Insider Insights: My experience in Crete, Greece as an Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager

What makes Crete such a great internship destination?

Crete is Greece’s largest island, and it’s also one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. Intern Abroad HQ offers internship opportunities in the city of Heraklion, which is also the capital of Crete, and its largest city. Broadly speaking, Crete is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and exceptional Mediterranean diet. The people of Crete are known for their warm hospitality, traditions, and sense of independence and freedom.

As an internship destination, for students and young professionals, the island has so much more to offer - aside from stunning beaches and sunshine, it’s a place where you can truly grow, both personally and professionally.

One of the standout aspects of interning in Crete is the close-knit community immersion that you can become a part of. Internship hosts will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, doing their utmost to create a “home away from home”, supporting you every step of the way.

This sense of belonging creates a unique environment where you can learn, take on meaningful responsibilities, and make a real impact, all while forming lifelong connections. Experiencing Crete as an intern means immersing yourself in a rich culture, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and being part of a community that welcomes you with open arms.

If you’re seeking an internship destination that inspires, challenges, and rewards you in ways that go far beyond the resume, then Greece is for you!

What kind of internships are available in Greece?

Intern Abroad HQ offers a range of popular internships in Greece - you can explore them all according to your field of interest:

• Animal Science
• Business
• Creative Arts & Media
• Environmental Science
• Health Science
• Social Science
• STEM
• Trades & Technical Skills

In particular, Crete offers a broad range of internship placements, across a range of interests. No matter where you are in your studies, internships in Crete provide hands-on, immersive experience that allows you to develop practical skills, gain confidence, and explore your chosen field in a supportive environment.

Beyond the professional experience, these internships give you the chance to connect with inspiring people, embrace new challenges, and create memories that last a lifetime.

What kind of support will I receive during my internship?

Intern Abroad HQ only offers internships in destinations where a local team can assist with all your in-country, logistical support. For internships in Crete, this is no different - a dedicated local team is based in Heraklion, where the internships take place, to provide full support. The Cretan team has been operating for over 20 years and welcomed more than 50,000 students - so they know exactly what it takes to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding.

What sets the team in Crete apart is how they treat every intern like family. From the moment you arrive, they’re there to help you settle in, answer questions, and guide you through both work and daily life on the island. They share insider tips, connect you with local experiences, and celebrate milestones with you - making sure you feel supported, included, and at home!

When is the best time of the year to intern in Greece?

Greece has a Mediterranean climate. Depending on which part of the country you’re in, there can be variation - especially as you travel from the coast into the more mountainous regions. If you’re seeking to intern in Crete, you can expect a temperate Mediterranean climate. The winters are mild (and rainy) and the winters are hot and dry.

Intern Abroad HQ’s internships in Crete are available year-round, giving you the flexibility to choose a timeframe that fits perfectly with your schedule. The island truly shines in every season, but it’s worth keeping in mind that summer (June through August) can get very hot, with long sunny days perfect for beach trips after work.

What is the accommodation like for interns?

All interns in Crete stay in shared residence apartments. Most apartments are located in convenient urban areas of Heraklion, with some near the city center, putting you within easy reach of beaches, supermarkets, pharmacies, medical centers, cafes, and other local amenities.

Apartments typically host 1-2 other interns of the same gender, with shared access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. Each apartment is equipped with essentials to make your stay comfortable, including WiFi, bedding towels and laundry facilities.

The apartments provide not just comfort, but also the opportunity to connect with fellow interns, share experiences, and make new friends! Nevertheless, for those who prefer more privacy, private room upgrades can also be arranged in advance for an additional cost.

What is the food like?

When it comes to meals, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The internship program itself does not include meals (although, you can arrange a meal plan in advance, if you’d prefer to have this organized). Otherwise, you’re free to self-cater.

Food in Crete is rooted in the land and sea around it. Markets overflow with ripe tomatoes, olives, herbs, and cheeses made by local families. Olive oil is everywhere, drizzled over fresh vegetables, bread, or fish caught that morning. Simple dishes like sautéed wild greens with garlic and lemon, slow-cooked stews, and fresh seafood showcase the flavors of the island without fuss.

The food in Crete really leaves you feeling connected to the community. Sharing a table, tasting local wine or raki, you sense the care that goes into every ingredient. Eating out isn’t just about nourishment, it’s a way to experience the island, culture and community around you!

How do interns get around in Crete?

Getting around Crete is super easy and convenient! The island has a reliable and affordable bus system that connects major towns, cities, and key areas, making it simple to travel from point A to point B. Interns can purchase cost-effective travel passes and even download helpful apps to plan their routes and check schedules in real time. Every bus stop has a QR code you can scan to check when and what next bus will be passing by next - easy!

Intern accommodation is strategically located near popular bus routes, so commuting is hassle-free. For trips to your internship placement or the central office, travel times are usually between 20 and 40 minutes on average, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

How can interns spend their weekends?

The schedule for internships in Crete is typically full time, Monday through Friday, so interns can expect to have weekends free.

Weekends in Crete are made for exploring and relaxing, and there is no shortage of amazing things to do! Interns can wander through winding old-town streets, sip coffee in quaint squares, or browse local markets stacked with olives, cheeses, and fresh pastries.

A few experiences are almost essential: hiking the Samaria Gorge, swimming at Balos or Elafonissi beaches, and watching the sunset over the Cretan Sea. Don’t miss a visit to a traditional village to try local raki, dakos, or fresh seafood at a taverna. Cultural stops, like the ancient palace of Knossos or the archaeological museums in Heraklion are a must!

Do I need to be able to speak Greek for this internship?

No! Internship supervisors and our in-country local team speak English, so you’ll be able to manage your day-to-day work without knowing Greek. That said, there can still be occasional language barriers, especially when interacting with local clients or older communities.

Crete is a popular destination for tourists, so many locals speak multiple languages. Personally, I didn’t speak any Greek and had no issues communicating. That said, I found that learning a few simple phrases (greetings, thank-yous, or basic expressions) was a great way to show respect and demonstrate interest in the culture. Even small efforts like this can go a long way in connecting with the people and the place!

When should I start planning my internship abroad?

The short answer: as soon as possible! Internship spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you start planning, the better. Popular placements and start dates can reach capacity quickly, especially during peak seasons.

My time in Crete flew by, leaving me incredibly proud of the internship opportunities we offer to students and young professionals. The island has everything you could want for a meaningful, enriching experience: excellent placements, a supportive local team, stunning landscapes, vibrant towns, and a culture that’s both warm and deeply rooted in history.

If you’re ready to embrace the local lifestyle, immerse yourself in the culture, and fully engage with your internship, I have no doubt you’ll come away with an experience that stays with you for a lifetime.

Our step-by-step guide on how it works provides you with more information on how to get started. The process is user friendly - just submit your application to begin. It doesn’t cost anything to apply and won’t take more than 5 minutes. However, your formal expression of interest provides the foundation for us to help you take the next steps.

It’s important to note that being accepted into a program isn’t the same as being officially registered. Delays in confirming your participation could mean missing out entirely. Planning early comes with clear benefits:

• Securing your preferred spot
• Taking advantage of flexible deposit and installment options
• Snagging the best flight deals
• Feeling prepared and confident before you even arrive

Getting started early makes the whole process smoother and ensures you can focus on what really matters - making the most of your internship experience abroad!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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