The Ultimate Guide to Internships Abroad (2025)
Recent grads who did internships are 25% more likely to start a full-time position within 6 months of graduation than non-interns. Here's what you need to know to get one.
What will you get from an international internship?
✅ Practical, hands-on experience
✅ Enhanced resume or CV
✅ Networking opportunities
✅ Experienced mentors in your field
✅ University credit or stipend (in some cases)
Oftentimes, internships can also directly lead to employment opportunities that you may not have known existed before.
If the internship provider doesn't have an open position for you, they can usually point you in the right direction and provide you with a great recommendation.
Otherwise, an international internship on your resume can help you stand out in the competitive marketplace for entry-level jobs.
Aside from the professional opportunities, an internship abroad can provide valuable insight into the workplace culture and customs of the country in which you're living and studying. For example, there is a huge difference between a workplace in Sweden compared to the US, and you'll only be able to experience them firsthand if you join the workforce yourself!
Types of internships abroad
When you take part in an internship abroad, you get the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings while exploring new cultures.
Depending on your goals, interests, or field of study, you can choose from several different types of internships:
Internships for academic credit
If you're studying at a college or university, you can earn academic credit by joining an internship program partnered with your school. These internships let you gain hands-on experience while meeting your graduation requirements.
🧭 You can set up these internships through your academic advisor.
⏰ They typically last 1-2 semesters.
📝 To earn credit, you might need to keep a journal, write a report, or give a presentation about your experience.
Summer internships abroad
Summer internship programs are normally shorter in duration, lasting from a few weeks to an entire summer. These internships provide academic credits or experience in your field.
Most commonly, summer internships are arranged with your school, but independent internship opportunities can be found in fields such as tourism and hospitality.
Non-profit internships
Non-profit internships are normally for organizations such as:
- Charities
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Religious organizations
- Hospitals
The aim of non-profit internships is to provide a public service for the community. Internships at non-profit organizations are typically unpaid but look impressive on a resume or CV.
Service learning
With this type of internship, you work for an organized community organization such as a library, a shelter, or a community center.
For example, you can:
- Help with a reading assistance program at a library
- Working with veterinarians at an animal shelter
- Design a playground at a community center
Service learning programs are generally structured in a 3-step process:
- Define the objectives and goals of the project
- Perform the service work
- Present their experiences in a presentation or a paper
Job shadowing
If you’re not ready for a full internship, job shadowing (also called an externship) offers a quick way to explore career paths, as they usually last a few days to a few weeks.
You’ll spend time observing a professional in your field of interest and get a feel for what the day-to-day work is like. This is a great way to figure out whether a certain career is right for you—especially if you’re in high school or early in your studies.
Paid vs unpaid internships abroad
Compensation for internships can vary widely depending on the company, organization, industry, and even the country in which you’re interning.
- Some internships offer a salary, stipend, or housing allowance to help cover your living expenses.
- Others may provide non-monetary benefits such as meals, transportation, or professional development opportunities.
Paid internships abroad
Paid internships provide you with the opportunity to gain experience while getting paid to work! Companies offering paid internships are usually in the private sector.
Compensation paid during these internships is not comparable to a full-time salary but is similar to a stipend to cover basic living or traveling expenses.
Paid internships are offered in specific fields such as engineering, law, or IT internships. Therefore, a great way to gain the practical experience you need to find a job in your industry after you graduate is to find an internship within your chosen field. That way you get the most out of your international internship!
For obvious reasons, paid internships are the most sought after and companies often use them to recruit new employees. This also means that getting accepted for the internship is more competitive.
Therefore, it’s important to demonstrate to the company that you’re the best candidate for the position. Highlight the fact that you are studying abroad and carry with you valuable critical thinking, problem solving on top of your hard skills!
Unpaid internships abroad
Unpaid internships are a great way for students who do not have permission to work in their host country to still gain the work experience necessary to successfully find a job after graduation. Before moving abroad, students should consult with the government agency who approved their visa to see which work opportunities they can take part in while living and studying abroad.
Although you are not compensated financially for your time, you can reap many other benefits, such as:
- Real-world experience in your field
- Stronger resume and portfolio with concrete projects and responsibilities
- Expanding your professional network
- Mentorship and guidance from professionals
- Increased chances of landing a paid position in the future
Although your time is unpaid, it also means your schedule is often more flexible. This is a great for students studying abroad because it gives you the flexibility to gain experience at their international internship, attend lectures, and still enjoy their new city with all of their new friends they’ve met.
Applying for an internship abroad
Applying for internships requires some time and patience, but you can increase your chance of finding the right internship abroad faster if you know what to expect.
Preparation is key, so make sure you have everything you need to make a great first impression. It starts with a professional CV or resume and a well-written cover letter. Then once you score the interview, it’s just up to you to impress employers with all the skills, knowledge, and experience you can bring to the internship.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
📄 Internship Resume Template (With Examples)
📝 How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
💬 9 Internship Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
🏆 How to Get an Internship: Tips From Successful Interns
Don’t forget, the earlier you begin searching for internships, the better!