Global internships

Your future in the workplace could include interactions with people from other countries, so employers may be looking for experience abroad. By seeking out experiences that build your cultural awareness, confidence, and creativity, you’ll set yourself up to thrive and become a more well-rounded, flexible and independent person in the process.

Spending time overseas will also open your eyes to the unique qualities of other cultures, especially as you build new friendships and immerse yourself. Learning a new language is both a bonus that will allow you to feel truly connected to the country where you work, and open doors in the future.

• Apply for a Prime Minister’s Scholarship - A scholarship programme to support New Zealanders with learning experiences in key countries in Asia and Latin America. In some years, the University may have funding to support groups of students on a Global Internship programme, but you can also apply for an Individual award to help cover the costs of an international internship of your choice.
• Check out the Asia New Zealand Foundation – which offers internships across Asia in a variety of sectors, often accompanied by a stipend to help cover living expenses.
• Work with a third party internship provider. Many organisations offer internship packages that you can pay to participate in, which help you to maximise your experience. We recommend that you consider applying with one of these providers that the University has a history of working with:
  • CRCC Asia
  • Global Career Center
  • Pagoda Projects
  • Next Step Connections
  • The Intern Group

Applications: Every organisation’s application process is slightly different. Usually, you will submit your application to them directly, so look at their instructions closely.

Note: Most third-party organisations offer unpaid internships where the focus is on cross-cultural immersion and building your employability skills. Experiences are typically 6-12 weeks.

• Visas and travel: To work legally in another country, you will need an active passport and a correct, valid visa. Many countries offer special considerations for students, like one-year working holiday visas, or visas that allow you to both work and study. If working with an internship provider, they will generally guide you through the process relevant to the type of work and destination of your internship.
• Language: If you are traveling to a country with a different primary language than your own, do your research. Many large organisations conduct business in English, but you may be required to show proficiency in another as well.
• Health and safety: Every country’s healthcare regulations are different, so it’s important to acquaint yourself with the systems in the place where you’ll be working. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of an accident or illness while overseas (if you are taking up an internship while still enrolled at the University of Auckland, you may be eligible for coverage under the University-funded travel insurance plan. See T&Cs for more details).
• Accommodation: Some internships abroad may provide housing to students, but you may be required to find your own place to stay. Living with a local host family is a way to immerse yourself in the culture and language of new country, and maybe even make lifelong friendships!
• Finances: Call your bank before you leave to enable overseas transactions on your account. If you’re being paid for your work overseas, you will likely need to open a local bank account as well. 

Before you embark on your overseas experience, contact CDES (Career Development and Employability Services). They will work with you to prepare for your time abroad and ensure you get the most out of your internship.

While you’re away, use a paper or electronic journal to keep track of your experience, record any questions. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people you meet through your new professional networks.

When you return, set up a meeting with the team at CDES. They would love to hear about your time abroad and help you incorporate things you’ve learned into future internships or workplace experiences.