If you are thinking of how to get an international internship in 2021, then you need a comprehensive guide like this one.
In this guide, you will find all that you need to know about applying for International Internships.
First, you will get to know where to find international internships and the best countries to apply.
Then you will get to see a list of available internships that you can apply for immediately.
So, if doing an internship abroad is something that you have an interest in, then continue reading this guide.
Where to Find and Look For International internships
As competitive as International Internships may be, finding an internship abroad doesn’t have to be difficult.
There are several different ways you can approach the search and be successful.
In this section, you will find some of the best ways to go about your internship search.
They are as follows;
1. Use internship placement providers
The first way that you can find an International internship is by using internship placement providers.
Obviously, this option comes with its own pros and cons.
Some pros are that working with an internship provider will typically mean you get assistance with every aspect of interning abroad.
This includes everything from housing to visas and social networking
Also, this association will open you up to a broader network.
The major downside of this method of getting an international internship opportunity is that they cost money.
Sometimes, the amount is a lot.
Some of these programs offer internships in conjunction with a study abroad program.
In other cases, they offer coursework combined with work experience.
Other programs will place you in an internship for a period of time, during which you will exclusively work at the internship.
These are often competitive to get into, but they will guarantee an internship placement once you are accepted.
While there are a lot of internship placement providers out there, here are a few to start with;
- Evolve Abroad
- Asia Internship Program (AIP)
- Intern Abroad HQ
- Start Me Up
- The Intern Group
2. Look at multinational companies
Looking at multinational companies is another fine way of getting an international internship.
Because these companies have branches in multiple countries, you can as well apply to intern in any country of your choice.
Applying to multinational companies is especially helpful if you’re looking to get paid for your internship abroad.
Although, paid internships with this type of companies will be even more competitive than your other options.
Typically, large, international companies, like H&M, L’Oreal, and Goldman Sachs, will have established internship programs in other countries.
Competitive as they may be, they’re a great place to start.
Also, to increase the probability of getting an internship with them, you need to apply much earlier than you would for a smaller company.
It can also be worthwhile to look at US companies that have headquarters in other countries.
Check out our guide to see how to get internship opportunities in the United States.
3. Use your network
If you know anyone in your network who can put a word for you in a company, then now is a good time to contact the person.
Put a call out on social media, send an email to friends and family, let your favourite professors know you’re looking for an internship position.
You might be lucky to get an internship through this means.
4. Contact people in your university’s alumni network
Connecting with people in your university’s alumni network is another good way of securing an international internship.
You can request to know if there are any alumni in your host city who might work in your field of interest.
Although, this only works if your university has an active alumni network.
5. Send out cold messages
This method will require to send cold messages to random people who work in the same job that you are vying for.
You can send out cold emails if you have their email addresses or simply send messages on Linkedin.
The essence is to introduce yourself and to ask to set up informational interviews
During the interview, you can go on to clearly state your intentions.
Which Countries are Best for Internships Abroad?
There are actually no best countries for an international internship.
It all depends on what your career goals are, language abilities, and whether or not you’re already enrolled in a study abroad program.
However, the majority of students tend to look for internships in Europe, Australia, and China.
A major mistake most interns make is avoiding non-English speaking countries because they are not fluent in the foreign language.
This should not be the case because you may not actually have to be fluent in a foreign language.
There are actually some internships in such foreign countries where they use English, regardless of the local language.
Another point to consider is the possibility of a virtual internship.
A virtual internship could be a great option for anyone who may not be able to go overseas for a number of reasons.
It could be the budget, passport or visa restrictions, time availability, etc.
A virtual internship allows you to be truly global in your search from the comfort of your home.
How to get internship opportunities in specific countries.
Irrespective of your course of study, there is always an internship opportunity out there available for you.
These internship opportunities are spread across several countries.
If you have any specific country in mind, then you need to learn about the country and their internship application process.
Below is a list of a few countries and how to get an internship position in them.
What should I consider before applying for an international internship?
- Visas: Because some, but certainly not all, student visas make you ineligible for paid employment, you probably should not expect to find a paid internship. Make sure you read up on visa requirements for your desired destination to double-check if you are even eligible to be paid.
- Language: If your language abilities are shaky, interacting with people in a professional environment will not always be easy. If you want to up your game, check out our article on how to navigate the different stages of language learning.
- Workplace culture: The language barrier, culture and rules of a workplace abroad might be different from what you are used to and may require some adjustment. Take this as an opportunity to listen and learn from your colleagues and peers who can help you adjust to new workplace culture.
List of International Internships
#1. OECD Internship in France, Paris
The OECD Internship in France, Paris is currently inviting applications from students across the world.
This internship is available to those who fall in the following categories, including Law, Music, Science, and medicine.
If you are selected for this internship opportunity in France, then you will be receiving a monthly 700 EURO Stipend to cover your expenses.
Also, this internship opportunity is open to receiving international applications and the registration is free.
To learn more about this internship opportunity, visit their website here.
#2. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Internship
If you are a master or post-doctorate research student, then you would not want to miss this opportunity.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation Internship in Germany is inviting applications from students across the world.
The registration for this internship program is absolutely free of charge.
And you can apply for this opportunity if your course of study has something to do with Law, Music, Science, or medicine.
Interestingly, you will get to receive payment for this internship.
Selected students will also get Monthly 800-900 EURO Stipend to cover their expenses.
In addition, they will also get health insurance with Child Care Allowance.
Visit the Konrad Adenauer Foundation website for more details.
#3. LPI Summer Internship in the United States
The next international internship program you may want to apply for immediately is the LPI Summer Internship in the United States of America.
This internship opportunity is now open for application plus it is a fully-funded paid international internship for all students from around the world.
See more information here.
#4. Fatima Al-Fihri Open University Internship
The Fatima Al-Fihri Open University Online Internship is one international internship that requires no program fees at all.
Instead, this is a fully-funded internship for international students.
Applicants from any Academic field can apply for this International Internship In Morroco.
The FAOU Winter Internship is for International applicants.
Visit their website for more details.
#5. RIPS 2021 Summer Internship in the USA
The RIPS summer internship is an excellent opportunity for international students who intend to do their internship in the United States.
The RIPS 2021 Summer Internship in the USA is a very famous & prestigious Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunity.
This is a Fully Funded internship for international students and is currently open for application.
Irrespective of your nationality, you can apply for this internship opportunity as long as you meet their eligibility criteria.
Learn more from their website.
#6. EPFL Summer Internship in Switzerland
An opportunity to do an internship in Switzerland is one that I will advise you not to miss.
That’s because Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places in the world that you would like to experience first hand.
Application for the EPFL Summer Internship in Switzerland is currently ongoing.
This internship opportunity is available for all international students including undergraduates and graduates.
Dive into cutting-edge research projects with a 3 Months EPFL Summer Fellowship at one of the most prestigious universities, École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne University in the world.
If your course of study is related to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or Electrical Engineering, then visit here to learn more about this internship program.
If you are in the Life Sciences & Related Fields, then learn more here.
#7. GIST internship in Korea
The GIST internship in Korea is an opportunity for you to do your internship and get paid.
Applications are now open for international students to apply for this Internship in South Korea.
GIST Intern program provides you with a wide range of Internship fields and the best part of it is that it does not require IELTS/TOEFL examination.
To learn more about this opportunity to intern in South Korea, visit the program website.
#8. Cross Culture Program in Germany
The Cross Culture program is one of the most sought after international internship program in Germany.
This program now calls for applications for the Cross Culture 2021 program in Germany.
The Cross Culture internship program is basically for Muslim Countries to Spend 3 Months in Germany.
All Costs for this program is fully funded by the Cross-Cultural student exchange program.
For more information, visit the application portal.
Conclusion
Remember that getting an international internship can be very competitive.
As a result, you need to properly prepare for the opportunity.
If you need a tip, read our article on “how to prepare for an internship” to get details of all that your need before applying for an internship.
When you are invited for an interview, then read the guide on “how to prepare for an internship interview” to know what you must do.
Armed with the quality information in this article, you are well on your way to getting an internship abroad.
Please, share this article to help someone to win a fully-funded international internship.
Cheers.
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