15 International Internships for College Students
If you are a college student looking to gain real-world experience outside your classroom, international internships for college students are an excellent way to do that. They provide hands-on learning opportunities while helping you build your resume and develop valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
International internships for college students offer cultural exposure, global networking opportunities, and a chance to work in diverse environments—qualities that improve your employability in the future. Whether you are passionate about healthcare, business, technology, or the arts, participating in an international internship provides unique insights and industry-specific knowledge that books alone cannot offer.
To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 international internships for college students. Let’s dive in!
1. CERN Open Lab Summer Student Programme
Location: CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Bachelor's or Master’s students (not PhD) who have completed at least 3 years of full-time university studies at the start of the program; should have a strong computing profile and a good knowledge of English
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: January
Program Dates: 9 weeks from June 23 or 30 to August
CERN, the birthplace of the World Wide Web, hosts an Openlab Summer Student Program that gives college students the opportunity to gain insight into the working of the latest hardware and software technologies and understand how advanced computing tools are used in high-energy physics. During the 9-week program, you’ll work on an advanced IT project on specific computing topics, under the guidance of a dedicated CERN supervisor. Additionally, you will attend lectures by CERN experts and visit accelerators and experimental areas. The program concludes with a report and presentation of your project, which will be delivered during a public event.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,490 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: Ambitious college students and young professionals
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Ladder Internships is an 8-week selective internship program for ambitious college students. During this virtual program, you’ll work with some of the world’s best founders—from Harvard Business School to Y Combinator to ex-McKinsey founders—and be exposed to a real work environment. Some of the industries you’ll be able to work with include health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, tech, deep tech, and more. As an intern, you’ll work on a mentored real-world project, like a market report, app, or strategy, and present it to the company at the end of your internship. You can learn more here and apply here!
Location: Remote or multiple locations across the world
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: At least 18 years old; enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program, or have graduated within the past two years; proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages: English, French, or Spanish
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Opportunities are offered throughout the year. Check vacancies here
Program Dates: 6-26 weeks; part-time or full-time
UNICEF invites college students and recent graduates to participate in their international internships for college students, gain experience in the humanitarian sector, and contribute to the organization’s missions. Offered at various locations across the world, you will engage in hands-on learning that will help enhance your academic, professional, and personal development.
Your duties and responsibilities vary as per the internship, but you can expect to assist with database management, communications, or research projects. Check out all the current opportunities on their vacancies page.
4. Microsoft Global University Internships
Location: Microsoft; Multiple locations across the world
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Varies according to different regions. See details here
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varies according to different programs
Program Dates: Varies according to different programs
The Microsoft Global University Internships invite students from across the globe to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the company’s missions and goals. As an intern, you’ll experience their diverse community culture, participate in events, and engage with company executives.
They offer three different international internships for college students:
Discovery Program: During this 4-week internship, rising first-year students will work on a real project, receive mentorship from Microsoft employees, and explore different tech career paths.
Explore Program: First and second-year college students will be invited to explore different software engineering roles during this 12-week summer internship program.
PhD, MBA, and JD Internships: Students pursuing a PhD, MBA, or JD will get to work on meaningful and real-world projects while contributing to the company’s success during this internship.
5. WHO Global Internship Programme
Location: Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Unpaid. A living allowance is provided to students who need financial support
Eligibility:
- Be at least 20 years old on the date of application
- Be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate), in a public health, medical, or social field related to the technical work of WHO, or in a management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related field.
- Recent graduates are eligible if they apply for a role within 6 months of graduation.
- Have completed three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution before starting (bachelor's level or equivalent) the internship
- Be a valid passport holder from a WHO Member State
- Be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the assigned office
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varies according to different internships
Program Dates: 6-24 weeks, depending on the role and the region
If you are interested in learning about global public health issues, then the WHO’s internship program is a great opportunity for you. This highly selective program offers a wide range of international internships for college students and recent graduates in varied technical areas and administrative programs like communications, human resources, and external relations. As an intern, you’ll enhance your knowledge and experience in an area of your choice, while contributing to the advancement of public health. Check here for the available opportunities.
Location: HSBC; Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Students who are in the penultimate year of undergraduate study. Other requirements vary by location and role. See details here
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Varies according to different internships
Program Dates: Varies according to different internships
HSBC’s international internships for college students provide undergraduate students with training in both technical and business areas of their choice. Opportunities are available in fields such as Commercial Banking, Digital Business Services, Global Banking & Markets, Wealth and Personal Banking, and Global Functions, among others.
As an intern, you will work on a live project that helps you gain real-world experience while developing both technical and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, the program provides access to live courses and digital learning resources, networking opportunities, talks by senior colleagues and industry experts, and participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. After the program, you may also secure a position in the company’s graduate program.
Location: Amazon; Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Rising seniors or recent graduates with an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree. Other requirements vary by role. See details here.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Application Deadline: Varies by different roles. But students are encouraged to apply in late summer or early autumn.
Program Dates: Varies by region but generally last from 12-16 weeks
Amazon interns get the opportunity to immerse themselves in a project from start to finish, diving headfirst into products, services, and programs that impact the company’s customers. Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, you’ll receive hands-on formal training and learning opportunities to help you analyze data, solve problems, and design customer-centric solutions. The program also provides networking opportunities with daily special events.
Location: Google; Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Varies by role; details here
Acceptance Rate: >4%
Application Deadline: Varies based on role
Program Dates: 12-14 weeks (start and end times vary by role)
Google offers many international internships for college students across various business areas like software engineering, business, legal, product, hardware engineering, and more. Irrespective of the field of your choice, you’ll receive hands-on experience, mentorship from industry experts, and an opportunity to work on real-world projects, while gaining an insight into the culture of one of the world’s leading tech companies. As an intern, you’ll get the opportunity to work on products and services that will be used by billions around the world.
Location: Boeing; Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: College students; specific requirements vary by region and role. See details here
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Program Dates: Varies by region
Boeing offers college students an opportunity to grow their skills and create lasting connections through their internships in three broad career areas: business; engineering; and IT, data, and analytics. Every day, you’ll work alongside mentors, leaders, and peers and utilize your skills and knowledge on real-world challenges. This internship also hosts networking events, development seminars, executive engagements, and community outreach to help strengthen your professional and personal connections.
10. Equinor Summer Internships
Location: Equinor offices in Norway, the UK, and the U.S.
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Current bachelor’s or master’s students who have completed at least 2 years of higher education at the start of the program and have at least 1 year of higher education left at the program's end
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Application Deadline: September
Program Dates: 7 weeks in the summer for positions in Norway and the UK. 10 weeks in the summer for positions in the U.S.
Equinor hosts international internships for college students in Norway, the U.S., and the UK for college students interested in exploring a discipline within the energy sector. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, communications, corporate, or digital, you’ll get a chance to spend the summer gaining an understanding of the company’s operations and strategy across oil and gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions.
As an intern, you’ll spend 80% of the time working on projects and tasks within your chosen discipline, under the guidance of your leader. The rest of the internship will involve partaking in learning and development activities that develop future professional skills. If you opt for the UK and Norway program, you will also have to participate in a group project aimed at developing critical skills, including collaboration, communication, presentation, planning, and time management.
11. UNESCO Internship Programme
Location: Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: Current students enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher) or have recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD. 12 months before the start of the internship; at least 20 years old
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Application Deadline: Varies by role; details here
Program Dates: 1-6 months, depending on the role
The UNESCO Internship is a 1-6 month learning opportunity for college students and recent graduates interested in learning about the company’s mandate, programs, and processes. As a participant, you’ll be required to work on practical assignments that will enhance your academic and technical knowledge, preparing you for a future career in the field of your choice. You’ll get to work in a multicultural environment, working alongside experienced staff, attending training and professional development opportunities, and networking with professionals from around the world. A UNESCO internship will give you the chance to learn more about working with the United Nations and pursue a potential career here.
12. World Bank Internship Program
Location: Washington, DC or World Bank Country Offices
Stipend: Hourly wage + Travel expenses up to $3,000
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who are fluent in English
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: May – August
If you are interested in gaining first-hand experience in the operations and support functions of a bank, the World Bank’s international internships for college students are a great opportunity. As a participant, you’ll work at the forefront of development and collaborate with project teams to advance the bank’s vision. You’ll get a chance to share ideas and perspectives while broadening your research experience and building your professional skills. Furthermore, the program also provides opportunities to build your professional network and work towards your career development journey.
13. Meta Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Varies according to different roles; details here
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Application Deadline: Varies according to different roles
Program Dates: Varies according to different roles
Meta Internship offers college students an immersive experience in cutting-edge technology and innovation. During the program, you’ll work on impactful projects across various fields and gain insights into the advancements of artificial intelligence, best practices, and emerging technologies. Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, you’ll develop critical skills and gain invaluable experiences for your future careers. Additionally, you will also attend events and partake in social activities, which will help build your professional network.
14. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Summer Internship Program
Location: MoMA, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Stipend: $6,160
Eligibility: Current students who have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study at the start of the internship
Acceptance Rate: Moderately competitive
Application Deadline: Applications open in February
Program Dates: 10 weeks from June to August
The summer internship program at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) provides college students with an opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes view of the workings of the museum. Under the guidance of the museum’s staff, you’ll contribute to projects and gain practical and theoretical training in their practices. During the internship, you’ll learn about their various collections, exhibitions, and programs for visitors and enrich your understanding of the role of museums in modern society.
Note: They also offer a 12-month internship program for recent graduates. See more details here.
15. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the globe
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Enrolled in a university or equivalent level educational institution in a field relevant to the IFRC's work, OR have graduated within one year from the date of hiring in a field relevant to the IFRC's work
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Application Deadline: Varies according to roles; details here
Program Dates: Varies based on role
Gain first-hand experience at the world’s largest humanitarian network with an internship at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This program allows you to contribute to meaningful work and apply your theoretical knowledge to a challenging work setting while learning and working alongside experts in the field. The IFRC comprises people who come from different parts of the world with varied experiences. This will help you broaden your knowledge, foster new relationships, and expand your professional network.