Internships Abroad in New York

Prepare for an Internship

Set goals

If you’ve never heard of a New York Minute, prepare to experience one during your internship. Time flies in NYC, so having some specific goals to achieve while there can help you make the most of your time there.

• Pay attention to the different parts of the internship and see what specialties excite you the most. Make a note and consider how you can apply that to your future professional endeavors.
• Brainstorm and pick out one or a few hard and soft skills to hone, expand, or learn while working. Take the extra time to really work on it.
• Truly, anything you love doing or daydreaming about can be found in this city. Find a group, class, or other way to have a deeper connection while stateside.

Understand the benefits

When they say New York has everything, they really mean it. Beyond the menial conveniences on every block, there are plenty of benefits to glean from your time there. A few are:

• Competitive and professional development. The focus on the job market and success in New York is no joke. It’s one of the most regarded places to work in the world, so your experience will be no different.
• Meeting new people from around the world. As the United States' biggest city, there are plenty of people to meet beyond your internship! Take the time to find the right pocket for you and meet some incredible humans.
• Personal growth. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere! The town can be intense but offers limitless opportunities for new experiences and lessons to learn about yourself and the world beyond.

Things to know

• Visa and paper requirements. Research and secure the necessary visas, such as the J-1 visa, and check with your program or embassy for specific requirements. Ensure all documents are prepared well in advance to avoid complications.
• Cost and logistics. Budget carefully, as NYC can get expensive quickly, and familiarize yourself with the area and commuting options. The subway is a cost-effective way to get around, so check pass prices upon arrival.
• Social and cultural tips. Be mindful of fast-paced foot traffic and set boundaries in the competitive work culture. NYC’s diversity means you’ll encounter a wide range of personalities across its five boroughs.

New York City is a global hub, offering a wide range of internship opportunities across various fields. Here are some of the most popular fields you can explore:

Finance

New York is the heart of the financial world, home to Wall Street and numerous major banks, investment firms, and financial institutions. An internship in finance will give you insight into stock markets, banking operations, and financial planning, providing a solid foundation for a career in this competitive field.

Fashion

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York is the perfect place to dive into the fashion industry. Internships here can range from design houses to fashion magazines, giving you a taste of the creative and fast-paced world of fashion.

Media and Communications

If you're passionate about media, journalism, or communications, New York offers internships in some of the biggest media companies, including TV networks, publishing houses, and digital media startups. This field will allow you to develop skills in content creation, public relations, and broadcasting.

Is there anything that isn’t exciting about seeing and experiencing New York? Landing an internship in New York is a big deal, but you can actually make it happen by following these steps:

1. Get matched

Head to our Online Advisor if you’re ready to find internships in NY! The advisor can match you with recommendations in real time and email them to you.

2. Choose a program

Want to save and compare the internships sent to you, along with finding more? Sign up for or log in to a MyGoAbroad account.

3. Decide when to go

NYC is an experience any time of the year! If your program doesn’t dictate a time of year, consider the following!

• Summer. As always, summer offers the most availability of programs due to people’s flexibility. New York summers are full of fun festivals, arts and cultural celebrations, and great for day trips to natural excursions. Beware, the temperatures can get hot during the season, and aren't for the faint of heart.
• Fall. After the fun and frenzied summer season moves on, fall becomes much more focused and academic (great for those who are educators, in fashion, or marketing/business). Great for a more quintessential Hollywood version of NYC, Broadway offers new shows and endless opportunities to walk through Central Park while the leaves change color.
• Winter. The holiday season in NYC is a full experience! Between holiday markets, shows, and outdoor events, the city doesn’t stop. People interested in tourism or hospitality would do well during this time in the city.Spring. New Yorkers love the spring as soon as it's warm enough to lounge about in parks, cafes, or bar patios. The city starts anew with the blooms, and seasonal events begin. It’s a great time for people interested in civil engineering, conservation, and agricultural practices.

4. Funding & scholarships

In need of some financial support? Fill out our scholarship and deals application to see what’s waiting.

5. Apply

After you’re done with the application process, a program coordinator will contact you with more information.

6. Get your essentials

Once all of that is done, and you’ve been accepted to a program, it’s time to apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance.