Paid Internships for Students in Technical Fields

I was excited to travel to Europe for the first time, and it really was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the community, friendship, support and mentorship of my supervisor. I also got some time to travel to other countries (sharing God's word) and meeting lots of people.

What you make of the experience is entirely up to you. With the local committees there is a diverse set individuals all going through similar experiences so it's possible to make group travel plans and just socialize. Being abroad allowed lots of time to make plans and travel. I was able to travel to 3 different countries other than my host country just though weekend trips which led to many great experiences.

I think my internship is a rewarding experience for me. I have not only gained practical experience related to my major, but also traveled to many cool places in Germany. IAESTE German LC committee has organized those trips pretty well and made them affordable. The fun part is to meet interns from all over the world, to learn and experience a different culture in the host country.

Going to Brazil was a highlight of my time in graduate school. From beginning to end, the staff was extremely helpful and involved in the quality of my time spent abroad. The placement itself was incredible, in a great city, and within a group that included other international students. The time spent working was supplemented by personal time to explore the local environs and other cities around the country, some of which included meetings with colleagues that expanded my professional network. Hands down, I would jump at the opportunity to participate in this program again and recommend it to anybody wishing to visit a foreign country, immerse themselves in a new culture, and gain experience in an international setting.

As an active member of IAESTE in their UIUC chapter, I've been on their program two times because the process is so simple, straightforward, and legitimate. Be aware that the program quality will depend on the city you are going to:

In Muscat, Oman, the experience was a solid 10/10. Housing was clean, there were 40 of us interns, food was delivered to our doorstep, we were driven to our offices and had programs every weekend. Wonderful bonding experience and a legit company.

In Hanoi, Vietnam, the experience was certainly rougher and required far more independence and survival skills. Still, it was a lifechanging 2 semesters, and previous interns are always there for support. I believe IAESTE has cut ties with this office, which proves they are looking out for us.

I was IAESTE Slovakia member for 5 full years and during my time, I was given opportunity to go on 2 internships in very different cities. My first internship in Skopje, Macedonia, at a age of 20 was my first experience with living abroad on my own, but friendly and very helpful members of IAESTE Macedonia always made sure, that I would have only great memories and get the best of my time in their country. Fear of unknown, which many young people facing, changed into hunger for new adventures and eventually I was able go on another internship, this time to New York City.

Coming from very small village in Slovakia I always wanted to experience big city life and thanks to an IAESTE, another of my dreams came true for me. Living in New York City was whole different, than anything I experienced ever before, but I always found people from IAESTE USA (and Cultural Vistas) very helpful with all challenges I faced.

Since, I have experienced IAESTE program as an intern and also as a reception coordinator, I am very positive, that everybody, who will pick IAESTE internship in effort to make step forward in personal and professional development will be highly satisfied.