How to Get an Internship Abroad: 4 Easy Steps

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Global Internship

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College Study Abroad

@cieestudyabroad How to get an internship abroad in 4 easy steps! Click the link in our bio to get started! #cieestudyabroad #ciee #studyabroad #internship #intern #internabroad #howtofindaninternship #summerinternship #college #careeradvice Cellphone - Old Mervs

Are you wondering how to intern abroad? Maybe you're looking for an international adventure that helps elevate your career journey and professional network. If so, look no further than our Global Internships 

An internship abroad is invaluable; you’ll gain real-world professional experience, build an enviable resume that will stand out with future employers, grow a global network, and receive the skills you need to navigate our increasingly interconnected world.  

Interested in learning more? Great! Let's identify the four simple steps you can take to find an internship abroad!

Step #1: Discover what’s possible when you intern abroad with CIEE. 

We’ve compiled a ton of information on our Internships Abroad page for you to look through and get a better feel for what our Global Internship programs are like.  

We offer a variety of semester-long internships, summer internships, and part-time internships across more than 20 locations around the world. Plus, our internship programs cover a multitude of different disciplines and industries.  

Just to give a quick snapshot of the possibilities, you can: 

  • Take on an internship abroad in Shanghai – a financial and cultural hub where you can explore the city’s trade policies and significance in the global economy 
  • Head to Barcelona, where you can dive into the city’s biomedical industry and gain valuable networking, communication, and teamwork skills  
  • And so much more!

Our trending internship locations span Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America!  

aerial view of downtown london

Step #2: Pick the internship that aligns with your industry. 

After getting a better idea of what you can do and where you can go with CIEE, it's important to really start narrowing down what your passions and interests are.   

Are you someone who gets excited about volunteering? Do you like a particular science or humanities course at your school? Do you want to better understand another country's economy or language?  

Our internship abroad programs span many industries, including:  

  • Arts, Architecture, & Design 
  • Business and Finance 
  • Education and Human Development 
  • Engineering and Information Technology 
  • Environment and Sustainability 
  • Health Care and Public Policy  
  • Journalism and Media 
  • Legal Studies, Politics and International Relations 
  • Marketing and Communications 
  • Sciences and Technology  

Ask yourself what opportunities truly get you excited, and let that lead you to an internship abroad that will not only be personally fulfilling but will also elevate your academic and career potential.  

Once you know what you're passionate about, then begins the fun of using our Internship Search Tool! Our platform catalogs the HUNDREDS of internship placements we have available right now in nearly every industry. Our list grows daily, so be sure to check back regularly to see what new opportunities may arise. 

No matter what you decide to do, our Global Internship program will help you learn more about a new culture, develop language skills, build your global network of professional and personal contacts, and explore fascinating cities. The perfect balance of work and play!     

STEM study abroad students in the rainforest of costa rica

Step #3: Decide when, where, and how long you want to intern abroad. 

Not only do our internship abroad programs span diverse fields, but we also offer varying lengths and internship formats.  

Check out the main options: 

Summer Global Internships 

Our summer internships are offered in 17 locations, each program lasting eight weeks. You’ll get to complete a full-time internship while also fulfilling an integrated academic seminar to develop both your professional and academic skills.  

We currently offer Summer Global Internship opportunities throughout Europe:  

And throughout Africa and the Middle East: 

And even in Asia-Pacific and Latin America:  

Semester Global Internships  

Our semester-long internships last 18 weeks and uniquely combine real-world international work experience with thoughtful academic courses. The semester schedule typically looks like this: 

  • Weeks 1-6: Take two academic courses and earn six credits 
  • Weeks 7-18: Work part-time, 20-25 hours per week, while taking a six-credit seminar 
  • Bonus: At no extra cost, enroll in one to two additional courses and earn up to six credits 

Our academic seminars will really help you make the most of your internship abroad. You’ll get to learn more about topics relevant to the workforce, like interviewing and negotiating, organizational culture and change, and career networking and design.  

We currently offer Semester Global Internships in the following industries:  

  • Business and Finance 
  • Marketing and Communications 
  • Entrepreneurship/Start-ups 
  • Education and Human Development 
  • Health Care and Public Policy 
  • Legal Studies, Politics, International Relations  

Part-Time Internships 

Our part-time internships are the perfect choice for those looking to study abroad while getting some on-site work experience.  

During a traditional study abroad program, you’ll have the option to complete a part-time internship, usually up to three credits. This is a great opportunity to continue your academics while dipping your toes into the professional world to discover industries you’re passionate about.  

study abroad part time interns

Virtual Global Internships 

Yes, you can even complete an internship online! Our virtual internships were designed to work with students’ busy schedules. With a flexible, online, and immersive experience, you’ll gain cross-cultural and unique communication skills online without interrupting your routine at home. 

We offer a wide range of different virtual internships, including eight-week and 12-week for-credit options, as well as eight-week and 12-week non-credit options. No matter what you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills in an international location while never leaving the comfort of your own home.   

Step #4: Start your application! 

Now that you’ve learned about our internships abroad, selected an industry of interest, and determined the best program type and location for you, you’re ready for the last (and easiest) step – applying!  

You can easily apply right on our website and gain valuable information about our Personal Placement Process with a quick video that’s summarized in the steps below: 

  1. Apply and contact a Global Internship Advisor where you’ll nail down your professional goals, ideal location, and tips on pre-placement interview.  
  2. Meet your CIEE local placement expert for an on-boarding meeting where you’ll discuss your internship goals in more depth. 
  3. After you’ve identified your internship interests with your Global Internship Advisor and local placement experts, we’ll start reaching out to companies that will be the best fit for you. Your interviews and official placement will follow.  
  4. After your successful interviews and match, you’re off on your global adventure!  

An internship abroad is an excellent way to travel, learn about different cultures and more about yourself, while also advancing your professional goals. We’ll be here to help all along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Take your first step toward an internship abroad today!