Internships Abroad
Complete an international internship with CIEE!
Enhance your post-grad employability with an international internship
CIEE’s international internship portfolio gives students the opportunity to strengthen their resumes with real-world work experience, earn academic credit, and grow their professional networks through a wide range of semester and summer internship programs in 35+ incredible cities worldwide. Whether your passion lies in public policy, the arts, business, STEM, marketing, or another field, CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements across 17+ industries to help you make your perfect match.
If you're interested in interning abroad during your summer break? Compare these summer offerings:
- Summer Global Internship Programs: Ideal for students who want to spend part of their summer working full-time for an international startup, NGO, or other company
- Summer Intern + Study Abroad Programs: Designed for students who want to take an academic course while gaining part-time work experience abroad
Interested in a semester international internship, consider the following semester options:
- Semester Intern + Study Abroad Programs: Designed for students who want to enroll in two academic courses while working part-time in an international company
- Semester Global Internship Programs: Ideal for students who want to work full-time in their host country while taking one academic course
- Semester Study Abroad Programs with Optional Internships: Perfect for students who want to study abroad full-time and enroll in a part-time internship for short-term work experience abroad
Whichever internship program you choose, you’ll be on your way to developing the future-of-work skills you need to succeed in the next steps of your career!
CIEE International Internship Program Options
Summer Internship Program Options
| Summer Global Internship | Summer Intern + Study Abroad | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Credits | 6 | 6-7 |
| Internship Placement | Full-time (30-40 hours/week) | Part-time (16-20 hours/week) |
| Academic Component | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar Elective academic course (in-person or online) |
| Locations | 30+ cities | 30+ cities |
| Industries | Placements available across a wide variety of industries | Placements available across a wide variety of industries |
| Application Deadline | Specific application deadlines by location | Specific application deadlines by location |
Semester Internship Program Options
| Semester Global Internship | Semester Intern + Study Abroad | Semester Study Abroad with Optional Internships | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | 6-18 weeks (varies by program) |
| Credits | 6-10 | 12-14 | Varies by program |
| Internship Placement | Full-time (~30 hours/week) | Part-time (~20 hours/week) | Part-time (6-20 hours/week) |
| Academic Component | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar 1 elective academic course (online) | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar 2 elective academic courses (in-person or online) | Embedded 15 contact hour internship seminar Academic courses vary by program |
| Locations | 30+ cities | 30+ cities | 40+ cities |
| Industries | Placements available across a wide variety of industries | Placements available across a wide variety of industries | Placements available across a wide variety of industries |
| Application Deadline | Specific application deadlines by location | Specific application deadlines by location | Specific application deadlines by location |
Search Internships by Location
Europe
Indulge in the enticing wonders of Europe.
Europe InternshipsAsia-Pacific
Experience Asia's international presence first hand.
Asia-Pacific InternshipsLatin America
Discover the history, culture, and languages of Latin America.
Latin America InternshipsAfrica and the Middle East
Explore the many cultures of Africa & the Middle East.
Africa & the Middle East InternshipsWhy Intern Abroad?
Nothing better prepares you for your future than an internship. Forbes Magazine calls college internships "the ultimate return on investment for today's college students."
Top 4 Reasons to Intern Abroad
1. Gain Real-World Work Experience
Test drive your career path with hands-on training at companies big and small.
2. Build Your Resume
Show prospective employers you have the skills needed to succeed from day one.
3. Grow Your Global Network
Expand your professional possibilities by making connections with employers and colleagues around the world.
4. Take Your Skills International
Develop strong intercultural skills, the flexibility to work on diverse teams, and the ability to navigate across cultures and time zones.
How to Intern Abroad?
Follow our step-by-step guide to make your match with a CIEE international internship.
1. Explore semester internship programs and summer internship programs to find the program that best aligns with your academic needs, professional goals, and personal interests
2. Use the Internship Search Tool to discover internships available in your desired host city and industry
3. Begin the CIEE personal placement process to receive dedicated CIEE support
4. Consult your home institution's study abroad office
Frequently Asked Questions About International Internships
An international internship is work experience in a foreign country that provides you with practical skills and global experience, while broadening your understanding of the global business environment. Currently, CIEE offers international internships in 35+ cities around the world. CIEE’s international internships range from six to 16 weeks and are unpaid.
An international internship typically involves working for a company or organization in a field related to your career or academic pursuits, and offers the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience, learn about a new culture, develop language skills, and build your global network of professional and personal contacts.
Simply search CIEE’s international internships and pick the one that best suits your academic and personal goals. You may choose to complete a summer internship abroad or a semester internship abroad. We recommend that you reflect on your goals, consult your study abroad office, then start your application!
The best place to intern abroad depends on your field of study, language skills, cultural interests, personal preferences, and program options. Consider interning in a country with a strong industry or unique opportunities, where you can improve your language skills or experience a culture that interests you. Popular destinations include Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia.
When deciding where to intern abroad, consider the following factors:
- Pick a location that aligns with your career goals and offers opportunities in your desired field. If your internship goals include boosting your foreign language skills, consider interning in a country where a particular language is spoken.
- Keep culture in mind. Perhaps you are interested in learning more about work and life in France. In this scenario, an internship in Paris with a fashion label would be an excellent choice.
- Remember – you can complete an internship abroad conducted in English in all of our locations, even in countries that aren’t English-speaking.
Absolutely! Internships abroad are useful as international internships can provide you with practical skills, cross-cultural competence, professional network expansion, language skill improvement, and personal growth opportunities that enhance your personal and professional development, as well as your future career opportunities.
Internships abroad are useful for the following reasons:
- You can gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and network with professionals in your field.
- Completing an international internship can lead to personal growth as you step outside of your comfort zone, develop independence, and gain confidence in navigating new environments.
- You can build relationships with people from different countries and establish a global network of professional and personal contacts.
- An international internship will help enhance your resume. This will allow you to stand out from other job applicants by demonstrating international experience and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Your internship tasks and responsibilities will vary widely depending on the field and organization, but some common activities you may expect to find across our portfolio of internships include:
- Working alongside experienced professionals to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience in your field.
- Supporting ongoing projects and tasks, such as research, data analysis, and report writing.
- Exploring the local area, participating in cultural events, and learning about the local culture and way of life.
It's important to clarify expectations with your supervisor to make the most of your internship experience.
Internship Blog Posts
Cultural Immersion in Madrid
By: Tia Tewari Ever since I learned about studying abroad, I knew I wanted to do it; being able to fully immerse myself into a new culture seemed like an... keep reading
The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!)
@cieestudyabroad Pack your bags! It’s almost time for your study abroad adventure #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #internationalstudent #packing #packinglist #packingessentials #studyabroadtips #greenscreen love triangles - Happy Trees Packing your life into a... keep reading
10 Best Cafes in Barcelona
By: Tara Shadravan I’ve been living in Barcelona for my fourth month now—I know because my 90 day metro pass just expired. I have established my favorite park, mastered the... keep reading
