Interning abroad is a great way to build your resume while experiencing a new part of the world. Beyond the growth that comes from travel, you’ll also gain valuable skills like improved communication, new language practice, and insights into a new culture, which you wouldn’t be able to acquire with an internship in your home country. International experience in today’s economy will also set you apart in the candidate pool when applying for jobs later, so it’s no wonder why many people pursue professional development opportunities abroad.
There are challenges when searching for an internship overseas. Fortunately, program providers organize international internships that make the process straightforward, however, these come at a cost. Their programs usually charge for internship placement in your field, accommodation, visa assistance, local support, and cultural activities.
To help lessen the burden of these costs, we’ve put together the following list of resources to help you fund your internship abroad, including current scholarship opportunities.
While less common than study abroad scholarships, there are a plethora of funding opportunities for internships abroad if you know where to look. Maximize your chances of finding funding by taking time to review the qualification requirements thoroughly and by submitting a polished application.
Here are tips for finding internship scholarships and financial support for which you qualify:
Intern for university credit
If you’re currently enrolled full-time in university, you’re likely able to receive credit for your internship abroad. Universities love when their students gain international experience, and more institutions in higher education are starting to view international internships in the same way that they view study abroad programs.
Even better, if you intern abroad with a program provider partnered with your university, you can put your FAFSA scholarships and grants for university towards a semester interning abroad. Consult your study abroad office, career center, and academic advisor for more information about your eligibility to receive credit.
Ask about need-based funding
The chances are that if you receive income-based financial assistance at your university, you’ll also be eligible for support on your program fee. Most Pell Grant recipients in the US, Youth Allowance recipients in Australia, Maintenance loan recipients in the UK, and Canadian Grant recipients in Canada can receive need-based scholarships from their program provider. In most cases, this discount can be up to $500.
When applying for international internship programs, don’t be afraid to ask your program provider about the availability and eligibility for receiving program discounts or need-based scholarships.
Talk to the language departments at your university
If you’re already studying a language at university, don’t be afraid to ask your professors and department heads about scholarship resources.
One of the best ways to learn a language is to embrace it entirely by putting yourself in a native setting. If you find an immersive internship program abroad that will enable you to put your language studies to use, there’s a chance the department might help you find funding for it.
Consult your academic advisor
Each university has different scholarships, grants, and professional opportunities. Your academic advisors are the key to learning more about departmental scholarships at your particular university.
Apart from career field and department scholarships, your academic advisor may be able to help you find other scholarships you qualify for, such as for first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ students. To learn more about the opportunities at your university, set up a one-on-one meeting with your advisor.
Country and region-specific scholarships
If you know where you want to go on your internship, then take the time to look through scholarships that your country or region may provide. Countries like Germany and Japan strive to grow internationalism in their universities and workforce and frequently help fund students or young workers to come and work in their industries.
Complete list of intern abroad scholarships and grants.
To increase your chances of receiving an award be sure to apply to as many opportunities as possible. Who knows, you may win multiple scholarships to fund your intern abroad experience! There are many forms of financial assistance that can be used towards an internship abroad beyond the list here so keep your eyes open and apply even if it seems like a long shot!
