Deciding where to do your international internship can feel like choosing a single dish from a mouth-watering menu—you want to pick them all. With incredible options like London, Dublin, Madrid, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, New York, and Medellín on the table, how do you make the right decision? This guide walks you through how to choose the best internship destination based on your interests, career goals, and sense of adventure.
1. Start With Initial Research.
Before making any big decision, lay the groundwork. Begin with a visual image search of each city. Seeing the skyline of Tokyo, the parks of Melbourne, or the colorful streets of Medellín can instantly spark excitement. Take note of the basics—climate, spoken language, cost of living, and general vibe of each city. Whether you're dreaming of the nightlife in Madrid or the energy of New York, this phase helps you narrow down your options by understanding what each place offers on a surface level. If you’re super organized, keep track of your findings in a travel notebook or digital doc.
2. Consider Language Learning Opportunities.
Are you keen to boost your CV by learning a new language? If so, cities like Madrid and Medellín could be perfect for immersing yourself in Spanish. Tokyo offers a unique chance to dive into Japanese, while Bangkok could challenge and inspire you with Thai. On the other hand, if you want to stick to English-speaking cities, destinations like London, Dublin, Melbourne, and New York offer world-class internships without the language barrier. Your choice might also depend on which languages are valuable in your future career field.
3. Think Long-Term: Where Do You Want to Live Later?
An internship abroad isn’t just a short-term experience—it can also be a stepping stone to future opportunities. If you’ve always imagined living in New York’s fast-paced business environment or settling down in London’s creative scene, now is your chance to test the waters. Making connections during your internship could help you land your dream job in your dream city years down the line.
4. Reflect on Where You Want to Travel.
An international internship isn’t just about work—it’s also about exploration. Want to use your weekends to travel? Bangkok opens the door to Southeast Asia, with countries like Vietnam and Cambodia just hours away. Medellín offers breathtaking natural getaways and vibrant South American culture. Melbourne allows easy access to the Great Ocean Road or Sydney. Think about the surrounding region as well as the host city. Where excites you most? Where haven’t you been before? Let your wanderlust guide you.
5. Dive Into Culture.
Cultural immersion is one of the most rewarding aspects of living abroad. From Madrid’s tapas culture and flamenco scene to Tokyo’s blend of futuristic tech and centuries-old traditions, each city has something unique to offer. Dublin's rich storytelling and live music, Hong Kong’s East-meets-West vibe, and Melbourne’s street art and café culture all provide an authentic taste of local life. Consider where you’ll feel inspired, challenged, and excited to experience daily life.
6. Don’t Forget the Weather.
This might seem like a small thing, but climate matters more than you think. Melbourne’s sunny summers and mild winters might appeal if you're chasing the sun, while London’s cooler, rainy weather suits those who thrive in a crisp, cozy atmosphere. Bangkok is tropical and humid, Tokyo has four distinct seasons, and Medellín’s nickname—"the city of eternal spring"—gives you an idea of its year-round climate. Choose a place that matches your comfort level and seasonal preferences.
7. Match the City With Your Career Goals.
Each destination excels in certain industries. New York is a global leader in finance, marketing, and media. London is strong in business, fashion, and the arts. Dublin has become a tech powerhouse, hosting offices for giants like Google and Facebook. Madrid and Medellín are ideal for social impact roles. Tokyo and Hong Kong lead in technology, engineering, and international business. Bangkok is on the rise in hospitality, tourism, and startups. Melbourne blends creativity with opportunity in design, PR, and finance. Think about your professional aspirations and where the best opportunities lie.
8. Shortlist Your Favorites.
By now, you’ll probably have a few destinations that stand out. Compare them based on what matters most to you: career development, language, lifestyle, weather, or travel options. Write down pros and cons. Consider feedback from people who have interned in those cities before. Hear from alumni or browse travel blogs and vlogs to get a deeper understanding.
9. Make It Happen.
Once you've chosen your ideal destination, it’s time to take action. Check which cities offer placements in your industry, and start your application. At The Intern Group, we offer world-class internship programs in all nine of these exciting cities: London, Dublin, Madrid, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, New York, and Medellín. Get your documents ready, prepare for your interview, and get ready for a life-changing adventure.
Whether you’re craving the street food of Bangkok, the buzz of New York, or the charm of Dublin, every one of these cities offers unique opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. An international internship isn’t just a line on your resume—it’s an unforgettable journey, and your next chapter starts with choosing the perfect destination.