Human resources is all about open and honest communication—especially in today’s global workforce, where you’ll interact with people from diverse backgrounds. An international human resources internship will give you firsthand experience with a multicultural workforce; it’s a great way to show future employers that you have the essential communication skills needed to succeed in their organization.
An international internship will help you expand your global perspective while gaining valuable, hands-on experience that will pave the way for professional success. At AIFS Abroad, we offer exceptional internships in cities around the globe—here’s our list of the top five destinations for human resources internships.
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in HR? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for human resources internships!
1. Sydney
Thanks to Sydney’s booming business environment and focus on mental and physical wellness, the city is an excellent choice for human resources interns. Sydney is home to an international population that will provide valuable experience collaborating with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, no matter which organization you intern with. It’s Australia’s largest business and financial center, so there are opportunities in every kind of business imaginable, making it the perfect option for anyone who wants to join an HR team in a specific business sector like tech, finance, health and wellness, or fashion. In addition, you can learn how the community’s prioritization of health and happiness leads to unique roles and opportunities in HR.
The local sense of living the good life and promoting well-being applies to more than just career benefits. Remember, you should enjoy your international internship both inside and outside the office—and crikey, what’s not to love about life in Sydney? The city’s got warm and sunny weather, kind people and a welcoming culture, and so many outdoor activities to enjoy—surfing, swimming, hiking, cycling, running, yoga… the list goes on. Learn how easy it is to enjoy work and play with a human resources internship in Sydney!
2. Dublin
Wherever there’s a thriving business environment, there’s plenty of opportunity for human resources professionals. Dublin is a global business capital that attracts companies from all around the world thanks in part to Ireland’s business-friendly policies and the city’s position as a shipping center. Although Dublin hosts companies in every industry, it is a major tech hub, offering chances to build a professional network in a tech-focused environment. Do you have a specific sector you’d like to work in within the HR field? We’ll design an internship customized to your specific interests. In Dublin, you can learn what it’s like to work at a small or mid-sized company that’s based in a city home to businesses of all kinds including multinational giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
The Irish value their free time, so when you’re not advancing your human resources career at your internship, you can do as the Irish do—listen to music at a live venue, go shopping for the perfect wool sweater, or make some new friends at the local pub. Dublin is filled with activities to do and sights to see, along with the rest of Ireland. There are plenty of historical sites like the Rock of Cashel, natural wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher, and picturesque towns like Malahide outside the city’s borders. What doesn’t Dublin offer? We dare you to find out!
3. London
London is replete with human resources opportunities—you can find HR placements in just about every sector, especially finance, marketing, media, tech, and professional services. With an internship abroad in this global business hotspot, you can gain hands-on experience assisting with HR functions like employee relations, recruitment, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development in a competitive, international environment. Additionally, London’s multicultural workforce offers unique opportunities to experience interning with diverse teams and navigating cross-cultural workplace dynamics. Moreover, England is, of course, an English-speaking country, meaning you can intern abroad without any language troubles!
Beyond London’s professional development opportunities lies a million and one experiences to enjoy. There are hundreds of museums in London, allowing you to find something that caters to any interest, like history, science, along with other unique museums experiences at the Postal Museum, the Music Museum, and the Cartoon Museum. When you’re not exploring the city during downtime from your internship, we recommend you take a train or bus out to explore the rest of the UK—visit historic castles or follow in the footsteps of wizards on a Harry Potter filming locations tour. And if you’ve really got the travel bug, there’s nothing stopping you from spending your time off visiting other European countries!
4. Madrid
As the capital and largest city in Spain, Madrid is at the center of the country’s culture and economy. The city offers unique access to a range of startups and established companies in every industry, especially finance, insurance, tourism, and professional services. In Madrid, you can gain direct exposure to all the human resource responsibilities you need to start your career—talent acquisition, employee onboarding, maintaining employee records, and more. With a human resources internship in this international city, you’ll build a strong professional network that’s sure to broaden your job prospects and lead you toward a successful HR career.
Madrid isn’t just a great place to intern and build your career, it’s also an excellent city to live in and enjoy life. Spain emphasizes building a comfortable work-life balance, meaning people prioritize physical and mental health. This mindset may pleasantly surprise Americans who are used to a more cut-throat professional environment, especially for younger people. While you enjoy your time off in Madrid, explore everything this city has to offer—world-famous art at the Prado Museum, stunning architectural landmarks, and lots of churros! Live life to the fullest with a human resources internship in Madrid!
5. Rome
Whether you were a merchant in the 1st century BC or you’re an aspiring human resources professional in the 21st century, Rome has been an incredible place to develop your career for thousands of years. This ancient city has a mix of traditional Italian businesses and modern organizations in every industry, with a large tourism sector and a booming tech ecosystem that’s constantly innovating. The business environment is strong, and you can find HR opportunities at countless Roman companies. Rome is home to a thriving startup community along with many non-profits that offer exposure to a range of roles and responsibilities, including human resources. An internship in this diverse business environment allows you to gain hands-on experience and explore all the facets of HR in one of the world’s most storied cities.
Rome is an incredible place to intern abroad if you want to immerse yourself in fascinating history and learn about Italy’s deep heritage. The city is the perfect mix of old and new—you can find ancient ruins like the Roman Forum just a short walk from a bus line. Take a dive into Roman culture by exploring the local flavors, visiting museums, and talking with the Romans themselves. Located in the center of the country, Rome allows you to easily access the rest of Italy and experience the whole spectrum of Italian culture. Don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live and intern in the Eternal City with a human resources internship in Rome!
Looking to impress employers with an international human resources internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international human resources internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring HR professionals in some of the world’s most exciting cities. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, 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 gain hands-on human resources experience with an internship abroad!
