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Absolute Internship

Why choose Absolute Internship?

Absolute Internship is an award-winning global internship program. We offer students the opportunity to broaden their professional and social network whilst gaining invaluable skills in their industry of choice. Our internships cover a broad range of sectors, with opportunities in business, finance, marketing, public relations, pharma-healthcare, the nonprofit sector, and more. Each internship is tailored to align with your interests and skill set, offering hands-on experience that helps you stand out to future employers.

Since our inception in 2009 we have matched over 12,000 students with 1500+ corporate partners in world-class cities including Barcelona, Beijing, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, London, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm and Tokyo. We have been featured in The New York Times, BBC News, Forbes Magazine, Financial Times, and Bloomberg as a worldwide leader for internship programs.

Travel. Learn. Grow. Make your internship an experience you’ll never forget!

The Team Behind Your Journey

Impact 🌎

As an organization, we have a crucial corporate responsibility to sustainable change and reflect this through our thorough office recycling plan, sustainable travel plans for our programs, the dedication of our team to ethical diet practices, and monthly team volunteering efforts to make the cities in which we live a little more clean and brighter for future generations.

We take pride in our commitment to Diversity and Sustainability, and support you in your own individual efforts!

Reviews

Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolute Internship was an amazing experience!

Absolute Internship was such a great experience, I cannot recommend it enough! I spent 4 weeks in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2026 and wish I had stayed longer! The programme was so well organised with orientation, making me feel really comfortable in the country before I started work. They sorted everything from accommodation to metro cards and the programme coordinators were available 24/7 over text whenever you had a question. My internship was really well suited to me and I learnt so much. I loved my time in Sweden so much and I wish I could go back!

Jenny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship in Barcelona

My time on Absolute has been truly transformative! From meeting peers from multiple cultures and backgrounds, to immersing myself into the Spanish culture and work-life balance, I couldn't recommend the opportunity to other young people any more! My placement company also perfectly aligned with my aspirations, and allowed me to develop a new international skill set around communication, responsibility, and independence; particularly working a hybrid role (and trying so many amazing coworking cafes across the city!). The ongoing support from staff also really ensured we all felt settled in and ready, both before and during our time here (shoutout to Claudia and Gio!). Barcelona is an amazing city, and my time with Absolute was incredibly rewarding.

Emily
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Completely Out of My Comfort Zone (in the Best Way Possible)

Taking part in an overseas internship in Barcelona was completely out of my comfort zone, but in the best way possible. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree and gave me so much more than just professional experience. My placement at Bach Legal was the highlight. The office environment was welcoming and much less formal than I expected, which made it easy to ask questions and learn. I gained practical legal skills while also building confidence in taking on new challenges and asking for help when needed. Absolute Internship made the whole process straightforward. From pre-departure check-ins to ongoing support throughout the program, I always felt looked after. They organised accommodation, provided a clear schedule of activities, and kept everyone updated, making the transition to living overseas much less stressful. I also enjoyed meeting people from around the world through the program. Outside of work, I loved immersing myself in a new culture. One moment I'll never forget was seeing the inside of the Sagrada Família during a guided tour—it was absolutely breathtaking. This experience made me more independent, adaptable and confident, and showed me how many opportunities can come from stepping outside your comfort zone. If you're considering applying but feel nervous, I'd say go for it. You'll have support every step of the way, and you'll learn so much about yourself in the process.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking part of the experience was travelling overseas by myself for the first time. It definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone, but I overcame it by staying organised, planning ahead and trusting my ability to figure things out as I went. Once I arrived, I quickly realised I wasn't alone—there was plenty of support from Absolute Internship and the other participants. By the end of the program, I felt far more confident, independent and willing to take on new challenges.
Pros
  • Excellent support before and throughout the program
  • Welcoming environment with hands-on experience
  • Great opportunity to experience a new culture and meet new people
Cons
  • Networking events can be a little bit chaotic/overwhelming
  • The idea of being overseas for so long can be daunting at first
  • The experience goes by very quickly
Merry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern Abroad in Stockholm!

Stockholm is a beautiful place to spend the summer, and I've experienced a multitude of personal and professional development, both in and out of the workplace. I've been able to hone in on what I really want to pursue as a career, grow those skills, and meet the most amazing people while I'm at it! The program coordinators were so wonderful and supportive throughout the entire journey, my boss was incredibly welcoming, and the other students in the program created some of the strongest friendships I've ever experienced.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
At our Midsummer picnic, we tried sill, pickled herring.
Enrica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolute Internship in Madrid

I joined Absolute Internship in the summer of 2025 for a 4-week internship in Madrid, Spain, and by the time the program ended, my only regret was not signing up for the full 8 weeks!
My experience in Madrid was truly unforgettable and helped me grow both professionally and personally. Through my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience while also building meaningful friendships with students from all over the world. Living abroad allowed me to expand my international network, immerse myself in Spanish culture, and significantly improve my Spanish language skills.
One of the things that stood out the most was the incredible support provided by the Absolute Internship team. From the onboarding process to the on-site assistance throughout the program, everything was well organized. The Program Coordinators made every student feel welcome from day one and fostered a genuine sense of community through social events, cultural activities, and weekend trips that made the experience even more memorable.

I highly recommend Absolute Internship to anyone looking for an international experience that combines professional development, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships. If you're eager to strengthen your resume, gain global work experience, and become part of an amazing international community, this program is absolutely worth it!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
It's called "Gazpacho", a traditional Spanish cold soup made primarily from blended ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread. It's refreshing, light, and typically served chilled, making it especially popular during the summer months.
Pros
  • This experience allows you to visit a foreign country.
  • Interning abroad really boosts your resume and makes you a stronger candidate for future jobs.
  • The onsite support provided by Absolute creates your"home away from home".

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Alumni Spotlight: Jack

Why did you choose this program?

I choose this program because I was keen to kickstart my career while having a fun adventure. Aside from the stunning architecture and food readily available in Madrid; this program provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different environment and gain a better sense of myself personally and professionally.
 

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The people at Absolute Internship were a great help in finding a host organisation to work for and throughout the onboarding process; talking with them through the process certainly helped me stay on track and excited!

On my own I had to provide an updated CV and portfolio of work to demonstrate my capabilities. More importantly I also had to organise my travel itinerary!
 

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Just go. That’s the one piece of advice I always give to people considering opportunities like this program, you can learn a lot about yourself.

Taking this into account don’t just expect a change in location to affect you because it will be over before you know it. Be mindful of the new culture and respect them, your in their home now while being a representative of your own country.
 

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

A typical day for me would involve waking up and getting ready for work, a morning coffee and then a short commute to work via metro.

During the day I’d work on various tasks relating to projects the firm had ongoing, always getting advice and feedback from my colleagues who also provided mentoring in Spanish architectural practise.

Later in the evening I’d cook dinner and catch up with the others in my program at the accomodation.
 

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I’d say my biggest fear was a sense of imposter syndrome. Considering I had recently graduated uni at the time with limited prior experience I was unsure about heading into practise full time and how to actually put theory into practise.

To overcome this I’d remind myself that since I’m on the program I actually am qualified enough. During work I’d always ask my colleagues for advice and help, especially when language needed translating!
 

What is your favourite story to tell from your time overseas?

My favourite moment would Definitely be one day when it just clicked that I actually am capable of working. I was talking with a colleague and the way she said it made me realise that although I’m only at the start of my career, I’m quite a capable “arquitecto”.

Later that night I was quite fortunate to see Real Madrid play at the Bernabeu with a mate and the atmosphere was incredible, I’ve never experienced any crowd roaring like that and I’ll never forget it.

 

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Anna Robles

Job Title
Senior Operations Manager, Faculty-Led Programs
Originally from California, USA and currently based in Barcelona, Spain, Anna earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from San Diego State University. Her experiences during two exchange programs in Spain, both in high school and college, sparked her decision to move abroad and pursue a career in international operations.
Maggie smiles happily for a photo

Staff Spotlight: Maggie

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is a trip I took to Stockholm, Sweden with my grandparents to meet our long-distance Swedish relatives. We spent time with the entire extended family, explored the village where our ancestors once lived, and visited old family headstones. It was a significant and unique experience, and I’m grateful that I was able to share that moment with my grandparents.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I’ve grown a lot in confidence. The longer I’ve worked in operations, the more comfortable I’ve become handling complex tasks such as pricing programs and responding to student emergencies onsite. I’ve also become more culturally aware through working with people from all over the world — from Italy and Seoul to Morocco and Vietnam.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My favorite story is about a student who completed her internship in Stockholm. At the end of the summer, she was offered a full-time job and decided to stay. Since then, she has continued living in Sweden, improved her Swedish, worked for several companies, and even earned dual American-Swedish citizenship!
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could join any program, I would choose Seoul. I’ve always loved Korean culture and cuisine, and spending an extended period in Asia would be an incredible opportunity to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and experience a completely different way of life. While there, I’d love to take a cultural trip to Jeju Island to explore its nature and traditions.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes our company unique is how young and motivated our team is. We work really well together, genuinely care about one another’s growth, and bring a lot of enthusiasm to everything we do. I’m especially proud of how we collaborate and keep the office atmosphere positive through birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and team bonding events that let us connect beyond work.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is caring about the team’s work–life balance while also providing clear opportunities for growth. A great company encourages continuous learning, offers training and support, and helps each person build new skills with every role they take on.
 

Professional Associations

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