Finding an Internship Abroad

Why do an internship abroad?

During an internship, you can spend time in a new country and grow professionally. This is a window to improve your chances of getting a job around the world, as employers value international experience more and more. Work experience in a different country shows that you can adapt, communicate with people from other cultures, and take the initiative. It also lets you learn in the real world and use what you've learned in a multicultural setting while learning more about how businesses work around the world.

It’s also a good entry point into a job. A specific study reported that 70% of employers made full-time job offers to their interns, and 80% of those interns accepted them.

Also, doing an internship abroad is a great way to build a professional network. You will meet mentors and other interns who may have an impact on your future career. One of the best insights from The Global Move, the newsletter for expats who want to relocate and live abroad, dug into the importance of networking with people from a shared background to get a job abroad. And internships are a way into that network.

Many international internships are designed to help students earn academic credits, though this depends on whether the company’s programme aligns with your university’s policies. Even if it doesn’t, undertaking an international internship can serve as a great alternative for those seeking an elevated version of the traditional study abroad experience.

In short, doing an internship abroad can set you apart in an increasingly global job market.

How to get an internship abroad

If you’re wondering how to get an internship abroad, the process may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. These are some simple steps you will have to follow:

Step 1: Identify your goals and choose the right destination

Start by deciding what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to gain experience in your field of study, improve your language skills, or wander around a specific region? Your motivation will help you target the right internship opportunities abroad.

Once your motivations are clear, research countries that are strong in your industry. Do you want a remote or in-person position? If the latter is the case, check visa requirements early on. Many internship abroad programmes assist with this, but it’s good to have a heads-up.

Step 2: Select a reliable programme provider

This is where international internship programme platforms can make a real difference. They offer fully supported internships abroad and remote programmes in cities like London, Singapore, and New York, and handle everything from placement matching to visa guidance and housing.

If you’d rather look around on your own, you can also check out global job boards, university exchange programmes, or, for full-time jobs specifically, niche sites like Relocate.me’s international tech job board and internship platforms.

Step 3: Put together your international CV and cover letter

International programmes are quite competitive, so it’s important to figure out how to stand out. Before being invited to any interview, you’ll need to send an application including your CV, cover letter, and an optimised LinkedIn profile. It’s a good idea to have a base template to save time, but remember to tweak your CV and cover letter for each opportunity to suit the specific company you’re applying to. Recruiters appreciate seeing that you’ve put time and effort into your application, rather than sending the same CV to a hundred open internships.

If you don’t have much experience to draw on, try mentioning any cross-cultural experiences or language skills you have, and highlight your transferable skills. These are major assets for your first internships. They might come from school projects, hobbies, or side activities that have helped you develop leadership, communication, or marketing abilities.

Step 4: Prepare for virtual interviews

Start preparing for the interview by doing some research on the company’s values and culture, so your responses feel relevant and genuine. During the interview, maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera, and choose a quiet, well-lit environment to project confidence. Listen actively, pause momentarily if you need a moment to think, and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if something is unclear. After the session, a thoughtful thank-you message can reinforce your enthusiasm and leave a professional impression.

Where to find internship opportunities abroad

Finding legitimate and high-quality internships can be tricky, especially if you’re applying from another country. A good place to start is your university’s career office, as many institutions partner with international organisations that regularly accept interns.

You can also look into specialised international internship providers, like Capital Placement, which connect students and graduates with verified employers offering internship opportunities abroad and provide support with logistics like housing, visas, and medical and travel insurance. Professional networks, like LinkedIn, alumni associations, and online career fairs, are also valuable tools for finding roles that may not be widely advertised.

In addition, government and NGO programmes such as Japan’s Internship Program, Erasmus+, or AIESEC offer structured international internship experiences, often with financial assistance. Whichever path you choose, always verify the organisation’s credibility, check reviews, and ensure the internship aligns with your career goals.

Summer internships abroad

Short-term summer internships abroad are particularly popular among students who want to gain global experience without committing to a long stay. (Actually, summer is the best and most popular choice for students!)

Most summer internships last 6, 8, or 12 weeks and begin between May and June, right after the spring semester ends. There are, however, global or remote programs that can start as early as April or as late as July, depending on the employer's schedule and your school's.

They’re ideal for building your CV between academic terms, testing a career path before graduation, and experiencing a new culture intensively in a few months. They’re not long-winded, and they have a clear-cut end date. These programmes typically include cultural activities, accommodation, and mentorship.

Funding and practical tips

The cost of relocating for an internship abroad can vary depending on the destination and the type of programme, so it’s important to plan ahead. Start by budgeting carefully: take into account flights, insurance, accommodation, and daily expenses. While some internships offer stipends, others may be unpaid but include benefits such as housing or transport passes. It’s also worth thinking about grants: many universities, NGOs, and government institutions provide scholarships or financial support for international internships.

Be sure to sort out your visa early, as some countries require a specific “internship” or “trainee” visa, and working with an internship provider can help simplify this process. Finally, don’t overlook insurance; comprehensive health and travel coverage are essential to ensure peace of mind while living abroad.

Turning an internship abroad into a career

A successful international internship can often be the first step toward a full-time role, but it takes more than simply completing your daily tasks to stand out. You need to show initiative and be proactive about learning. Ask questions, volunteer for projects, and demonstrate curiosity about how the organisation operates. Build strong relationships with your team and managers, as effective networking can open doors long after your placement ends. Make it a habit to ask for feedback regularly to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

Once you have gathered enough experience with an internship, you can consider checking out a specialised job board with opportunities to look for full-time jobs. But only do this if you’re past the stage of an internship.

In conclusion…

If you’ve been considering a step beyond your comfort zone, this is your sign to start looking for internship opportunities abroad. Internships are a good way to earn some experience during, for example, a summer break, and start networking your way into a full-time job down the line.

And if your internship doesn’t land you a job with the people you’ve been collaborating with, then remember the stat about how 60% of recruiters responded that they found internship experience very valuable. Good luck!