Internship Application & Placement Process
1. Apply online for free
What to expect from the application process
To apply for an internship with Intern Abroad HQ, you begin by completing our online application form. Submitting an application is free, only takes a few minutes, and there’s no commitment needed at this stage.
The application form asks for information that will help us to understand your personal objectives, educational background, and career interests so we can begin the process of matching you with the right internship opportunity. You won’t need to write a cover letter or even submit your resume to apply (although these will be required after you’ve confirmed your participation).
And don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure on your dates, duration, destination, or career field – you can easily make changes to your application later for free!
These are the questions you’ll need to answer as part of your application:
- Are you seeking a remote internship or an in-country internship abroad?
- Which internship program are you interested in (i.e. country and career topic), when do you want to start, and how long do you want to intern for?
- Do you have any secondary preferences?
- If you’re still a student, which institution are you studying at?
- What are your qualifications and/or relevant areas of study that relate to your chosen internship field?
- What has motivated you to apply for the internship and how would you like it to benefit you?
- Do you have specific requirements for course credit which would need to be fulfilled, or any other areas of support you’ll need from us?
2. Get accepted onto your internship
How to get accepted onto an internship program
Once you have submitted your online application, one of our Internship Managers will check that your background, experience, and interests are a good fit for your chosen internship program. Our application process is designed to be consultative and inclusive. It’s about understanding what you’re looking for, addressing questions that arise, and providing the information you need to confirm this is the right step for your career.
Our website lists the eligibility requirements for each internship program. We encourage you to please check these before you apply.
Experience requirements
In most cases, you simply need to have some study background and/or practical experience that’s relevant to your chosen internship field. We have placements available for interns at different levels of experience, so we can point you in the right direction. You must be at least 18 years old to intern abroad. If you are a high school student, you can join some of our remote internships programs, or alternatively you can volunteer abroad with our sister company, International Volunteer HQ.
Language requirements:
Some internship destinations may have language requirements. If you apply for a destination and do not meet this requirement, we can offer some other options which might be better suited for you.
Start date availability:
Our internship programs run throughout the year. However, there are set start dates and minimum duration requirements. When we review your internship application, we may make slight adjustments to your chosen dates to ensure they align with your program’s schedule and availability. We’ll work with you to accommodate your availability in the best manner possible.
After we’ve checked everything, we’ll let you know that your application has been accepted.
You can always update or change any details at a later date, if needed. If you prefer to communicate with us prior to submitting an application, please get in touch with our team – we’re here to help guide you.
3. Pay your deposit of $499 USD
How to secure your place on your chosen internship program
Once you have been accepted onto your chosen internship program, you’ll need to reserve your place by paying a deposit of US$499 (approximately 499). This payment enables us to hold your place on the internship program while we arrange and finalize your participation. Advance planning is always recommended as popular placements can be limited.
The deposit covers the services we provide in sourcing and customizing your internship placement for you, plus supporting you with all your preparations (which may include assistance with any academic requirements). For internships abroad, our team can also assist with your planning for international travel.
You can confirm your participation with a choice of two booking options - Standard and Flexi. With our Flexi option, should your plans change, you may qualify for a deposit payment refund of US$499. (Conditions apply).
Once you’ve made this commitment, your Internship Manager will help get everything ready so we can find a placement for you:
- All interns receive a specific Program Guide to prepare
- We’ll need an up-to-date copy of your resume, accompanied by a cover letter
- You’ll also be asked to provide a clear criminal background check
- If you’re seeking academic credit for your internship, our team can support you with any administrative paperwork required by your college or university.
4. We arrange your internship placement
How we find the perfect host organization for you
We have relationships with hundreds of exciting businesses, startups, institutes, NGOs and other host organizations around the world. Our team of Internship Coordinators represent this dynamic international network to identify the best internship placement for you.
Many of the organizations and supervisors we collaborate with are long-standing internship hosts who are accustomed to supporting the growth and professional development of students and recent graduates.
During the placement process, some host organizations may ask to meet or interview prospective interns online. This helps to ensure expectations are met if you have very specific requests or a high level of prior qualifications. These online interviews also enable our in-country Internship Coordinator to ensure that both you and the host organization are in agreement on the scope of the internship.
However, many host organizations do not require interviews as we can use the information you have provided to us in your application to help identify the best placement for you.
Once we have finalized an internship placement for you, we’ll be able to confirm where you’ll be interning and what type of work you’ll be asked to support.
We always strive to ensure every intern is satisfied with the placement assigned.
5. Pay the balance of your Program Fee
Here’s what your Program Fee covers
Securing your Program Fee locks your internship in place, ready for you to commence on your chosen start date. There are different payment criteria you must meet before starting your internship:
- For Internships Abroad: You must ensure to fully pay your Program Fee at least 60 days before your start date (90 days for programs in Australia).
- For Remote Internships: You will need to fully pay your program fee within seven (7) days of receiving your placement assignment.
Zero-Fee Payment Plan for Program Fees:
To make your learning experience more accessible, we have introduced our Zero-Fee Payment Plan, designed to make your Program Fee payments more manageable and stress-free.
For internships with a total Program Fee over US$1,000, once your deposit has been paid, you can split payments in 2, 4, or 5 equal installments. Learn more.
The balance of your Program Fee covers the support services we provide to get you set up with your internship and progress through required preparations. This includes our Experiential Learning Curriculum and ongoing mentorship from your Internship Manager. This framework is designed to maximize your learning outcomes, enhance cultural intelligence and develop the career-ready skills that employers look for.
For internships abroad, your Program Fee also includes:
- airport pick-up,
- orientation,
- accommodation,
- meals (on selected programs), and
- 24/7 local staff support for the duration of your internship.
6. Get introduced to your supervisor
How we get you ready to start your internship
Interns have multiple layers of support at various stages of their internship:
Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager
Your Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager is with you from start to finish! Your Program Manager is your primary point of contact in the initial stages of your internship and facilitates the Experiential Learning Curriculum once the internship has commenced. If you’re ever in doubt, at any stage of the internship, you can contact your Program Manager for advice or guidance.
Internship Coordinator
Your in-country Internship Coordinator is based in the country where your host organization is located. They are responsible for managing our partnership with the host organization and they facilitate your placement. You will be introduced to your dedicated Internship Coordinator once you have paid your deposit.
Placement Supervisor
You will be introduced to your Supervisor for the internship once you have received your internship placement. Your Supervisor is a direct representative from your assigned host organization and will be responsible for developing an internship plan with you, providing guidance related to your tasks, and helping ensure that you stay on track.
