14 International Consulting Internships for High School Students
Consulting has become a sought-after career path, making early exposure to the field valuable for high school students. If you're interested in consulting, business strategy, finance, or entrepreneurship, an international consulting internship can be a great way to explore these fields while working on real-world business challenges. By working on projects in areas such as market research, business strategy, data analysis, and client problem-solving, you'll gain hands-on experience that enhances both your college applications and résumé.
To look at what consulting internships are on offer in US states, find Louisiana’s offerings here, and Minnesota ones here!
Why should I do an international consulting internship in high school?
These internships also help you develop essential skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and presentation, which are the qualities valued by top universities and employers alike. Beyond skill-building, they offer a chance to explore careers in consulting, business, finance, entrepreneurship, and management while connecting with mentors, industry professionals, and ambitious students from around the world. With many programs available virtually or offering financial aid, you can gain meaningful international experience without the cost of a traditional study-abroad program.
To help you get started, we have listed 15 of the best international consulting internships for high school students
Key takeaways
This list gathers consulting-focused internships and pre-college programs for high school students, spanning international micro-internships, virtual startup placements, and major professional services firms, with standout hosts including PwC, Wharton, and Sage Corps.
Cost varies enormously here, from free options like a Wharton investment competition and a paid internship at a major professional services firm, up to several thousand dollars for the residential and international micro-internship programs, so it's worth budgeting carefully depending on which type of program fits.
Two of these programs place you physically abroad for a hands-on consulting project, in Spain and across Greece, Belize, or Panama, while the rest offer virtual placements that let you build consulting skills and work with startups remotely from anywhere.
Most of these are fully virtual and open regardless of location, while the two on-the-ground programs require international travel to a specific country.
Most of these run on rolling admissions, though one virtual consulting fellowship has a fixed January 30 deadline, so it's worth applying early if that structured program interests you.
1. Sage Corps High School Start! Micro-Internship Program
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Cost: $3,899
Dates: February and March as an 8-day international micro-internship. Exact dates vary by year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students with at least sophomore standing and a minimum 3.0 GPA
In the Sage Corps High School Start! Program, you will gain international business experience by working on a real project for a global startup in Barcelona with a small consulting team. Throughout the program, you will tackle challenges in areas such as marketing, business development, or data analytics while learning how startups solve real-world problems. You will collaborate with peers, receive guidance from startup founders and mentors, and present your recommendations to your client at the end of the program. Beyond the consulting project, you'll take part in cultural activities, develop professional and cross-cultural communication skills, and have the opportunity to earn college credit, making it a unique introduction to global entrepreneurship and innovation.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship program pairs high school students with global startups for an eight-week, remote business experience. You explore core topics like marketing strategy, competitive analysis, and finance while working on real-world deliverables. Daily activities include conducting market research, attending weekly team check-ins, and preparing a final presentation for company leadership. Uniquely, the program offers a dual-mentorship structure, providing every student with guidance from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. This hands-on environment helps you develop skills in data-driven decision-making, project management, and corporate communication, offering an advantage for college and career paths. Apply now!
3. Global Business Academy
Location: Greece, Belize, Panama (offered in select years)
Cost: Belize & Panama: $2,900; Greece: $3,900
Dates: Greece: June 14–21; Belize: June 21–28
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Global Business Academy gives you the opportunity to gain real-world consulting experience while working with entrepreneurs and small businesses in an international setting. You will collaborate with fellow students to identify business challenges, analyze operations, and develop strategic solutions in areas such as marketing, finance, and business development. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, build practical skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, and gain firsthand insight into entrepreneurship. You will also take part in cultural experiences and community engagement activities, helping you understand how businesses operate across different global markets.
4. Elmseed High School Consulting Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Application Fee: $20; Tuition: $225
Dates: Program: February 8 – April 11; Spring Break: March 15–21
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12
The Elmseed High School Consulting Fellowship gives you a hands-on introduction to management consulting through a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and team-based projects. You will learn how consultants approach business challenges by developing skills in strategic thinking, business analysis, data interpretation, and structured problem-solving. Throughout the fellowship, you will receive mentorship from Yale students, collaborate with other participants to solve real-world business cases, and strengthen your communication, leadership, and presentation skills. The program concludes with a consulting case competition, where you'll present your recommendations for a real business problem to a panel of judges.
5. Outset Business Summer Program
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, California
Cost: $2,950
Dates: July 26–31
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
The Outset Business Summer Program is designed for high school students who want to explore business, entrepreneurship, and management consulting through hands-on learning. Throughout the program, you will work on real-world business cases, analyze industry challenges, and develop strategic solutions using the same problem-solving frameworks employed by leading consulting firms. Working alongside like-minded peers, you will strengthen your skills in business strategy, leadership, teamwork, communication, and presentations while receiving mentorship from experienced consultants and business professionals. The program also provides valuable insight into careers in consulting and entrepreneurship, giving you a practical understanding of how businesses solve complex challenges.
6. InGenius Prep Internship Program
Location: Virtual and in-person opportunities available in 30+ cities worldwide, including locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, depending on the internship placement
Cost: Not publicly listed
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students
The InGenius Prep Internship Program connects high school students with personalized internship opportunities at startups, nonprofits, research institutions, and established companies across a variety of industries. Based on your interests, academic background, and career goals, you will be matched with an internship where you can contribute to real projects and gain practical, hands-on experience. Throughout the program, you will work closely with industry professionals, develop valuable skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, and receive mentorship to support your professional growth. With flexible scheduling, individualized placements, and the opportunity to earn a letter of recommendation, the program offers a valuable way to explore potential career paths while strengthening your college applications and resume.
7. WebTern
Location: Virtual (Online)
Cost: Not publicly listed
Dates: Year-round with flexible start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The WebTern Program provides high school students with the opportunity to gain real-world internship experience while exploring careers in business, marketing, and technology. After being matched with a nonprofit organization based on your interests, you will contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with professionals, and develop practical workplace skills. Alongside your internship, you will receive one-on-one mentorship focused on career exploration, resume building, networking, and college preparation. The program also offers guidance on cold emailing, securing future internships or research opportunities, and building a strong extracurricular profile, helping you gain valuable professional experience while preparing for college and future careers.
8. PwC From High School to College
Location: Multiple U.S. PwC offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates:10-12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The PwC High School Program gives you an opportunity to explore careers in consulting, audit, tax, and advisory through hands-on learning and professional development. You will work on real business projects, learn how PwC teams solve complex client challenges, and gain exposure to industry-standard tools and problem-solving approaches. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, participate in leadership workshops and networking events, and strengthen your communication, teamwork, and analytical skills. You'll also connect with PwC leaders and fellow participants while gaining valuable insight into careers in professional services, with outstanding participants potentially being considered for future internship opportunities.
9. Wharton Global Youth Investment Competition
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Typically between June 30 and April 25th
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: High school grades 9-12; interested in business or finance; teams of 4-6 students per team
In this program, you'll participate in a competitive stock market simulation where you'll work in teams to research companies, build investment portfolios, and develop investment theses under the guidance of experienced mentors. Throughout the experience, you'll strengthen your financial analysis, market research, business communication, and teamwork skills while gaining insight into investment strategy and decision-making. The program concludes with portfolio presentations and a final competition.
10. Youth Capital Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Program fee applies, but the exact cost is not publicly listed
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students
The Youth Capital Internship Program gives high school students the opportunity to work on real projects with companies across more than 30 career fields, including business, finance, technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Based on your interests, you will be matched with a project where you'll collaborate with industry professionals, receive regular mentorship, and build practical skills through structured milestones and feedback sessions. Throughout the internship, you will strengthen your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills while gaining exposure to real workplace environments. The experience concludes with a final presentation, and successful participants receive a Youth Capital Internship Certificate recognizing their achievements.
11. Matchtern
Location: Virtual (Online)
Cost:$1,950 for the full 3-month program.
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Matchtern Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with venture-backed startups and innovative companies. Before starting your internship, you will complete a career readiness training program designed to build essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Once matched with a company, you will contribute to real projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and receive mentorship throughout the experience. The program also provides personalized guidance, professional development support, and a reference upon completion, helping you explore potential career paths while building a strong resume and valuable workplace skills.
12. Opternix – Internships & Projects
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not publicly listed
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Grades 9–12
The Opternix Program offers an opportunity to apply your skills to real projects while learning from experienced professionals. You can choose projects aligned with your interests in business, research, technology, marketing, design, or social impact and develop practical experience through hands-on work. Throughout the program, you'll receive ongoing mentorship, build a professional portfolio, and strengthen your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while preparing for future academic and career opportunities.
13. Edify Startup Incubator
Location: Virtual
Cost: Summer Group Program (3 weeks): $3,490; Individual Program (12 weeks): $3,990
Dates: Summer Cohort 1: June 8–27 and Summer Cohort 2: July 6–25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
Designed for students interested in entrepreneurship, the Edify Startup Incubator guides you through the process of creating and launching your own venture. You will explore idea generation, customer validation, product development, business modeling, and market strategy while working closely with mentors and fellow participants. Through interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and continuous feedback, you will strengthen your entrepreneurial mindset and finish the program with a polished venture and a professional pitch.
14. EnergyMag Virtual Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid internship)
Dates: Quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours/week) or half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours/week) available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.25 GPA; at least one honors-level science or English class
In this remote internship, you will explore the renewable energy storage industry by contributing to research projects that support the transition to cleaner energy systems. Working under the guidance of experienced mentors, you will conduct company profiling, market research, business analysis, and professional report writing, and investigate emerging technologies and industry trends. Throughout the program, you will strengthen your analytical thinking, research, project management, and communication skills through real-world assignments that are directly relevant to consulting and advisory careers. Outstanding work may be published on EnergyMag with full author credit, and upon successful completion, you will receive a Letter of Accomplishment recognizing your contributions and achievements.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need prior business or consulting experience to apply to these internships?
No, most of these are designed to introduce consulting frameworks and business thinking from scratch, so no background is expected going in. A genuine interest in business and strong communication skills matter more than prior experience.
2. Most of these programs are virtual. Are they still considered "international" consulting experience?
It depends on what you're looking for. Virtual programs still often involve working with global startups or international teams, which builds relevant cross-cultural and remote collaboration skills, even without physical travel. If an on-the-ground international experience matters most to you, focus on the two programs that place you abroad.
3. Some of these programs charge a significant fee. How do I know which ones are worth the cost?
Look closely at what's included, like mentorship quality, project scope, and any academic credit or certification offered, rather than just the price tag. Comparing a fee-based program against the free or lower-cost options on this list can help you decide what's worth the investment for your goals.