Agricultural Research Internships: Intern abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece
If you’re studying Agriculture or Biology and love getting hands-on with research, this internship is for you. Dive into research projects at an academic research center and gain full experience at a world-class facility. Bridging the gap between the field and the lab, Agricultural interns have scope to explore projects such as sustainable horticultural practices, genetic enhancement, plant pathology, molecular approaches to crop improvement, and more.
What to expect from your Agricultural Research internship:
- Build modern laboratory experience and familiarity with advanced tools and technologies.
- Develop a foundation of knowledge related to plant research, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.
- Enjoy traveling and living in Thessaloniki, exploring Greece and the Mediterranean.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- Academic Research Center
Internship details
For students of Agriculture or Biology, this Agricultural Research internship offers a unique chance to collaborate with an academic research center in Greece. You’ll tackle real projects, from lab experiments to fieldwork. More than just real-world research experience, this internship in Greece blends learning, exploration, and personal growth, giving you a firsthand look at how science shapes the world.
This is an in-country internship, with accommodation included. Explore remote Agriculture internships, if you’re looking for an internship that you can undertake from home.
Agricultural Research interns contribute to innovative agricultural research projects, such as sustainable horticultural practices, vegetable production, genetic enhancement, plant pathology, and molecular approaches to crop improvement. Hosted through the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, Greece, this is an immersive program, providing career-building experience alongside qualified and experienced professionals.
Activities are divided between two laboratories and one greenhouse site. The majority of the internship time is spent in the laboratories - Molecular Biology and Plant Pathology. Typically, only one day per week is dedicated to activities in the greenhouses (onsite). The time spent in the greenhouse can be limited due to environmental conditions (such as high temperatures during the summer months).
Interns gain a comprehensive understanding of plant science - from precise laboratory techniques to field experimentation - while learning directly from diverse professionals, involved with future innovations in agricultural production. Come prepared to build your network with academic and industry researchers, in both laboratory and office-based tasks.
Do I need to speak Greek for this internship?
Greek or other foreign languages are not a requirement to join. However, interns should expect that a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. Come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier (and ask for help when needed), as opposed to being intimidated by it.
What to expect in your first week:
Interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, to build an understanding of what you can develop, learn, and contribute. Interns are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback, so that your supervisor(s) understands how you’re progressing and can assist to develop your internship accordingly.
Typical Schedule
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Monday to Friday, up to 8 hours per day.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Agricultural Research Intern?
Agricultural Research interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
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Vegetable Production and Horticulture.
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Plant Breeding and Improvement.
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DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis.
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The design and implementation of field trials.
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Plant–pathogen interactions.
Professional development opportunities:
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Strengthen your research techniques and scientific reasoning through guided experimentation.
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Collaborate with local and international researchers in agricultural innovation.
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Enhance your communication and teamwork abilities.
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Showcase your ability to evaluate techniques and recommend improvements.
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Boost your employability and essential soft skills, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum.
Are you eligible for this internship?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Academic credit available for all internships
Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.
Learn about course creditProgram fees
Applying for our Agricultural Research Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.
Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 60 days before your internship start date.
Duration |
Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $3,534 Equivalent to $126 /day |
| 5 weeks | $3,964 Equivalent to $113 /day |
| 6 weeks | $4,389 Equivalent to $104 /day |
| 8 weeks | $5,179 Equivalent to $92 /day |
| 10 weeks | $5,904 Equivalent to $84 /day |
| 12 weeks | $6,294 Equivalent to $74 /day |
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Program orientation
- Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
- In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
- Sourcing and securing your internship placement
- Personalization of your internship plan
- Coaching from your supervisor
- Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
- Academic credit facilitation
- International reference letter
- Certificate of Internship Completion
- All meals
- All in-country transportation
- Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
- US$400 refundable accommodation security bond
- Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
- Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.
Activities and tourism
Hosted within Greek’s cultural center of Thessaloniki, you’ll experience a vibrant cultural and touristic city during your internship. National Geographic Magazine has previously named Thessaloniki as one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. As the second largest city in Greece, you can find that Thessaloniki has it all - a rich history, amazing food, shopping and an entertaining cultural scene. During free time, interns will have ample opportunity to explore local cafes, bakeries, restaurants and the bustling metropolis that is the port.
Thessaloniki was once an important metropolis and seaport during the Roman period, so there is no shortage of archeological sites. You’ll marvel over the Roman Agora, found in the center of town, as well as the Rotunda and Arch of Galerius. Grab yourself a strong Greek coffee and a famous custard filled bougatsa before exploring on foot with map in hand, or with one of many walking tours available around town. The history of the beautiful preserved Agios Demetrios church and the Byzantine Baths, both protected Unesco sites and not to be missed, while the herbs, spices and sweets of the Bezesteni Market are every food conisors dream!
Want to explore a little further afield? Thessaloniki’s ideal placement on the shore of the Aegean means that the Sporades, or Northern Aegean Islands are just a ferry ride away. Here interns can continue on with their exploration of the Greek island on conclusion of their internship.
Local coordinators are on hand to assist with the booking of safe and reliable activities at discounted prices, so be sure to ask them for advice about how to make the best arrangements to maximize your time and budget (you can do so once registered for your internship or during the orientation). Note that some excursions require a minimum participation of between two or four other people, so it’s wise to enquire in advance.
Arrival and Orientation
Internships in Thessaloniki begin every Monday. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. Note that there are typically less placements available during August, due to the summer vacation period in Greece. Interns may choose to spend a minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The port of entry is the Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG).
In order to receive the airport pick up service, interns are required to arrive on the Sunday before their Monday start date, between 9am and 6pm. An extra charge applies to any airport pickups outside this timeframe. Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation.
If you are planning to spend time independently in Greece prior to your internship and will not require an international airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.
The last night of the accommodation is the Friday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Saturday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.
Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.
Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.
Check what's required to visit Greece
Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Agricultural Research internship in Greece, based on your country of residence.
Accommodation and WiFi
Interns are accommodated in clean and comfortable, furnished apartments. Upon the confirmation of specific internship details for each participant, accommodation arrangements are made, taking into consideration the location of internship placements, to ensure that any commute time is as convenient as possible.
Bedding and furnishings are provided, as well as common areas such as lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Standard amenities include whiteware (i.e. washing machine, stovetop, fridge, microwave) and clean linen (i.e. bed sheets, pillows, towels). Cleaning is provided ahead of a new occupants arrival. Outside of this, occupants are responsible for respecting common areas, keeping them clean, tidy and comfortable for all guests. Laundry facilities are also available within the accommodation. Accommodation does not always include WiFi (or the WiFi may be slower than what you’re used to at home). All interns are encouraged to purchase a local sim to ensure they have sufficient access to the internet.
In most cases, between two to six guests can be accommodated per apartment, so interns should be prepared to share living arrangements. Each guest will have a single or double bed. Rooming arrangements are same-sex, however the apartments themselves may be mixed gender. Single sex apartments are possible, but this needs to be specified in advance and is subject to availability. If you are interning alongside a friend, please let us know and we can aim to ensure you’re accommodated together (subject to availability).
Due to the layout of the city’s urban and residential areas, it is normal to expect an approximate commute (to / from an internship placement) of around 20-30 minutes. Traveling on foot is common and a great way to get a vibe of the city. Buses are also popular and all accommodation for the internship programs is located close to public transportation and shopping areas. Interns should budget approximately 30 Euro per month for transportation (about US$35).
It is important to note that an accommodation bond will be requested from the accommodation provider. The cost of the bond is US$400, so you must budget for this. However, this bond is fully refundable to you, upon your departure, provided that inspection has been completed to confirm that you have not caused damage to the property.
The accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one apartment, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. However, you can expect a similar standard and similar amenities, to what is shown here.
Meals
Internships on this program do not include meals, as affordable supermarkets are easily accessible. Greece has a thriving coffee culture which is delightful to partake in (there is also WiFi in almost all coffee shops and restaurants). Try Ellinikos (a favorite style of coffee) along with Freddo Espresso / Cappucino and Frappe.
For eating out, interns may budget approximately 3 - 5 Euro for a light breakfast (about US$5 - 7) and 5 - 10 Euro for a simple lunch (about US$5 - 12). There are ample dining options ranging from budget to high end. Greek cuisine offers a range of incredible dishes to experience, including well known classics such as Moussaka and Souvlaki. The Mediterranean diet features meat (cow, chicken, lamb), pasta, rice, pulses, vegetables, and a variety of fish and seafood. When in doubt, skip straight to dessert and order Galaktoboureko (with ice cream)!
Keep in mind that personal budgets for food and meals can vary enormously, according to individual spending habits and lifestyle choices.
With its Mediterranean climate, the summers in Greece are long, hot and dry and the winters are mild. The best time to visit Thessaloniki for the hot weather is from mid June to mid September. The hottest month is July, in which the temperature may peak around 92°F / 33°C. Heatwaves in Greece may occur but they are usually not prolonged (that coast moderates temperatures with coastal breezes). The cooler months are November through March. During this period, it rarely gets any colder than 32°F / 0°C. In Thessaloniki, February is the coldest month. Rainfall in Greece varies throughout the year, although the summer months are drier in comparison. December is usually the wettest month of the year. Outside of Thessaloniki, the climate of Greece remains primarily Mediterranean. However, due to its mountainous regions, there is a range of microclimates and local variations. Snow regularly falls in the high mountains.
