Bangkok is not a city that people fall in love with at first sight. This is a place that you need to adjust to. Crazy traffic, streets packed with people 24/7, nobody speaking English…it can be tough, but you should give it a chance because once you look beyond all that craziness, you will discover a picturesque city full of contrast between history, culture, and religion on one side, and modern commerce, cuisine, nightlife, and shopping on the other. Intern abroad in Bangkok to find out why this a top destination for international visitors!
Popular Fields for Internships
As the financial and business hub in Thailand that produces the most wealth for the country, you’ll find a wide range of internship opportunities in this rapidly growing city. You’ll also have plenty of professional opportunities to network in this economic center of the country.
Short-Term Internships vs. Summer Internships vs. Long-Term Internships. While internships are available year-round, you’ll need to decide on a duration that fits your field experience needs and budget. Also, weather is another factor you’ll need to take into consideration — November through March is ideal for cool weather (December/January is peak tourist season) and the summers are hot, humid, and rainy.
Popular Fields of Work. Whether you’re interested in interning in the field of culinary arts or marine science, you’ll have your pick of the lot when you decide to apply for Bangkok internships thanks to the city’s many professional resources. Overall, the most popular fields for interns include tourism, education (including teaching English and earning your TEFL certificate), and business.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships in Bangkok. While you probably won’t make a lot of money with paid internships, which are primarily in the fields of hospitality and business, most internships offer housing, food, and even language lessons as part of the compensation. You could also earn college credits from interning in Bangkok. Not only that, but you’ll be gaining international experience in an affordable country, so how can you begin to put a price on the value of that?
Life in Bangkok for Interns
On every corner you will encounter a depth of history, religion, and culture. There are hundreds of unexpected shrines on the bustling city sidewalks and prolific temples with some of the most famous religious figures in the world, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace, or the ethereal Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
Don’t be scared to try delicious Thai street food. It’s healthy, appetizing, and perfectly safe. Many tourists come to Thailand and avoid eating street food, simply because they don’t trust it and are afraid they will get sick. However, if you are in Thailand you must try authentic Thai food, and the street food stalls are exactly where you will find it.
It’s very easy to navigate around the city. Taxis are cheap, but not always the quickest way to get from point A to point B because of the heavy traffic. However, if you have never taken a crazed ride through a city in a Tuk Tuk, it is a perfect way to travel around – if you do not get carsick too easily! Don’t forget to also negotiate your price!
GoAbroad's Insider Tips
The best way to explore the city is to take the tourist boat down the Chao Phraya River and discover Bangkok as it once was. Visit thriving Chinatown, the famous Grand Palace. Have lunch at one of the street food stalls and then head to the lesser known tourist attraction of Golden Mount (Wat Saket), which is considered by many to be a true jewel of Bangkok. A gentle climb to the top gives excellent views of the city whilst the temple holds true to Buddhism in its architecture and artifacts.
After you visit the temple and enjoy the stunning views, head back to the city center by jumping into one of the boats and take a ride through Bangkok canals, traveling through the city like a true local and enjoying the views of small family farms and orchid nurseries. This type of transportation is faster, more convenient, and efficient than the land route, and definitely very, very unique. After an exhausting day, consider relaxing and enjoying a traditional Thai massage at one of many city’s massage parlors. A perfect way to end a busy day.
Most people who travel to Bangkok fall in love with Thailand’s culture and overall behavior of the Thai people. Thai culture is very refreshing for those who intern in Bangkok, as the people are usually very friendly, relaxed, and tend to smile a lot. Bangkok is also known for its infamous nightlife in districts such as Soi Cowboy, Patpong, and Nana. Also visit Soi 11 for interesting restaurants, street bars, and clubs.
