The 10 Best Cheap Internships Abroad For Any Budget
When you think of your dream internship placement, you can’t be blamed for conjuring up thoughts of working in the technology hub of Tokyo, or setting out across the vast plains of South Africa.
What’s the one thing that plagues you in making these dreams a reality? How much will it cost! Lucky you’ve landed at the home of cheap internships abroad.
The idea of an internship abroad may seem like an expensive endeavour. But it doesn’t have to be. Here at Intern Abroad HQ, we have made it our mission to make cheap internships abroad accessible to everyone.
An internship abroad can be a big stepping stone in your career and there is a lot to consider before reaching that dream destination and immersing yourself like a local.
The cost of an internship abroad is always going to be at the top of your list for things to consider and when it involves an career, it becomes more important to consider how you will turn an idea into reality.
Intern Abroad HQ makes it easy to effectively budget for your internship abroad as we include the following services as part of our transparent fees:
- Access to flight and travel insurance deals
- Airport pick up
- Program orientation
- Accommodation & meals (varies with your internship destination)
- Internship placement
- Dedicated internship support pre and during your experience
How much does it cost to intern abroad and how can I reduce my costs?
Plan Ahead
It’s our goal at Intern Abroad HQ to make internships fit in to any schedule, be it 6 months or 2 weeks. No matter the amount of time you are spending abroad, it is always important to consider planning ahead and what you will need to be in your internship placement. One of the most important factors to consider is that expenses like travel are considerably more affordable the further from your program start-date. For example, the average cost for a flight to Tokyo from LAX is US$706 and the cheapest month to travel is April. Putting time into flight planning, can go a long way to reducing your total cost. Leaving important documents and logistical aspects of your trip to last minute can add unexpected costs to your trip.
Communicate with family and friends
For some, it is just not always possible to fund an internship abroad without some help from friends and family. To allow for this, it is important to be able to provide clear information about the essential aspects of the internships such as duration, location, benefits, structure etc. Keeping those around you informed will allow them to provide ample amounts of assistance and provide support while you are interning abroad.
Check out your funding options
You’d be surprised the amount of funding that is available for international internship opportunities and many participants are surprised to find out that they are indeed “scholarship material”. It is recommended that you speak to your university Head of Department, Financial Aid/Scholarship Office, Study Abroad Office, and Careers Center to find out what financial aid options are available for students in your situation. Fellowships can be competitive, but if you are a high flyer, get stuck into applications!
Budget, budget, budget
Regardless of how you fund your internship abroad, it’s a great opportunity to create a practical and realistic budget plan. It always a great option as international travel is often unexpected and the ability to prepare and overcome situations will improve your overall experience and make you a more resilient traveller in the future. Many interns plan their internships up to a year in advance to allow themselves to travel comfortably and focus on their career development and future employability.
Look out for travel hacks
Thankfully, there are endless online resources to ensure that, no matter where your internship might be, you will be able to discover the best way to make the most of your time abroad. Tips such as what is the the best places to eat, how to use public transport and credit cards that avoid foreign transaction fees will help you save money and make your internship, the trip of a lifetime. Don’t just rely on what you can find online, ask friends and family as many may have already visited the destination that you will be visiting or have extensive travel experience and have a few tips and tricks on how to have a great time on a budget.
With fees starting at just $1099 (approximately 1099) for 2 weeks! An internship doesn’t have to cost the world but it is the best way to see the world.
Check out our budget friendly options below:
Affordable internships in Bali
Beaches, Sunsets and Bintangs. These three Bali staples encompass the essential pillars of a trip to Bali and the millions of people who visit the Indonesian Island every year can’t be wrong. This surge in tourism has seen prices rise but it is still one of the most inexpensive and beautiful places in the world to intern. This is because some the best parts of Bali are free, the beaches, the waterfalls, the incredible vistas, the markets. For not much more you can visit some of Bali’s most incredible temples, eat like a local at a warung or hire a surfboard and get amongst the breaks of the southern Bukit Peninsula. If you were looking for that internship in an ideal island setting, apply for one of Bali internship programs today.
Local currency: Rupiah
Internship Program cost: From US$1288 for 8 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Weekly budget: US$70
Cheap eats: Between US$2 - $3 for a meal
Top tip: Getting around can be tricky and sometimes a taxi may be the best (or only) option. To avoid scams, use Blue Bird Taxis when you need a taxi as they have a great reputation for being honest (make sure the taxi has Blue Bird written on it, not “Blue Biro”).
Affordable internship programs available in Bali:
- Civil Engineering & Architecture
- Media & Communications
- Event Management
- Fashion & Textiles
- Finance & Trade
- Food Science & Technology
- Marketing & Sales
Affordable Internships in Costa Rica
An internship in Costa Rica is an incredible option for nature lovers. This is because nearly 25% of the country is designated as a national park or as a protected area. The rich combination of flora and fauna draws millions of tourists per year. Combine this with its close proximity to the United States and you have one of the best budget destinations to take an inexpensive internship.
In this ecotourism hub, you can spend your free time zip lining through Monteverde Cloud Forest, hiking up Arenal Volcano or taking in the large array of spectacular beaches all the while brushing up on your Spanish skills with the locals.
Don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll have time see it all, as the relatively small size of the country means that you can plan short trips that encompasses all the best parts of Costa Rica.
Local currency: Colón
Internship Program cost: From US$908 for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country Weekly budget: US$50
Cheap eats: Between US$4 - $7 for a meal
Top tip: Eat like a local at a Soda (small food stall or cafe)
Affordable internship programs available in Costa Rica:
- Environmental Conservation
- Microfinance & Women’s Empowerment
- Health & Medical
- Animal & Veterinary Care
- Special Needs & Childcare
- Youth Development & Education
Affordable Internships in Greece
Internships in Greece are located on Samos Island near the coast of Turkey. The area is best known for its wine as well its significant links to Ancient Greek history. Samos’ location once made it one of the most important cities in the world due to its proximity to trade routes and its contribution to naval warfare and engineering. Today, it is a prime marine conservation site with work being done to protect and preserve the Aegean region.If you’re dreaming of an affordable way to intern on a pristine Greek Island, this is an opportunity that is hard to ignore.
Local currency: Euro
Internship Program cost: From US$1125 for 4 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: US$5 - $15 for a meal
Weekly Budget: US$40
Top tip: This popular internship destination fills up quickly during the summer months. Secure your internship in Greece early on, to lock in your placement and source cheaper flights to Samos Island. If you wish to avoid the peak tourism season, then plan your internship between October and April.
Affordable internship programs available in Greece:
- Aegean Marine Conservation
- Marine Mammal Research and Conservation
- Terrestrial Conservation
- Environmental Law
- GIS Specialization for Environmental Conservation
- Laboratory Research & Microplastics
- Media, Communications & Public Relations
- Environmental Education
Affordable Internships in Guatemala
You won’t regret taking an internship in Guatemala! Incredibly, only 2% of the landmass of Guatemala is urbanized which makes it primed for adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore the rich Mayan history or explore the seemingly endless amounts of jungle and cave systems Some of our favourites things to do are; visit the magnificent pyramids of Tikal; explore the colonial Spanish architecture; bask in the beauty of Lago de Atitlán; scale the Cuchumatanes mountains; go subterranean in the cave systems of Verapaches.
Local currency: Quetzal
Internship Program cost: From US$761 for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email by myself), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: US$4 – 10 for a meal
Weekly budget: US$40
Top tip: Get around for cheap on the chicken buses. They do more than make for a quality Instagram.
Affordable internship programs available in Guatemala:
- Youth Development & Education
- Environmental Conservation
- Special Needs & Childcare
- Agriculture
- NGO Support
- Physiotherapy
- Health & Medical
- Microfinance
- Hospitality & Tourism
Affordable Internships in Ireland
What comes to mind when you think of Dublin, Ireland? Is it the thought of enjoying a Guinness in its ancestral homeland? Maybe it’s walking the cobbled streets while soaking in some of the diverse districts and quarters of the city? Whatever you are looking for, you likely will find it in the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Enjoy the home-stay accommodation in Dublin and taste some of the hearty local fare as you live like a local and spend your days interning at some of the top companies in Ireland.
Local currency: Euro
Internship Program cost: From US$1298 for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: About US$17 for a meal
Weekly budget: US$80 - US$100
Top tip: Check out the Guiness Brewery, take a tour and get a free pint (bring your student ID)
Affordable internship programs available in Ireland:
- Tourism Operations
- Marketing & Sales
- Irish Hospitality
Affordable Internships in Japan
Many associate Tokyo with being an expensive destination to visit. However, if done right, it is one the best budget travel destinations. Tokyo is a city that combines an almost fictional futuristic view of the present with the traditions and values of the old world. This sprawling city is best described as a combination of many smaller cities that combine to represent a larger city. Each ‘ward’ has its own personality and unique attractions and thanks to one of the best public transport systems in the world it is entirely to spend every spare moment exploring the food, fashion and pop culture that Tokyo is famous for.
Local currency: Yen
Internship Program cost: From US$1230 for 4 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: US$8 - US$30 for a meal
Weekly budget: US$100
Top tip: To get around, hop on the Metro! It wouldn’t be a trip to Japan, without jumping on the notorious form of public transport.
Affordable internship programs available in Japan:
- Education & Youth Development
Affordable Internships in Peru
The notion that Cuzco, Peru is expensive is not the case if you know where to look. It’s more that it is easy to spend a lot of money in Cuzco. Interns, however, have the benefit of not just being another face in the crown amongst a sea of tourists, they get to live like locals and locals know where to get to best of everything for the best price, even in a tourist city. Just by exploring you’ll be able to find your new favourite spots to eat and as most meals and accommodation are provided as part of the internship program, you’ll have ample time to hike to some of the amazing Inca archaeological sites.
Local currency: Sol
Internship Program cost: $1094 (approximately 1094) for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: US$5 - $10 for a meal
Weekly budget: US$50
Top tip: Get an ISIC Card (for discounts on some of the more costly tourist attractions)
Affordable internship programs available in Peru:
- Animal Care
- Physician’s Assistant
- Midwifery
- Dentistry
- Physiotherapy
- Special Education
- Kindergarten
- Youth Development & Education
- Sports & Education
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Eco-Tourism
Affordable Internships in Cape Town
Interns in Cape Town are treated to a city that is renowned for its vibrant café scene and nightlife. But it’s not all about coffee and clubbing – It’s hard not to notice the natural splendour that encompasses the city. With Table Mountain just 10 minutes from the city centre, there is a great opportunity to create a budget adventure as access is free or for a more leisurely experience, take the a return journey on the cable car. As quick as you can get up a mountain, you can hit the beach and soak some rays or get out on the waves and do some surfing or for the adventurous, head out on a safari and spot some of fascinating megafauna that call South Africa home.
Local currency: Rand
Internship Program cost: US$920 for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: US$5 - $20
Weekly budget: US$75
Top tip: Climb Table Mountain (it’s FREE!!)
Affordable internship programs available in Cape Town:
- Youth Development & Education
- Social Work
- Start Up Entrepreneurship
- Law & Human Rights
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Psychology
- Journalism & Public Relations
- Event Planning
- Real Estate & Property Management
- Marketing & Communications
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Public Health
Affordable Internships in Spain
The idea of heading to Europe and having to keep track of every dollar, every transaction can put a dampener on anyone’s experience. Luckily, you’ll find relief in the form of the cheaper and more laidback, Valencia. The city is easily walkable and maintains a fantastic public transport system. This service runs on into the night, so no matter the time you’ll always be able to get where you are going. Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain and home to a plethora of sights. The most concentrated collection of these is located in the old city and is easily covered on foot. Take some of the parks, street art and museums (the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern and Archaeological Museum are FREE!!).
Local currency: Euro
Internship Program cost: US$1540 for 2 weeks
What’s included in the program cost: Airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, participation on the internship placement, a reflective journaling component of the internship (facilitated via email), and 24/7 support from the local team in-country
Cheap eats: About US$12 for a meal
Weekly budget: US$60
Top tip: Bring your walking shoes
Affordable internship programs available in Spain:
- Marketing, Design & Communications
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Accounting & Finance
- Sales & Trade
- Youth Development & Education
Affordable Internships in South Africa
For a truly immersive experience, our South Africa environmental programs are perfect for those seeking an opportunity to work with some of the magnificent fauna of South Africa. Interns on the programs co-exist in the same habitats as their animal counterparts and work closely with reserve staff to ensure the protection and longevity of the various species that call these areas home. I’m sure many people would agree that they’ll never forget the first time they crossed path with a curious giraffe, awed at a fully grown bull elephant in their natural habitat or when you swam with leatherback turtles.
Environmental internship destinations in South Africa include:
Sodwana Bay Marine National Park: A renowned scuba diving and snorkeling destination on Africa’s southernmost coral reef. An intense array of marine life call this part of the world home for at least part of the year including orca, leatherback turtles, manta rays and whale sharks, just to name a few. For those who are passionate about combining practical scuba diving experience (or want to learn how) with a meaningful marine conservation program, this is the internship for you.
Balule Game Reserve at Kruger National Park Starting off as a private game park, Balule Game Reserve was incorporated in to the greater Kruger National Park in the early 1990’s as part of an initiative to promote ecological sustainability and curtail the hunting of some of South Africa’s most celebrated species. The area currently covers 40,000 hectares and home to 30 species of mammals and 220 types of birds.
From here, you can submit an application for the destination that you’d most like to visit. Intern Abroad HQ has partnered with Fund & Seek to help interns reach their dream of interning overseas, as well as STA Travel to provide affordable flight itineraries to get you to where you’d rather be. Contact an Intern Program Manager to discuss your options and find out how you can boost your employability and career longevity through a meaningful internship experience.
Intern Abroad HQ programs include an academic component, focused on experiential learning techniques. All interns are provided with reflective journaling activities to complete during their internship, which are designed to help with the development of essential skills for better employability. This goal-oriented approach prioritizes resume development and facilitates a tangible outcome for interns. Internship opportunities are flexible and there’s something for everyone. It can be challenging to take the first step, but once that decision has been made, the experience only gets better! All interns are supported throughout the process by a dedicated Internships Manager, who is available to answer questions via phone or email. During the internship program, interns receive lodging in pre-approved accommodation and our in-country host organizations provide round-the-clock support. (Have questions and want to get in touch? Find our contact details here).
