Art Internships Abroad

From film production to graphic design, there are numerous opportunities abroad to begin a career in art! As an intern, you’ll get a first hand look at the processes behind creative pieces, a chance to apply your knowledge, and access to a network of professionals in the industry. In addition to fueling your creative skills, interning abroad will help you learn about art from various other cultures!

Graphic Design

Graphic design is problem solving through visual communication. Art is often associated with natural artistic ability but design is a skill that can be taught and learned! Designers most commonly use the Adobe Creative Suite. After dabbing at Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you’ll have the know how for most graphic design internships! Graphic design is becoming a universal language and can also be done remotely, which allows interns to easily work with companies across the globe. Whether you’re involved in user interface, typography, or web design, you’ll gain valuable experience that can be extended to other industries such as marketing or branding.

Film Production

The making of film requires several stages: development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. In the production stage, the film is developed and shot. Production interns get a hands-on experience of how a movie is, down to the composition, framing, and lighting of each scene. Activities may include editing, concept development, and camera equipment work. Look through an international lens and shine behind the camera with a film production internship!

Performing Arts

An internship in performing arts will give you a glimpse of the creative process behind music, dance, or theater and a direct learning experience from industry professionals. Moreover, you’ll have a chance to learn about the world through performing arts of another culture. It is one of the top cultural industries and plays a vital role in developing communities and creativity. Depending on which performing arts component interns are involved in, tasks may vary from composing music and developing acts to arranging props and coordinating rehearsals. Whether you are considering a career as a dancer, musician, director, or choreographer, an internship abroad in performing arts provides a step onto the worldwide stage for your creative passions!

Photography

Photography is a universal means of communication where you can learn about the ideas, people, and landscapes of the world. The rise of digital cameras and smartphones has made photography an increasingly competitive field. However, a photography internship is a great opportunity for interns to develop their skills and get that perfect shot to beat the competition! Interns are able to organize shoots, process and edit images, maintain studios, and help with photography production. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that most professional photographers have areas of specialization, such as fashion, sports, or editorial photography. Before you begin your internship hunt, take a look at areas of interest since they may affect intern activities.

Before you start looking for an internship, you may want to consider building a professional creative portfolio. Examples of your work will help you catch employers’ eyes! The work included in a portfolio will depend on the type of internship you’re looking for. If you’re interested in film production, small film projects (personal or academic) are great examples.

United States

The United States has always led in creative industries and it has had a tremendous influence across the world. About 3.2% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is attributed to art and culture! Opportunities are robust for interns and vary by city. For film production, Los Angeles, California and Austin, Texas, home to Hollywood and SXSW, are thriving communities for moviemakers. New York City is a major center for music, film, theater, dance, and art. Many cultural movements began in NYC and it major performing arts companies, such as the Lincoln Center, are located here. Wherever you look, creative and cultural wealth is abundant in the U.S. for internships!

Sweden

According to the Martin Prosperity Institute, Sweden is ranked as the most creative country in the world! The Swedish economy has been shifting towards an economy driven not only by technological products but also increasingly by creative, innovative processes and services. Design in Sweden, focused on functionality sustainability, is a rapidly growing industry. Many Swedish and Scandinavian films, books and personalities are also beginning to appear in international media. Additionally, there are dozens of Swedish film festivals including the Stockholm International Film Festival. With growing creativity and foothold in the cultural industries, Sweden is a top location for your artistic needs.

Japan

As an initiative to strengthen its culture throughout the world, Japan has recently established the “Creative Industries Internationalization Committee.” Creative industries in Japan reflect its various lifestyles, cultures, fashion, and food. The country’s popular culture including anime and music has increasingly gained popularity with the rise of online collaboration. With a push in culture, Japan is an ideal country for interns looking to explore new content and creativity.