GoAbroad

Internships abroad are becoming the new favorite in the world of international experience. Becoming an intern abroad means gaining practical, hands-on experience at an international company or organization, while still having all the fun adventures (and sometimes even college credit) afforded during a study abroad program. If your career goals are already in razor-sharp focus or if you’re trying to make career moves after graduation, then it might just be time to start browsing international internships!

This Month’s Recommended Intern Abroad Programs

How to Intern Internationally

Overview

How to get an internship abroad

If you want to know how to get an international internship, it’s actually quite similar to finding a study abroad program. Start by asking yourself two key questions:

  • What are your career goals? Finding internships abroad largely depends on narrowing down your career goals. Once you know what it is that you want to do or which skills you want to improve, you’ll be that much closer to finding the right internship abroad for you.
  • Do you need college credit? - Are you a college student seeking credit towards your degree, or are you a post grad or even mid-career professional? If you don’t require college credit for your international internship, it will actually greatly widen your options, since some university degree programs can be strict about what they accept for credit. If you don’t need college credit, your program options are basically limitless—meaning your dream internship is practically guaranteed. Intern abroad organizations have connections all over the world, so if you’re willing to pay the program fee, you’ll get unrivaled experience to add to your resume or CV. 

Locations

Where to find an international internship

If you’re looking for internships overseas rather than in your home city or country, then we can guess you have an affinity for travel. If you have a specific type of internship abroad in mind, it might make the destination obvious. However, if you simply want professional experience in a certain destination in order to perfect your language skills or learn the cultural norms, then you should let that guide your program search.

If you're trying to improve your Spanish skills, then choosing Spain, Mexico, or Peru could be good places to start with. But if you want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture then you're going to have to go to Japan.

International internships exist everywhere in the world! But if you want to know where to start looking, start with where you want to go. It can also be helpful to either look for international internships at your companies of interest, or to ask your program advisor where the best internships in your career field are located. When looking for the best places to intern abroad, it helps to think about your career goals first.

If you want to explore the business world, then places like France, China, and Italy could be a great start. But if you're more interested in wildlife or conservation, then you'll want to consider destinations like Costa Rica, South Africa, or Thailand

Finances

How to afford an internship

How will you pay for an internship abroad? Interning abroad through a program can be pricey, but worth it. Your internship provider will find you a killer placement in your chosen field, while taking care of details like accommodation and meals. Some even offer post-internship job finding assistance! All of these benefits come at a price, but it pays off (sometimes literally). Plus, it’s not impossible to find a paid internship abroad (although you’ll have to do a bit more digging).

Many students and young professionals opt to fundraise for their international internships, but scholarships and grants for interning abroad also exist!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find internships abroad

If you’re looking for an internship abroad, a common misconception is that you need to find and apply for specific opportunities, as you would normally do with jobs. 

However, there are actually thousands of opportunities to custom-build a guaranteed internship abroad. These opportunities operate similarly to study abroad, but are instead focused specifically on professional growth and experience. Our internships abroad directory is a great place to start your search. This is an excellent resource if you want to search by destination, career field, or timeframe.

Are there paid internships abroad?

Yes, there are definitely paid internships abroad. However, it will be far more common to find unpaid internships. Depending on your field and destination, paid internship opportunities are few and far between and tend to be a lot more competitive. 

If you want to intern abroad but can only find unpaid internships, then you’ll need to find the additional value in the experience. Will you be able to network with important professionals in your industry? Will you receive help with writing your resume and cover letter? Will you get a letter of recommendation or two? Early in your career, these types of benefits can change the trajectory of your career.

Are internships abroad useful?

Internships abroad are highly useful! This is true no matter what your academic or career field is, but especially so if you plan to live or work abroad someday, or really want a way to make your resume more competitive. Interning abroad is an excellent way to get work experience while availing all the other benefits offered by studying abroad.

What are some benefits of internships abroad?

There are many benefits of interning abroad—namely, the exceptional personal and professional growth that comes hand-in-hand with the experience. Plus, internships abroad are flexible. You can intern abroad during college, after graduation, or if you’re interested in a career change, and there are thousands of opportunities across dozens of fields. 

And not to mention, you’ll have life-changing adventures and make tons of new friends and connections!

What are the best intern abroad programs like?

With thousands of opportunities around the world, how do you find the best of the best when it comes to internships abroad? It’s actually pretty simple—it all comes down to what your goals are and what you want out of an internship abroad! 

A few things your internship should absolutely have are pre-departure support, resume writing help, help with your job search post-internship, and alumni networking. And if the entire premise of your internship is a custom placement, you should expect them to deliver on your initial wants and requests.

Latest Program Reviews

Great internship experience

August 27, 2026by: Kate Booker - United Kingdom

Program: Intern in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

5

I loved every second about my internship, especially the responsibilities I was given. It was a really interesting experience. ‎Nely was amazing! She was so warm, welcoming and patient. I truly feel like she was the best possible teacher for me! Thank you so much!

Such a wonderful experience.

August 27, 2026by: Taline Nasr - Malta

Program: International Internships in Madrid

5

Both Corrine and Lalita worked hard to make both the integration into the workspace AND the city very easy and immersive. Without them, things would have been much harder. They were very easy to reach if we had any questions or requests!!

It was definitely a 10/10 experience

August 27, 2026by: Sofia Gomez - Mexico

Program: Internship in Tokyo, Japan

5

I had a great experience during my internship. Everyone was very welcoming and supportive. I learned a lot through my time here and really appreciated the opportunity to gain a valuable experience in a completely new country.

Most amazing experience i’ve ever had!

August 27, 2026by: luka moore - New Zealand

Program: Internship in Tokyo, Japan

5

This was an amazing time. I met the best people from all around the world. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and people I can visit in every country. The traveling I did around Japan was priceless.

The best time ever

August 27, 2026by: Adrian Boss - United States

Program: Internship in Tokyo, Japan

5

This was a great experience. I met a lot of people and professionally developed myself. Being in a foreign country has enlightened me new perspectives. I am really disappointed to leave. I could not have asked for a better way for this to work.

I am so sad to leave

August 27, 2026by: Kiara Smith - Canada

Program: Internship in Tokyo, Japan

5

I had such an amazing experience in Tokyo! I recommend it to everyone because you get to meet so many amazing people while learning skills you can later apply in the real world. This experience has expanded my global perspective and allowed me to work along individuals from different backgrounds.

Wonderful time in Japan!

August 27, 2026by: Benji Maille - Canada

Program: Internship in Tokyo, Japan

5

I came over here not knowing what to expect but ended up having a great time working with a diverse group of people from all over the world! The Japanese program Director is wonderful, patient, and entertaining! We had the opportunity to go to different parts of Japan as well and we also worked with a variety of different types of clients, both run by Japanese business people and by foreign business people, a great experience for anyone who would like to learn more about working abroad in their intern programs

Management Graduate loved China

August 27, 2026by: Magda Kowalska - Poland

Program: GAC Career & Business Immersion Program in China

5

As a management graduate from Poland, I wanted to see how business works in Asia. GAC placed me with a consulting firm in Beijing, where I worked on real market entry strategies for international clients. I was involved in client meetings, data analysis, and presentation preparation. My mentor was incredibly supportive and explained the nuances of Chinese business culture. The team handled my visa, accommodation, and even organized weekend trips to the Great Wall. I returned home with confidence, new skills, and a job offer. Highly recommend!

Great program!

August 27, 2026by: Franziska * - Germany

Program: Social Internship in South Korea with Korea Gapyear

5

The program was the reason I could come to Korea in the first place. The staff was very helpful when it came to finding a suitable internship! I could always contact them if I needed help or was unsure about something! They were also always nice and friendly! I was also happy to learn that they offered activities and even educational trips themselves! I can recommend this program to everyone who wants to travel to Korea without worries!! I had an incredible time and could travel and work at the same time!

6 months KGY Internship

August 27, 2026by: Reina * - Netherlands

Program: Social Internship in South Korea with Korea Gapyear

5

I think KGY is great when it comes to guidance. It was my first time in Korea and I had a lot of questions and stumbled across some problems in there but I felt relieved when I knew that KGY was there if I had any concerns. I learned a lot about me and my ways of working at the internship and I feel like this will be very useful in my future! KGY helped me a lot finding out how to do stuff and they also gave me the documents I needed for my university and accreditation. I’m pretty satisfied with what I did because I like to do editing a lot and I also mentioned that to KGY that's what I mainly did during my internship, making a lot of videos, and creating and editing them. So thank you so much for everything Korea Gap Year.

2 months in a skin care beauty company in Seoul

August 27, 2026by: Corine * - Belgium

Program: Beauty/ SkinCare Internship in Seoul

5

I did an internship in South Korea in Seoul as a beauty and Skin Care intern. How I found out about korea gapyear, basically we were several students from the same class and same university that wanted to come to korea and one of my classmates she introduced me to a korea gapyear and she gave me the email address at the beginning i didn't know about the program at all and then later on I thought that korea gapyear turned out to be very beneficial for me because it was my first time in Asia and I really wanted to feel that comfortable for my first-ever trip alone and so decided to like let Korea GapYear do the job it really helped me a lot and I would definitely like do it again Come to Korea gapyear if you want to go to come to korea, they will help you with everything every paperwork for internship.

great opportunity

August 27, 2026by: Ines * - Belgium

Program: Social Internship in South Korea with Korea Gapyear

5

It felt a bit overwhelming just because there was so much information and new things I had to discover for my internship but the team is great has been great, they are friendly, some of them speak French and I love the atmosphere already. For my first day on my internship I had a meeting with the CEO and he explained to me the whole story behind the company It was interesting and I could tell he is really passionate about it so it’s great. But it has been good so far and I had a lot of company dinners and I was really excited about that. I 100% enjoyed my time in Korea and happy I had a great internship experience.

Internship at Eritage Art Projects

August 26, 2026by: Lexi Lai - China

Program: Intern in Lisbon with Absolute Internship

5

1. Brief description of the host company/ organisation and supervisor(s) ERITAGE Studio Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art space in Lisbon that champions artistic plurality and uses art as a tool for human development and corporate engagement. It is a dynamic hub where international exhibitions foster intercultural dialogue. The gallery is led by its Founder and Creative Director, Joao Marcus Cavalcanti—a former finance professional from Rio de Janeiro who transitioned to gallerist in Portugal. He has built a remarkable cultural bridge between Brazil, Portugal, and Africa through artist residencies and shared productions. Committed to social dialogue and sustainability, Cavalcanti steers ERITAGE as a space where contemporary art intersects with social consciousness, making it an incredibly inspiring environment to learn from. 2. Your job duties, contributions and accomplishments My role as a Public Relations Intern was varied. My main responsibility was social media content creation and curation. I created and scheduled engaging visual content for Instagram including photography, reels and behind-the-scenes stories to promote current exhibitions and artists, greatly increasing the gallery's online engagement. I also carried out extensive research and reporting on galleries, visiting contemporary art spaces across Lisbon, looking at curatorial strategies and producing detailed reports that fed into our strategic programming. I provided direct support during the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including handling artworks, setting lighting and display materials, and the safe packing and storage of works. These contributions have given me a holistic view of gallery operations from the public facing promotion to the physical logistics that take place behind the scenes. 3. Difficulties encountered during the internship (if any) The internship was not without its challenges. Professionally, I was initially daunted by the physicality of the role – in Hong Kong, gallery assistants rarely engage in manual construction, but here I was drilling into gallery walls to hang installations, meaning I had to learn proper techniques from scratch. Culturally, the language barrier was sometimes tough, as many locals do not speak fluent English outside of the tourism sector. I had to use hand gestures and basic Portuguese phrases. The city’s notorious topography, built on seven steep hills, was a real workout when commuting. This was personally my first experience living in an 8 bedroom flat with 7 other flat mates which really tested my patience and communication skills on a daily basis as well as bouts of homesickness over the holidays. 4. Knowledge/ skills/ benefits acquired from the internship I have learned a great deal professionally. I deepened my understanding of the artists' backgrounds, creative processes, and thematic concerns, which greatly enriched my appreciation for Portuguese art history and its cultural context. Translating these insights into words, I had the rewarding opportunity to write articles for the gallery's official Substack account—crafting engaging narratives that bridged the artists' visions with our audience, and sharpening my ability to communicate complex artistic ideas with clarity and warmth. On the practical side, I also gained hands-on technical skills in the safe installation and de-installation of artworks, from precise measuring and levelling to correct wrapping, safe transport, and meticulous inventory documentation—skills I never imagined I would learn but now value immensely. Most notably, I developed invaluable interpersonal and adaptability skills, learning to think quickly on my feet when my supervisor assigned last-minute work, and consistently delivering quality output under pressure without losing my composure. 5. Insights into the culture and people of the destination What impressed me most about Lisbon was not just its postcard beauty but its emotional depth, a kind of poetic melancholy that the Portuguese call saudade. This bittersweet longing is in the air all over the city, most distinctly in the plaintive guitar of Fado music drifting from dimly lit taverns, but it does not weigh down the culture. Instead it coexists with an extraordinary warmth and a deep sense of community. I loved the neighborhood life, like in Alfama, where old ladies gossip across clothes-lined balconies, and in the Santos Populares festivities, whole streets become open-air banquets, with neighbors grilling sardines together. The locals taught me desenrascanço — the uniquely Portuguese ability to improvise with charm and resourcefulness. They’re not on the clock, but on the clock of the golden descent of the sun over the Tagus River, valuing human connection over relentless efficiency. Whether it’s a long coffee in a quiet pastelaria or an informal greeting from shopkeepers, Lisboetas are quietly resilient and welcoming, making me feel less like a foreigner and more like a temporary piece of their lively, unhurried story.

great experience

August 26, 2026by: braedan viana - Canada

Program: Internship in Hong Kong - Asia Internship Program

5

AIP provided excellent support throughout my internship experience in Hong Kong. From the beginning, the process was organized, clear, and much less stressful because the team was available to answer questions and provide guidance. Moving to another country for an internship can feel overwhelming, especially when you are balancing travel arrangements, housing, workplace expectations, and adapting to a new city, but AIP made the transition much easier. The communication was one of the strongest parts of the experience. I always felt that I had a clear point of contact if I needed help or had a question. The team was responsive, professional, and supportive throughout the program. They helped make sure I understood what to expect before arriving and continued to provide support while I was in Hong Kong. That gave me confidence and allowed me to focus more on learning from the internship itself. The placement gave me a valuable opportunity to experience a professional workplace in an international environment. I was able to develop practical skills, improve my confidence, and gain a better understanding of how professional work is done outside of the classroom. Living and working in Hong Kong was also a meaningful part of the experience. It pushed me to become more independent, adapt to a different environment, and learn how to navigate daily life in a fast-paced global city. I also appreciated that the program was not only about completing an internship. It gave me the chance to grow personally as well as professionally. I learned how to communicate in a workplace, manage responsibilities, work with different people, and become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Those are skills that will be useful in future internships, university, and my career. Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity and for the support AIP provided throughout the process. The experience was well organized, worthwhile, and memorable. I would recommend AIP to students who are looking for an overseas internship and want the support of a team that is helpful, professional, and committed to making the experience run smoothly

Internship in Taipei, Taiwan

August 26, 2026by: Madeline Santoso - United States

Program: Internship in Taiwan - Asia Internship Program

5

I spent 2 months abroad in Taipei, Taiwan through AIP, and it was a really positive experience! I had some issues with my original internship placement, but my team was incredibly responsive! I really appreciate Jeff, Roro, and Nisha’s support and help throughout the process. With their help and flexibility, I was placed with another company very quickly. The transition process was fast and smooth, and I couldn't be more happy with my internship. Moreover, my living accommodations through AIP were excellent. I was close to transportation and the neighborhood was very peaceful. I'm extremely grateful to the AIP team for their help.

An Experience That Changed Me

August 26, 2026by: Lema Wardak - Canada

Program: International Internships in Bangkok

5

Working in Bangkok through The Intern Group was truly an amazing experience. I interned at an international law firm and worked on many projects, but the personal growth I experienced was what truly stayed with me. Being able to live and work in Thailand pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, with any international trip you have to adapt to a new country, new people, a new culture, and a completely different environment. The biggest impact came when I returned home. Having to go back to my normal routines made me realize just how much I had changed. I came back more confident, independent, open-minded and much more aware of what I wanted from life. I started questioning the things I had accepted simply because they were familiar and became more comfortable letting go of people, environments, and routines that were no longer making me happy. It genuinely felt like I had closed one chapter of my life and walked into a completely new one. I would recommend The Intern Group to anyone who is willing to challenge themselves and experience something completely outside of their normal life. you may go into it expecting an internship, but you just might come back realizing that you are capable of so much more than you thought. For me, Thailand didn't just give me work experience, it gave me a new perspective on my life and the courage to start building towards the future I actually want.

NYC Summer Internship 2026

August 26, 2026by: isabelle clayton temple - United Kingdom

Program: New York Internships with Beyond Academy

5

Beyond Academy were absolutely brilliant from start to finish, every step is well thought out with sufficient support throughout not only from the programme leaders in the city taking us to events, shows, dinners, and hotspots, but also from those behind the scenes making the internship happen in the first place!

Amazing time in Medellin

August 25, 2026by: Amelia Bartlett - United Kingdom

Program: International Internship Programs in Colombia

5

I had the best time, the accommodation was really good and social activities made it easy to meet other interns and explore the city. Mari and Marián were always so friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend this experience! :)

Would recommend to anyone!

August 25, 2026by: Bruce Matthews - United States

Program: International Internship Programs in Colombia

5

My trip to Medellin was so valuable to me. So glad I went with The Intern Group. Housing and events were perfect, and I really liked the way they ran it. You get to go on multiple trips and many social events and are able to make friends and form connections with a variety of people from different backgrounds.

A Meaningful Experience That Helped Me Grow

August 25, 2026by: Khine Zin Thwe - Myanmar

Program: Internship in Thailand - Asia Internship Program

5

My internship abroad was an experience I will always remember. Living and working in Bangkok gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, experience a different environment, and learn how to adapt to a new workplace and culture. During my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience in IT and had the chance to work on different tasks and projects, which helped me improve both my technical and problem-solving skills. I also learned a lot from the people I worked with and enjoyed getting to know a new team. Outside of work, living abroad helped me become more independent and confident. There were definitely some challenges along the way, but they made the experience even more meaningful. Overall, I am very grateful for this opportunity and the memories, skills, and friendships I gained throughout my time abroad.

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