How to Intern Abroad
Make Your Match with a CIEE International Internship
Once you’ve made the exciting decision to intern abroad, next up is planning your journey. While you may be pondering where you want to intern abroad, what industry you want to land an international internship in, and what type of international internship program aligns with your academic and professional goals, the good news is there’s no wrong answer!
To get started, follow our step-by-step guide on how to get an international internship. Before you know it, you’ll have found the perfect program for you and be well on your way!
How to Get an International Internship
Step #1: Apply to a CIEE International Internship Program
Take the first step and apply to your dream full-time or part-time international internship program. Once you start your application, a CIEE advisor will coach you on CIEE’s trusted personal placement process. Your advisor will help you develop clear professional career goals, find the location that suits your industry and interests best, as well as guide you with pre-placement interview tips and more.
Remember, the sooner you apply, the sooner you can move on to the next steps and have the best chance of landing your perfect internship opportunity – placements are competitive and fill quickly!
Step #2: Meet Your Local Placement Experts
Once you have submitted your CIEE application and have been accepted into your international internship program, we will connect you with CIEE local placement experts to begin working on the internship placement process. You will have a virtual pre-placement meeting with an expert based in your city of choice. During this dialogue, your internship goals will be explored in more depth. You will receive guidance on any necessary resume updates appropriate for your city of choice and receive guidance on interviewing successfully.
Insider tip – we encourage you to remain flexible and open-minded throughout your advising sessions, meetings with local staff, and interviews. You never know what you may learn about a new city, industry, or yourself!
Step #3: Get Matched with an Internship Opportunity
After you have identified your internship interests with your advisor and the local placement experts, CIEE begins to reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Please note: Internships are confirmed upon a successful interview with a host. We will help facilitate the interview process and share tips for success.
Keep in mind – while you continue through the placement process with the local placement experts, your advisor will continue to support you through the pre-departure process, which includes relevant document preparation, online coursework, and continued communications to make sure you know the ins and outs of the international internship program and host culture.
Step #4: Earn Academic Credit and Expand Your Professional Skills
Through a series of in-person orientations you will get to know your fellow interns and local staff. You will interact with mandatory course material that supports your learning objectives. Once settled in, you will be required to attend a series of intercultural learning activities such as guest lectures, company visits, and local excursions.
Don’t forget – local placement experts remain available to support you through the whole experience, including when you are on program!
CIEE INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS
Ready to make your match? Take the next step!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can absolutely intern abroad in a foreign country. At CIEE Study Abroad, we offer international business internships, international politics internships, international law internships, and other international internship programs in countries like:
At CIEE Study Abroad, our international internship programs require students to pay participation fees, educational fees, housing fees, insurance fees, etc., which are accounted for in the overall cost of their desired program. Our fees vary, with Virtual Global Internship programs as budget-friendly as $1,450 and Semester Global Internship programs as much as $22,450.
Keep in mind, your investment will vary depending on the type of international internship you sign up for, when you travel, and how long you intern abroad for.
Read More: How Much do Internships Cost?
Yes! Our global internship opportunities are designed for U.S. college students with entry level work experience. Together, we will explore your academic and professional goals to match you with the best internship opportunity abroad.
Our international host employers are dedicated to providing students with the skills, professional network, and opportunities they need to be successful in their future work environments. Rest assured, we will find the right international internship for you!
Your Internship Abroad Journey Starts Here
Why Intern Abroad
Discover the top benefits of interning abroad and learn what real CIEE alums say how their international internships have shaped their career goals.
Follow the CIEE Application Guidelines
Follow our step-by-step application process and eligibility guidelines to apply to a CIEE internship program and get on your way!
Follow CIEE’s personal placement process
From your pre-placement meeting to your pre-departure orientation, learn every step of our placement process to set yourself up for success.