Intern Abroad HQ

Program Reviews

Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Experience with Intern Abroad HQ

My experience with Intern Abroad HQ was truly incredible and something I will always be grateful for. From the very beginning, they were organized, supportive, and quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress free. They helped arrange housing, which allowed me to fully focus on my placement and the experience itself. I genuinely loved my placement and felt like I was able to grow both personally and professionally in ways I did not expect. This opportunity pushed me outside of my comfort zone, connected me with new cultures and perspectives, and gave me what I can honestly call a once in a lifetime experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I jumped off the sky tower in Auckland!
Pros
  • My coworkers became family.
  • I learned tons about Māori culture.
  • I experienced different cultures ways of life.
Cons
  • Housing was not the greatest.
  • Wish I had a longer placement option (longer than 6 months).
Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern Abroad HQ experience

My experience with Intern Abroad HQ was incredibly positive. From the beginning, the program was well organized, and the team provided clear guidance through every step of the process. They made sure I felt prepared before arriving and were always available to answer questions. Their communication and support made traveling abroad for my internship feel much less stressful. Because everything was so well coordinated, I was able to focus on learning, gaining hands-on experience, and fully immersing myself in the culture and the opportunity. The experience was both rewarding and memorable.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment during my time in Zanzibar was stepping into a clinical environment that was completely new to me and working with patients in a setting very different from what I was used to in the United States. I had to quickly adapt to different resources, communication styles, and approaches to care. While it was initially intimidating, it pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Pros
  • Gained hands-on experience in a different healthcare system and learned how physical therapy is practiced with limited resources.
  • Experienced a new culture and environment, which helped me grow personally and become more adaptable.
  • Met amazing people—including patients, clinicians, and other interns—which made the experience very meaningful.
Cons
  • Adjusting to differences in resources and equipment compared to clinics in the U.S. could sometimes be challenging.
  • The learning curve at the beginning was steep because everything from the healthcare system to daily routines, was new.
  • Being far from home and in a completely unfamiliar environment could feel overwhelming at times.
Glodie Mwila Profile Picture
Glodie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Women empowerment internship in Tanzania

This internship was a transformative experience that enriched both my personal and professional growth. I especially enjoyed contributing to the women empowerment project and participating in maternity rounds at the hospital. These experiences strengthened my commitment to community service, deepened my understanding of social impact, and inspired me to pursue a career in mental health and clinical psychology.

The program manager is present throughout the experience and very supportive, which makes it easier

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded and willing to fully experience a new culture. It will be easier for you.
Pros
  • Cultural exchange
  • Personal growth
  • Community impact
Cons
  • Limited resources in some settings
  • Communication challenges at some extent
  • Different organization
Leona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Transformative Mentorship with Leona at Women of Substance

My remote internship through Intern Abroad HQ with Women of Substance in Trinidad and Tobago was far more impactful than I initially expected. What stood out most was that this experience was not just about completing tasks — it was about contributing to meaningful, community-centered work that supports women navigating marital, family, and financial challenges.

From the beginning, the application process was smooth, structured, and well-communicated. The Intern Abroad HQ team provided clear guidance, realistic expectations, and helpful pre-departure (remote) preparation materials. I always felt supported and knew where to turn if I had questions.

What made this internship truly great, however, was the quality of collaboration and the purpose behind the work. As a remote intern, I worked closely with my supervisor to brainstorm and develop culturally relevant educational programs tailored to women in the Caribbean context. I was encouraged to contribute ideas, think critically, and approach program development with cultural sensitivity. Rather than being assigned repetitive tasks, I was treated as a valued contributor.

This experience strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and professional confidence. Designing educational materials in a context different from my own required humility, active listening, and thoughtful engagement. I learned that real impact begins with understanding lived experiences rather than imposing assumptions.

Women of Substance is doing an excellent job of centering their programs around community realities. Their work is empathetic, mission-driven, and socially impactful. Even as a remote intern, I could clearly see the long-term vision behind their initiatives.

In terms of value for money, the internship provided professional development, international exposure, and practical experience that would be difficult to gain independently. The structure, support, and credibility of Intern Abroad HQ add significant value.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing about my internship was realizing how impactful remote work can be when it is rooted in purpose. Before starting, I assumed that being physically distant might limit the depth of my contribution. However, I was surprised by how collaborative, thoughtful, and meaningful the experience became.

One particularly memorable moment was during a brainstorming session where we were designing educational content tailored specifically to women in Trinidad and Tobago. I initially approached the discussion with general empowerment frameworks, but I quickly realized how important it was to adapt ideas to cultural context, social dynamics, and real-life constraints. That shift in perspective — from creating “good content” to creating culturally sensitive and realistic support — was eye-opening. It changed how I think about impact work entirely.
Pros
  • The internship was purpose-driven. I felt like the work I was contributing to could genuinely support women facing real-life challenges.
  • Working remotely with an organization in Trinidad and Tobago strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability.
  • My supervisor encouraged discussion, respected my input, and treated me as a valued contributor rather than just an intern completing tasks.
Cons
  • Because the internship was remote, building rapport and fully understanding community dynamics required extra effort.
  • Scheduling meetings across different time zones sometimes required flexibility.
  • At the beginning, I had to invest time in understanding the specific social and cultural realities shaping the programs.
Khyan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mechanical Engineering in Greece

My internship at the Hellenic University in Greece was a deeply rewarding experience that combined technical engineering work with meaningful personal growth. Over the course of the program, I contributed to the development of a custom drone system and helped map the surrounding campus buildings, a project that pushed me to expand both my practical skills and my problem‑solving abilities.

Working on the drone itself gave me hands‑on exposure to assembling components, integrating sensors, and troubleshooting hardware and software challenges. I became more confident working with flight controllers, GPS modules, and imaging systems, and I gained a clearer understanding of how these elements come together to form a functional UAV. Using the drone for mapping introduced me to photogrammetry and geospatial analysis, allowing me to transform aerial imagery into usable maps and 3D models. This blend of engineering and data processing made the project especially engaging.

The environment at Hellenic University played a major role in shaping the experience. I collaborated with supportive researchers and students who encouraged curiosity, experimentation, and teamwork. Their guidance helped me grow more comfortable taking initiative and contributing ideas to the project.

Beyond the technical work, living in Greece added an unforgettable dimension to the internship. Immersing myself in a new culture, adapting to a different pace of life, and exploring the local surroundings broadened my perspective and strengthened my independence.

Overall, the internship was a valuable step in my academic and professional development. It solidified my interest in drone technology and mapping applications, gave me practical experience I can build on, and offered a cultural experience that made the entire journey even more meaningful.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments of my internship happened during a test flight when the drone decided it had a personality of its own. I was trying to look confident in front of the team, but the moment I armed the motors, the drone spun around like it was auditioning for a dance competition. Everyone burst out laughing while I tried to pretend this was “part of the calibration process.”
Pros
  • One of the most positive moments of my internship came when our drone finally completed a smooth, stable test flight after days of troubleshooting. Watching it lift off perfectly and capture clear images of the surrounding buildings felt incredibly reward
  • Thessaloniki’s vibrant waterfront and lively atmosphere make every day feel full of energy and charm, with its mix of history, great food, and friendly locals adding an extra warmth that’s hard to forget.
  • t was also great to be surrounded by such beautiful scenery, and we made the most of it by spending our weekends relaxing at the beach and exploring some of the nearby mountain trails, which added an unforgettable outdoor element to the whole experience.
Cons
  • Some of the equipment and tools were older or limited, which occasionally slowed down the drone‑building process
  • Communication could be a bit challenging at times due to language differences and different working styles
  • The summer heat in Thessaloniki could be challenging and a bit exhausting, especially during midday flights.
Jasmine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

5/5

I had such a great time. The program team was great, my host was great, and everyone I met was great! This will be an opportunity that I take away and call upon my entire life. It was an incredible way to boost my resume, gaining work experience in a new country. It was my first time traveling by myself in a continent I have never been to, allowing me to grow as an individual. I enjoyed learning about the work culture, food, and holiday traditions and customs in Spain. I will surely be back to Spain in the future.

Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

My program manager was so attentive, and my internship placement was perfect and relevant to my career. I traveled solo, so I was a little anxious. Intern Abroad HQ made sure to communicate with me constantly, and was there to answer any questions. It was awesome to take the included spanish classes- we learned relevant words and phrases, and it is a great way to meet people. I stayed in shared housing rather than homestay, which worked better for me, and was located in the center of the city. Overall, was an amazing time.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are traveling solo, it can be intimidating. But, it is a great chance for personal growth, and I promise you will get settled in and enjoy.
Nicholas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

The people were the highlight of my time in South Africa, but the practical and professional experience I gained was second to none. I went for 3 months to get my GIS Certification and gain valuable field experience around wildlife. The encounters you'll witness and have with the animals will be remembered for the rest of your life. Stay as long as you are willing to. Many people came and went while I was there but the few that were there for a longer amount of time now have life-long connections. Typically people who stayed for 2 weeks were not ready to leave - I would do at least 4 weeks if you're going for reasons other than career. If you go for your career, go longer. I learned something new up until the day I left. If you don't mind getting a little dirty, this is the spot for you. Gondwana will steal your heart and soul like you couldn't imagine.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I'm from the US. While we were in camp we asked our camp manager if we could do something different for our Friday night braai. He brought us home cuts of Kudu, Warthog, and Ostrich. We grilled them up and they did not disappoint. If you have a reason to not eat meat, vegetarian options were always available.
Pros
  • Career Experience (field and GIS)
  • Life-long connections
  • WILDLIFE & NATURE!!!
Cons
  • Little privacy (you have your tent and the bathrooms, but most places are shared)
  • WiFi isn't always strong (Could be a pro too)
  • Sometimes someone comes through camp that you may not like - don't worry, anywhere you go will have at least one.
Maida
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing

This was such an incredible experience! Intern Abroad HQ allowed me to experience what my field of interest would be like as a profession, and gave me a multitude of important skills along the way! I am more confident in my leadership capabilities, have a clearer plan for the future, and have new connections in my desired career field. Intern Abroad HQ connected me with an established scientist whose profession is very similar to what I wish to pursue in the future. Over the course of 8 weeks, I was given a multitude of assignments and projects that were not only engaging, but incredibly useful and insightful. Truly an amazing program!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One of my assignments was to analyze a dataset that I previously collected using the coding platform R Studios. Unfortunately, that assignment coincided with Finals week at my high school, so I essentially had to learn how to navigate and use R Studios while also maintaining my grades in school. Luckily, I managed to do so with the support and understanding of my supervisor!
Pros
  • New experiences
  • Educational challenges
  • Networking opportunities
Cons
  • Stressful situations
  • Time-zone differences
  • Tech difficulties
Ruth Elnia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Don't Overthink!

At the beginning of my internship, I was extremely nervous. I worried that I wouldn’t understand their accents and feared that the time zone differences would make it difficult to connect with the team. I wasn’t sure how I would manage everything from afar.

However, the internship turned out to be smooth and incredibly enjoyable. I learned so much from my mentor, who patiently taught me essential skills such as creating a business proposal and assessing which businesses are worth investing in. Their guidance not only improved my professional abilities but also inspired me personally.

What made this experience even more meaningful was my mentor’s kindness. He even agreed to be my recommender for university applications. This internship left me with unforgettable memories and valuable lessons.