Global internships

Your future in the workplace could include interactions with people from other countries, so employers may be looking for experience abroad. By seeking out experiences that build your cultural awareness, confidence, and creativity, you’ll set yourself up to thrive and become a more well-rounded, flexible and independent person in the process.

Spending time overseas will also open your eyes to the unique qualities of other cultures, especially as you build new friendships and immerse yourself. Learning a new language is both a bonus that will allow you to feel truly connected to the country where you work, and open doors in the future.

• CRCC Asia
• Next Step Connections
• The Intern Group
• Virtual Internships
• Think Pacific

Every organisation’s application process is slightly different. Usually, you will submit your application to them directly, so look at their instructions closely.

If applying for an individual Prime Minister's Scholarship, you will need to apply to both Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (for funding consideration) and the Internship Provider (for participation in the programme).

We are not currently offering any University of Auckland administered or funded internship programmes. If funding becomes available for any future programmes, these programmes will be listed in the University's learning abroad portal once applications open. 

With the exception of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, the international internship providers listed above each charge placement or programme fees for participation. Students are expected to cover these costs directly, unless successful in obtaining funding through the Prime Minister's Scholarship Programme. Think of this as an investment in your education! 

The programme fee goes towards the service provided by the internship provider to administer a personalised placement process and facilitate interactions with the host company, in addition to providing support services and pastoral care pre-departure and while in-country, in addition to providing various learning and development resources and activities as part of the programme.

International internships are typically unpaid, due to visa restrictions, and the internship experience will focus on developing cross-cultural competencies and building of employability skills for you to take up future work in the global arena. Experiences are typically 6-12 weeks.

• Visas and travel: To work legally in another country, you will need an active passport and a correct, valid visa. Many countries offer special considerations for students, like one-year working holiday visas, or visas that allow you to both work and study. If working with an internship provider, they will generally guide you through the process relevant to the type of work and destination of your internship.
• Language: If you are traveling to a country with a different primary language than your own, do your research. Many large organisations conduct business in English, but you may be required to show proficiency in another as well.
• Health and safety: Every country’s healthcare regulations are different, so it’s important to acquaint yourself with the systems in the place where you’ll be working. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of an accident or illness while overseas (if you are taking up an internship while still enrolled at the University of Auckland, you may be eligible for coverage under the University-funded travel insurance plan. See T&Cs for more details).
• Accommodation: Some internships abroad may provide housing to students, but you may be required to find your own place to stay. Living with a local host family is a way to immerse yourself in the culture and language of new country, and maybe even make lifelong friendships!
• Finances: Call your bank before you leave to enable overseas transactions on your account. If you’re being paid for your work overseas, you will likely need to open a local bank account as well. 
• Travel & Medical insurance: It is important to have comprehensive travel & medical insurance when travelling abroad to ease the financial burden if you encounter any misfortune. The University offers University-funded travel insurance for all University-student travel activity registered with 360 International, which includes internships with any of our preferred providers listed above, provided you are a current University of Auckland student at the time of the internship. Please see the University student activity travel insurance terms & conditions page for more details. 

Before you embark on your overseas experience, contact CDES (Career Development and Employability Services). They will work with you to prepare for your time abroad and ensure you get the most out of your internship.

While you’re away, use a paper or electronic journal to keep track of your experience, record any questions. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people you meet through your new professional networks.

When you return, set up a meeting with the team at CDES. They would love to hear about your time abroad and help you incorporate things you’ve learned into future internships or workplace experiences.