Interning abroad can be a daunting prospect, especially for those who are hesitant to learn a new language. The good news is that there are plenty of amazing international internship program destinations around the world that are predominantly English-speaking if you’re looking to avoid any language barriers.
If you’re looking for internship destinations where English is the main language, consider these options:
1. London, England
London is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an English-speaking internship program destination. As the capital city of England, it’s an epicenter of business and culture, making it a bustling and exciting place to gain professional experience as an intern abroad. Plus, as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, you’ll have the chance to meet people from all over the globe and broaden your horizons!
2. Dublin, Ireland
If you’re looking to intern abroad in a location where English is the primary language, consider Dublin. As the capital city of Ireland, Dublin offers a unique blend of history, culture and modernity that will make your internship program experience unforgettable. A wide variety of industries make Dublin the home of their global headquarters or satellite offices, so internship program opportunities are vast here, particularly in fields like Technology, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Non-Profits, and Law.
3. Galway, Ireland
Want an English-speaking internship program destination in a quaint, small city? Look no further than Galway! This Irish gem is full of charm with its bustling medieval streets and waterways and in the heart of breath-taking natural scenery. The city is famous for its traditional and contemporary music scene, and is a center of arts and culture. Doing an internship program in Galway is perfect for someone who wants an English speaking placement in career fields like Business, Marketing, Psychology and Social Services, Law, Hospitality, Bioengineering, and other career fields.
4. Sydney, Australia
Itching to explore the Land Down Under? Make Sydney your international internship program destination. Not only will there be absolutely zero language barrier (well, maybe not zero — you’ll need to learn Aussie slang!), but you’ll be gaining professional experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. With its picturesque waterfront and landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this city is iconic. But beyond its beauty, Sydney is also known for being a booming economic center and home to companies and organizations in a wide variety of industries.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s idyllic capital city is the perfect destination for those seeking an internship placement in an English-speaking location. While you’ll undoubtedly have to adjust to the accent and Scottish slang, you’ll have no problem getting on at work since Scotland’s primary language is English. Not only that, but the city itself is one of the most beautiful in the United Kingdom! It’s set among towering hills, parks, and ancient buildings – many from the middle ages. As a metropolitan hub and business center of Scotland, Edinburgh has a wide range of internship opportunities career fields like Business, Marketing, Tech and IT, but also Museums, History and even Engineering.
6. New York City, USA
There are countless reasons to intern in New York City — it’s pretty much the epicenter of the entire world. If you’re looking for an English-speaking internship destination in the United States, be sure to consider the Concrete Jungle! Not only will you avoid a language barrier in the workplace, but you’ll also have plentiful opportunities for both networking and professional development. New York City is a hub for industries like business, finance, fashion, media, and so much more.
7. Perth, Australia
The capital city of Western Australia, Perth is a wonderful place to do an internship abroad! Because it’s English-speaking, it’ll make your transition into your new environment even easier. This beautiful city is home to over 2 million people and is situated on the banks of the Swan River, offering a vibrant and energetic lifestyle. The climate is stellar, with an enviable average of 8 hours of sunshine per day, all year round. Here at AIFS Abroad, we offer Study + Internship programs in Perth, which allows you the benefit of taking classes while also doing a part-time internship. Popular career fields include Exercise Science and Public Policy.
These aren’t your only options for internship program destinations with English-speaking locals…
There are a lot of major cities around the world that aren’t too challenging to navigate as an English-only speaker. Most locals in Florence, for example, speak at least some English in addition to Italian. And if you have your heart set on doing an internship in one of the destinations where English-speaking locals aren’t common, don’t let the language barrier hold you back. You don’t need to know another language to intern (or study!) abroad. AIFS Abroad offers internship programs where your teammates will have solid English proficiency. Plus, all programs have on-site local staff to support you and provide guidance while you’re abroad.
