Accounting is one of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market. To stand out from your peers when searching for a top-notch accounting job in the future, it’s essential to have an internship on your resume that provides hands-on experience and expands your professional network. Experiencing an internship abroad is an excellent way to expand your global perspective and demonstrate to future job prospects that you can collaborate effectively with partners and clients from diverse backgrounds. AIFS Abroad offers a variety of accounting internship destinations—here are our top 5 picks for accounting career development.
Ready to take your resume to the next level? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 cities for accounting internships.
1. Dublin
Ireland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife—but did you know that it’s also a hotspot for global business? As the primary English-speaking city in the European Union, it has headquarters for most of the world’s leading companies. Dublin’s global business culture makes it an ideal destination for aspiring accounting professionals.
Interning in Dublin offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, choose from a wide array of internship placements, and build a professional network in one of the world’s leading cities for accounting. Placements are customized to you, and your goals for your time abroad.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain is a city that has it all—beautiful beaches, world-class cuisine, and a rich cultural history (no wonder it’s one of the world’s top tourist destinations!). Beyond its vibrant culture, Barcelona boasts a thriving economy, supported by a robust business environment and a growing financial, travel, tech, events and real estate sector. This dynamic Catalan city is a hub for both well-established corporations and innovative start-ups, making it an exceptional destination for young professionals looking to break into the accounting field.
As an accounting intern in Barcelona, you’ll have the chance to gain valuable experience in a diverse and international workplace. Plus, interning in Barcelona allows you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of business innovation and Spanish charm—a combination that’s hard to beat.
3. Sydney
As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is at the epicenter of finance and business. As a leading hub for the broader Asia-Pacific region, its thriving economic landscape extends beyond national borders. This global influence has attracted a wide array of multinational corporations and financial institutions to Sydney, all of which require extensive accounting and financial expertise. For accounting interns, this translates into diverse opportunities to gain experience in a highly competitive, international environment.
Why not enjoy beautiful beaches, warm weather, and that amazing Australia sunshine while at the same time laying the groundwork for an incredible career in accounting?
4. San José
If you want to set yourself up for a successful accounting career while immersing yourself in Latin culture, you should consider interning in San José, Costa Rica. Known for its preservation of wildlife and biodiversity, Costa Rica offers stunning natural landscapes along with attractive career development opportunities for accountants. This lesser-known accounting internship destination hosts a diverse range of accounting firms, both big and small. Choosing San José for your accounting internship destination will give you a unique competitive edge!
San José is also the largest and capital city of Costa Rica, making it a hub of economic activity. With this fast-growing business market based in the beautiful and sunny city of San José, you can’t go wrong with an accounting internship.
5. Florence
Florence, Italy has a rich history in banking and finance that dates back to the Renaissance, when it became a major financial hub in Europe. The city even minted the Florin, one of the first widely used European gold coins, in 1252. While its roots lie in banking, Florence has evolved and is now home to a large start up community and many family-owned businesses, as well as some famous names in fashion like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Roberto Cavalli.
For students pursuing an accounting internship, Florence offers the chance to gain valuable experience in a city known for its historic financial legacy and vibrant modern economy. Interns will often work in the large sector supporting international clients, tourism, hotels, start-ups and events. Interning here also means immersing yourself in Italian culture, surrounded by stunning architecture, world-class art, and delicious cuisine—a perfect blend of career development and unforgettable life experiences.
Looking to intrigue future employers with an impressive global accounting internship? Explore a new country and develop your accounting career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad.
An international accounting internship is the perfect way to gain hands-on experience relevant to your future career while experiencing diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad offers incredible accounting internship programs in the cities listed above (and beyond). With inclusions such as tuition, housing, insurance, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the competitive world of accounting with an internship in an internationally renowned city.
