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Finding a global internship

Students

Finding an internship can take a lot of work, and this is often more so for overseas opportunities. To help you with sourcing a global internship, think about the following resources to get started.

However you plan to source your internship, you should book an Applications Advice appointment at UCL Careers so that you can ensure your application is the best it can be! Alternatively, if you are a bit unsure about things and are not yet at the stage of applying, you may like to book a Short guidance appointment with us. We can help you clarify ideas about your future and discuss options you want to explore, even if you are unsure about what path you want to take.

Using myUCLCareers, our Online Library and other online resources

Use your myUCLCareers account to find internships with employers that are keen to recruit from UCL. Some of these will be internships where you will apply directly to the employer, whereas others will be managed by UCL Careers via the Global Internships Programme.

Click on 'Search Vacancies' in the Vacancies tab and use the filters on the left to search for opportunities. The following filters will help to narrow down your search results - you don't need to use all of these at the same time:

Scheme - selecting 'Global Internships Programme' will show you opportunities that are being shortlisted by UCL Careers on behalf of the employer. These are added in the spring term, usually in February, and will be promoted in various UCL communications. Alternatively, please go to the Managed Opportunities section of the Global Internships Programme webpage. Vacancy type - selecting 'summer internship' will show internships taking place during the summer period Locations and/or countries - select the regions and/or countries you are interested in to see roles in those areas. If selecting more than one option, make sure you click on 'match any' to get more results. For example, if interested in France OR Spain, tick both of those countries and then select 'match any' so that opportunities in both countries will come up. Some companies select more than one if the internship is available in multiple locations so check on the advert before proceeding. However you choose to filter the results, you can also use the sort by function to choose 'Published (Descending)' to see the newest opportunities first.


GoinGlobal and the UCL Online Careers Library are also free for UCL Students to use. Advice on using these specifically for working abroad can be found on our Work Outside the UK page.

The Prospects website offers country profiles, which include things like sector, visa, and cultural information as well as suggested job sites.

You may also find it useful to check out the information on the Sourcing an internship page.

Utilising your network

For advice on how to utilise your networks such as LinkedIn and your personal contacts, see our information on sourcing and making the most of internships and scroll down to the Resources section.

Other internship providers (including Third-party providers)

Some organisations charge a fee to help you find an internship overseas. These organisations may offer a variety of support, such as providing accommodation, pre-departure guidance and cultural activities during your time in the country.

Things to think about when applying for paid-for internship programmes are:

  • What is the payment policy and how much is it?
  • What do you get included for the fee?
  • Are there any additional fees you need to pay later on?
  • Is travel insurance included? 
  • What support is in place whilst you are there? 
  • What is the accommodation like?
  • Will it be shared?
  • How close will it be to the internship? 
  • What is their refund policy if the internship does not happen?
  • What are the reviews? Try and speak to other students who have used the same organisation if possible.

You can search for internship providers using the GoAbroad.com or GoOverseas.com websites and find one that suits your needs and budget. You may also like to take a look at the organisations below, some may offer funded places.

Please note that UCL Careers has no affiliation with any providers and has no confirmation of the reliability or accuracy of any information from the third parties’ websites.

  • Aga Khan University (AKU)  - offers the International Internship Programme at their own AKU Campuses based in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya. UCL students may be eligible for a reduced programme fee. Please enquire with their AKU Programme Coordinators.
  • Absolute Internships – offers internship opportunities across Europe and Asia.
  • AIESEC – provides students and recent graduates with internship and volunteering opportunities abroad. AIESEC have a society affiliated with UCL Students’ Union where students may be able to access more information.
  • The BA Plan – offers internship experiences in Buenos Aires.
  • BUNAC – offers working holiday, internships abroad, volunteering, summer camp across the globe.
  • CRCC Asia – offers international internship programmes in China, Japan,  Vietnam, South Korea with a choice of duration.
  • ETIV do Brazil – offers a variety of volunteer and internship programmes through their social-environmental projects developed in partnership with local communities in Brazil.
  • Global Education & Services - offers internship programmes that places students at a Korean company for various duration, providing practical and meaningful opportunities for students to experience Korean culture.
  • GVI – offers both intern and volunteer abroad experiences allowing interns to work on one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
  • The Intern Group – offers internship opportunities globally. 
  • Sustainable Innovations, Incubator for Leaders in Sustainability & Green Leaders for Tomorrow programme – offers a mixture of internship opportunities and selection of courses in the field of sustainability.
  • Twin UK – offers funded internships within the EU and in the UK.

Important Notice – Please note UCL Careers does not endorse or partner with any internship providers and have no responsibility or liability in any activities and payment processes that students agree to take part in with any providers. Internship and third party providers fall outside of any of our advertising terms. Students must ensure that they conduct their own research before applying and committing to any providers.