Fee allocation & cost of living

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The Intern Group’s international programs are more than just internships. Our purpose is to inspire and encourage people to believe in and challenge themselves, discover their passion and realize their potential.

We provide comprehensive programs focusing on professional development as well as cultural immersion. Our team will guide you through the whole process, securing you an excellent opportunity to develop professionally, as well as providing accommodation and offering 24/7 in-country assistance and a range of training and events. After completing your internship, you join our 15,000+ alumni network and benefit from our career coaching and ongoing events.

We understand your decision to invest in joining our program is an important one, so we want to be transparent about how we use your program fee to enhance your experience from start to finish.

We know it can be hard to picture exactly what your fee covers before experiencing the program yourself. To help clarify, here’s a general breakdown of how your fee is allocated during an in-person program with accommodation included. Please note that exact percentages vary depending on the specific program location - these figures are illustrative general averages.

Accommodation & Logistics – 40%

We partner with trusted, pre-vetted accommodation providers to secure high-quality, safe, and well-located housing. While some participants explore other options, arranging accommodation independently can involve logistical challenges and added stress. Our option is designed to offer a smooth, worry-free transition, so you can focus on getting the most out of your program from day one. It also covers essential arrival logistics, such as airport pickup and basic accommodation setup. It’s designed to help you settle in comfortably and safely during your time abroad. This does not apply for the our Virtual programs and is reflected in the cost of those programs.

Events, Activities & Community – 5%

This covers cultural experiences, excursions, and community events organized by your local Experience Coordinator(s) to help you connect with your host country and fellow program participants.

Learning, Professional Development & Wellbeing – 5%

This includes access to tools and support such as professional development assessments (e.g., DDI), workshops, accessibility accommodations, alumni services, and mental health support (e.g., access to Talkspace).

Staffing & Support – 35%

This covers the people who make your experience possible, from the on-the-ground Experience Coordinators to your Participant Success Advisor, Admissions Consultant, and Company Partnerships Team who match you with the best internship for your career goals. It includes ongoing assistance before, during, and after your program, such as full visa guidance, emergency support, post-program support, and round-the-clock help.

Technology Platform – 10%

This helps power our digital infrastructure, including the platforms that support your onboarding, learning modules, internship matching, and progress tracking.

Program Operations & Development – 5%

Behind the scenes, your fee supports the continuous improvement of the program, including curriculum development, quality assurance, 24/7 health and safety support, organization insurances, and data security to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Budgeting Resources and Support

Although your program fee covers many key aspects of your international internship, it's important to plan for everyday expenses such as supermarket shopping, local transportation, and personal items. To help you stay on top of your finances, we’ve gathered practical tools, tips, and average weekly spending estimates for your destination.

Helpful Resources:

In-Country Spending per Week

The program fee includes your accommodation, airport pick up, cultural events, professional development tools, career coaching, 24/7 support and more. Outside of this, you will need to budget for food, drink and extracurricular activities, such as travel. Depending on the program, the cost of living differs. In-country spending will also depend on your lifestyle choices. Here are the average costs of living per week in each Global Internship Program destination.

Table of recommended in-country spending per week

Join our 15,000+ global alumni

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I think the most important thing that I'll take away from this experience is being able to have worked with so many different people from different backgrounds. It really gives you a more open mind on how to go about things and how to face challenges.

Demi Geurtsen

University of Groningen