7 Major Corporations You Can Intern With Abroad
Finding an Internship abroad can be challenging. Here are 7 industry leaders who hire interns in positions across the globe.
It’s no secret that living in another country is an eye-opening and life-changing experience. The lessons you learn, skills you gain, and personal growth you experience will stay with you long after returning home. While studying abroad is one of the most common ways young people live abroad, keep in mind that it is not your only option. Another way to go overseas is by doing an international internship, which may even provide academic credit towards completing your degree.
So why do an internship abroad? When you intern abroad, you’ll receive a lot of the same benefits as studying abroad. You will be immersed in a new culture and can learn firsthand about the local customs and traditions. You can also learn or practice a new language, which is always a valuable skill to have in the workplace. Interning abroad also provides other advantages: you'll make global friendships and connections and expand your professional network outside of your home country. International internships will help you to develop a global perspective and understanding. Above all, interning abroad is a great way to boost your resume, stand out amongst the competition, and gain real-life work experience in your desired field.
Here are 7 international companies who offer internships abroad:
Best for Finance: J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan is an American company known as a leader in financial services, with clients in more than 100 countries. Currently, J.P. Morgan has a 'Paris-aligned financing commitment' where they have set a target of becoming carbon neutral and utilizing 100% renewable energy.
- Types of internships offered: Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, Asset Management, Finance, Human Resources, Operations.
- Program types: Summer undergraduate, graduate, and PhD; full-time undergraduate, graduate, and PhD; pre-internship programs.
- Locations: Multiple locations in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, India, Japan, and South Africa.
- Internship length: Typically around 10-12 weeks.
- Compensation: Paid.
- More information: Use the J.P. Morgan career portal to learn more about programs, the application and interview process, requirements, and the role you may play.
Read about a former J.P. Morgan intern's experience: What It’s Like to Intern at J.P. Morgan
Best for Physical Sciences: BP
BP is a major UK company and one of the leading players in the international oil and gas industry. BP has also made sustainability a major focus moving forward, setting the goal of becoming a net-zero company by 2050.
- Types of internships offered: Various areas in the fields of Engineering, Science, and Business.
- Program types: Graduate and PhD programs.
- Locations: Multiple locations across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Internship length: Varies by country. Summer internships are typically around 12 weeks.
- More information: Explore all BP internship opportunities and find the perfect fit for you. The BP application process consists of an online application and two interviews.
- Compensation: Paid. Pay varies by country.
Read about former BP interns' experiences: BP helps get students ‘career ready’
Best for Technology: Google
The global tech giant Google has numerous products that are each used by over a billion individual people worldwide. This makes Google one of the most influential tech companies on Earth -- and, not surprisingly, offers opportunities for international internships.
- Types of internships offered: Product management and technical internships.
- Program types: Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD.
- Locations: Multiple locations across the Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific.
- Internship length: Typically around 12-14 weeks.
- Compensation: All of Google's internships are paid.
- More information: First check Google’s intern openings and then narrow them down according to your preferred region. Be prepared for a rigorous application process.
Read about a former Google intern's experience: What It's Really Like To Be A Google Intern
Best for Design & Engineering: BMW
BMW is known worldwide for being one of the leading automobile and engine manufacturers. The headquarters are in Munich, Germany, but the company also has many other offices around the globe. BMW Group, which includes Mini and Rolls Royce, offers internships to undergraduate students, graduate students, and doctorate students.
- Types of internships offered: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Marketing.
- Program types: Summer undergraduate, graduate, and PhD. Part-time and full time.
- Locations: Germany, South Africa, USA, and China.
- Internship length: Typically around 6 months, full-time.
- Compensation: Paid.
- More information: Check BMW's Career Internships page for more information on all their internships, including their international internships program, search internship opportunities and locations, and how to apply!
Read about former BMW intern's experience: BMW internship ignites Dylan’s career in Munich
Best for Health Sciences: Novartis
Novartis is a Swiss pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. It is one of the most progressive and successful pharmaceutical companies globally and a great corporation to intern with for anyone interested in health care and pharmaceuticals. The Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research (NIBR) offers internships to students and recent grads in the US and Switzerland.
- Types of internships offered: Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Business Administration, and Engineering.
- Program types: Summer undergraduate, graduate, and PhD; full-time.
- Locations: Switzerland, USA.
- Internship length: Typically around 10 weeks in the summer in the U.S. and 3-12 months in Switzerland.
- Compensation: Paid.
- More information: Search for different Novartis internship opportunities on their website, but be aware that their summer internships are based strictly in Switzerland and USA.
Read about former Novartis intern's experience: Inside a Basel Novartis Internship
Best for Martketing: Unilever
Unilever is an Anglo-Dutch international company that is a leader in food, beverage, cleaning, and personal care production. Their products are consumed by over 2 billion people worldwide, so, naturally, they have a vast array of job and intern opportunities abroad. Unilever prides itself on being ranked number 1 worldwide for corporate sustainability leadership in the GlobeScan-SustainAbility survey.
- Types of internships offered: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT.
- Program types: Undergraduate, graduate full-time (2-3 year contracts).
- Locations: Multiple locations across North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
- Internship length: Typically around 10 weeks for summer internships.
- Compensation: Paid.
- More information: An internship with Unilever is long-standing commitment and a perfect way to get your foot in the door with international business on a large scale.
Read about former Unilever interns' experiences: Working as an Intern at Unilver: Employee Reviews on Indeed
Best for Management: L'Oreal
L'Oreal, probably most commonly known for their shampoo and conditioners, is a cosmetics manufacturer. They produce some of the most popular and widely distributed personal cosmetics products on just about every continent in the world. Interning with them is a great way for aspiring young management professionals to explore the world of business and travel. L'Oreal is committed to a world without animal testing. They have spent four decades developing testing methods through reconstructed skin models, allowing them to develop products without testing on animals.
- Types of internships offered: Management, Product Development, Marketing.
- Program types: Full-time graduates.
- Locations: Multiple locations across North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
- Internship length: Depends on location, can last up to 18 months.
- Compensation: Paid.
- More information: To get an international internship with L'Oreal, take a look at their Global Internship & Apprenticeship Programs.
Read about former L'Oreal interns' experiences: ‘My six-month internship in L’Oréal labs’: 6 experiences and tips from R&I interns
Start Applying
These are just 7 of the many corporations that offer internships to international students. While getting an internship abroad is an intimidating task, with a bit of research and hard work, you will find a position that fits your goals.
For more international internship opportunities, check out these current listings on the Go Overseas Job Boards!