10 Free Internships Abroad for High School Students
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world while gaining work experience, international internships are a great way to accomplish your goals. These internships help high school students gain professional experience, develop practical skills, and explore potential career interests before college. Better still, the internships on this list are fully funded, so you can focus on learning. These experiences not only help you understand global work environments but also strengthen your independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Why should I participate in a free internship abroad?
From STEM and sustainability to community development and the arts, internships for high schoolers abroad introduce you to diverse industries and global perspectives that go beyond what you can learn in a classroom. From working in a research lab to collaborating with nonprofit organizations and participating in fieldwork, these programs let you make an impact, grow as a global citizen, and gain confidence in an international setting.
Because these internships are fully funded, they are often selective. Being accepted into one can strengthen your college applications by showing initiative, independence, and the ability to succeed in challenging environments. Working abroad also exposes you to new professional norms and perspectives, giving you concrete experiences to reflect on in college essays and interviews.
Here are 10 free internships abroad for high school students! While most of them are fully funded for all participants, some offer full scholarships for competitive candidates.
1. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP!)
Location: Providence, RI; New Haven, CT; Los Angeles, CA; Berkeley, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Sydney, Australia
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spaces per campus cohort
Dates: Varies by campus (typically summer or semester-based sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students; middle school options available at select campuses
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP!) is a free entrepreneurship incubator that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business creation and innovation. In this program, you’ll collaborate with peers and college mentors to develop, refine, and launch real-world ventures that address both business opportunities and social challenges. Through a blend of interactive workshops and guided mentorship, you’ll learn practical skills in market research, financial planning, product design, and strategic thinking – everything you need to bring a startup idea to life. Each session combines classroom learning with startup simulation activities, culminating in a pitch presentation to local business leaders or investors. With locations in both the U.S. and Sydney, Australia, YEP! provides a unique international perspective that bridges entrepreneurship education with global collaboration and social impact.
2. Youth Ambassadors Program – World Learning
Location: Multiple countries across the Western Hemisphere, including Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Peru, and Trinidad & Tobago
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State; covers airfare, housing, meals, cultural activities, and program materials
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited spots per exchange cycle
Dates: Three-week exchanges between June and August (exact dates vary by country)
Application Deadline: Typically in December or January for the following summer cycle
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18 with a demonstrated interest in leadership, civic engagement, and community service
The Youth Ambassadors Program, administered by World Learning in partnership with Amigos de las Américas and Georgetown University, is a fully funded cultural exchange that brings together young leaders across the Western Hemisphere. As an intern, you’ll take part in three weeks of experiential learning, leadership development, and civic engagement activities in a partner country such as Costa Rica, Argentina, or Brazil. The program combines homestays, community service projects, and professional mentoring to help you build skills in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and intercultural communication. After returning home, you’ll launch a Community-Based Service Initiative, applying what you’ve learned to make a tangible change in your community.
3. Volunteering for Teens – High School Specials
Location: Multiple countries, including Argentina, Ghana, Ecuador (Galápagos Islands), and Nepal
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spaces per destination
Dates: Fixed start and end dates; programs typically run during the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early applications encouraged due to limited capacity
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18
This program gives high school students an opportunity to travel the world, make an impact, and learn through service in a supervised environment designed for high school students. You’ll join peers from around the world to contribute to community-driven projects such as teaching, conservation, medicine, and human rights, gaining real experience while helping local communities. Each itinerary blends volunteer work, cultural experiences, and excursions to broaden your global understanding. You may find yourself helping children learn through play in Ghana, shadowing doctors in Nepal, or contributing to wildlife conservation in the Galápagos Islands. With mentorship, hands-on service, and cultural exploration built in, this program is an enriching free internship abroad for high school students seeking meaningful international experience.
4. Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship – Germany
Location: Various host communities across Germany
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. and German governments; includes airfare, tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 250 U.S. high school students selected annually
Dates: Academic year (August–July)
Application Deadline: Typically in November for the following academic year
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18.5 with a strong academic record and interest in cultural exchange; no prior German language experience required
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship offers high school students a fully funded opportunity to live and study in Germany for an entire academic year. Sponsored jointly by the U.S. and German governments, the program gives you a firsthand experience of German language, culture, and education through classes at a local high school and a full-time stay with a host family. You’ll begin with orientation and language training upon arrival, then attend workshops with U.S. and German government representatives, gaining insight into international relations and cultural diplomacy. Beyond academics, you’ll join an active alumni network supported by the U.S. State Department.
5. Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) Program
Location: Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Poland
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State; covers airfare, housing, tuition, visa fees, and a monthly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited number of placements per country
Dates: Academic year (August–June)
Application Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9–12 (including homeschool students)
The Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, offers high school students a fully funded opportunity to study in Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Poland. As a FLEX Abroad scholar, you’ll live with a host family, attend a local high school, and immerse yourself in the language, traditions, and culture of your host country. The program promotes global awareness, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding, helping you grow personally and academically while representing the United States abroad. You will also engage in community service projects, cultural excursions, and diplomacy-focused activities throughout the year. As one of the few free internships abroad for high school students, FLEX Abroad combines academic learning with real-world cultural exchange, preparing you for future leadership in a globalized world.
6. Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program
Location: Multiple host countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, and Türkiye
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State; covers airfare, tuition, housing, visa costs, and a monthly stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 65 U.S. students selected annually
Dates: Academic year (August–June)
Application Deadline: Typically, November
Eligibility: U.S. high school students and recent graduates aged 15–18.5 at the time of departure
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program is a free internship abroad for high school students to live and study for an academic year in countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program promotes mutual understanding between the United States and host nations through cultural immersion and educational exchange. As a YES Abroad Scholar, you’ll live with a host family, attend a local high school, and take part in community activities that strengthen leadership, adaptability, and global awareness. From learning new languages to participating in local service projects, the program lets you build meaningful cross-cultural connections while developing lifelong skills in diplomacy and cultural communication.
7. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Location: Multiple host countries worldwide, including Morocco, China, South Korea, Latvia, and others
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State; covers tuition, airfare, housing, cultural activities, and a living stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 600 students accepted annually
Dates: Summer sessions (6–7 weeks) and academic year programs (8–10 months)
Application Deadline: November 12 (4 p.m. ET)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18 at the start of the program
NSLI-Y is a U.S. Department of State scholarship that allows American high school students to study critical languages abroad while involving themselves in a new culture. Languages offered include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian, and several others. As an intern, you’ll live with a host family, attend language classes, and take part in cultural excursions that help you gain an in-depth understanding of your host country. The program’s goal is to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries, and prepare students to become globally competent citizens with advanced language and intercultural communication skills. With both summer and academic-year options, NSLI-Y combines academics, cultural experiences, and meaningful global engagement.
8. Youth For Understanding (YFU) – High School Study Abroad Programs
Location: Multiple host countries worldwide across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania
Cost/Stipend: Scholarships and full financial aid available for select students; program costs vary by destination and duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; thousands of placements annually across partner nations
Dates: Fall and spring semesters, full academic year, or summer sessions (duration varies by country)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early deadlines typically between November and March, depending on program length
Eligibility: U.S. high school students ages 15–18; must demonstrate maturity, adaptability, and interest in cross-cultural learning
YFU High School Study Abroad Programs give high school students an opportunity to live and study abroad while experiencing a new language and culture. You will be placed with carefully screened host families and attend local schools for a summer, semester, or full academic year, gaining a true sense of daily life in your host country. Beyond language learning, YFU helps you develop essential life skills such as independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication. The organization provides robust support throughout your journey, including pre-departure orientations, academic counseling, and a 24/7 safety network to ensure a secure and enriching experience. Through this exchange, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives, strengthen your college applications, and return home with the confidence and maturity that come from navigating the world on your own.
9. ASSE International – High School Study Abroad Program
Location: Over 30 destinations worldwide, including Japan, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, South Korea, and Australia
Cost/Stipend: Subsidized and partially funded by ASSE; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; thousands of students participate annually
Dates: Flexible – summer, semester, or full academic year programs available
Application Deadline: Rolling; early deadlines typically between November and March, depending on program type
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; no prior language knowledge required
The ASSE International High School Study Abroad Program provides high school students with an opportunity to study and live in one of over 30 countries while gaining global awareness, language proficiency, and cultural understanding. As one of the world’s oldest and most trusted exchange organizations, ASSE ensures a safe and supportive environment through a well-established network of host families and local coordinators. During your stay, you’ll attend a local school, participate in cultural and social activities, and involve yourself fully in the customs and daily life of your host country. The program is subsidized to reduce costs for participants, offering partial scholarships and maintaining one of the lowest program fees among global exchanges.
10. AFS-USA – High School Study Abroad Programs
Location: 40+ countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; need-based and merit scholarships available to offset costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; thousands of participants annually across multiple destinations
Dates: Summer, semester, and academic year options available (specific dates vary by country)
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority deadlines typically between November and March
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18; specific requirements vary by program and destination
The AFS-USA Study Abroad Programs let high school students live and learn in one of more than 40 countries through cultural exchange experiences. You’ll live with a carefully vetted host family, attend a local high school, and experience day-to-day life in a new cultural environment. The organization’s flexible program model allows you to select a summer, semester, or full-year placement tailored to your academic and personal goals. AFS emphasizes global citizenship, leadership development, and intercultural understanding, providing thorough pre-departure training and ongoing local support to ensure a safe, enriching experience abroad.
Ladder Internships
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program connecting students with fast-growing startups and nonprofits from around the world. The startups range across a variety of industries in fields such as sustainability, technology, healthcare, and environmental science. As an intern, you’ll be paired with a startup manager and dedicated ladder coach and collaborate directly with the company’s team on real projects, gaining an inside look at the fast-paced startup environment. By the end of the program, you’ll build skills in research, communication, and creative problem-solving, and present your work to the start-up owners, mentors, and peers. Apply now!
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