Personal growth. Beyond the professional aspects, the internship can help make you a better critical thinker, have a broader perspective, and be more adaptable to any clients or teams you interact with.

Things to know

Doing an internship in a different country introduces new challenges and experiences to navigate, such as:

Visa and paperwork requirements - Always verify with your program the specific visa and paperwork requirements, as they may vary depending on the length of your stay.
Cultural etiquette - It’s recommended to ask your program for detailed guidance, and learning some basics of the local language shows respect in most countries.
Safety measures - It's a good idea to prepare backup plans for things like money and important documents before you travel.
Cost of living and accommodations - Research the economy and living costs of your destination country, and consider setting a budget and sharing housing to manage expenses. Sports interns typically aren’t paid due to visa and logistical constraints.

Choose a Location

The great thing about looking for a sports internship is that you can find one anywhere. Worldwide there’s some pastime to get into—here are a few great options.

Australia

In the Outback, there are great opportunities to work in a variety of sports centers and outdoor sports facilities. Interns can even travel to bustling Sydney and get involved in ocean sports, like swimming and surfing. Australia is an incredible place to gain experience and even partake in winter-oriented sports (the season is much shorter than the northern hemisphere’s season).

Ireland

If you’re unfamiliar with Ireland and the neighboring UK’s dedication and passion for sports, now is the time to dive in. Irish sports fans are famed as some of the most die-hard enthusiasts of football, Irish Gaelic football, and rugby. It’s a great place to experience a diehard love of sports mixed into everyday culture while making some lifelong peers and mentors.

China

Looking for a diverse and ultra-competitive atmosphere that will provide a lot of experience? China has a huge love and thrill for competition and various sports, so much so that you can even find this spirit in intramurals or school yards. Famed for its table tennis competitions, China has a huge population of fans in a wonderful range of sports.

What else to know

Getting ready for your sports gap year involves a bit more than picking a location and program. Here’s a rundown of what to think about and prepare for:

Budgeting and fundraising

Set up a budget to cover everything from program fees to travel and daily expenses.
Look into fundraising or financial support options, such as crowdfunding campaigns, local events, or finding sponsors to help with your costs.

Health and safety

Health is something to look into thoroughly before you go. Address all necessary requirements, including vaccinations and insurance, to prevent unexpected medical costs.
Also, familiarize yourself with local safety guidelines and conditions to stay prepared for any emergencies.

Packing essentials

Pack smart based on the weather and activities at your destination. Remember to bring sports gear, medications, and any personal items you’ll need.
Don’t forget any specific sports equipment or clothing necessary for your coaching or playing roles.

Cultural preparation

Research the culture, customs, and language of your destination. This will help you fit in better and show respect to the locals, enhancing your overall experience

Getting started

1. Get matched

Without needing to search endlessly, use our Online Advisor to find sports gap year programs that fit your interests. Answer a few quick questions, and we’ll send you personalized options directly to your inbox.

2. Choose a program

Set up a MyGoAbroad account to save and compare your favorite sports gap year programs. It’s an easy way to see which ones are the best fit for you.

3. Decide when to go

There’s no right or wrong time to take a gap year; it all depends on your personal preferences and timeline. To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of your timing options:

After college. If you’re done with college and looking for a change, a sports gap year is a great chance to test the waters and explore your passions before starting your career.
Career break/Mid-career. Taking a break from your job for a sports gap year can help you recharge and rediscover your passion, giving you a fresh perspective when you return.
During college. A gap year during college provides insights that go beyond the classroom and offers practical skills that complement your studies.
Post high school. A sports gap year after high school gives you more time to explore your interests and figure out what you want to do next.

4. Funding & scholarships

Fill out the GoAbroad sholarships and deals application to find out about financial support options for your sports gap year. It’s worth exploring to help cover your costs.

5. Apply

Once you’ve picked your programs, apply and a coordinator will get in touch to help guide you through the next steps.

6. Get your essentials

Outside of sports preparation, make sure you get your visa and passport, flight, and travel insurance. With those in place, you’ll be ready to go on your sports gap year trip!