10 Internships for International Students (High School Students From All Over The World)
- Jessica Zhou
- Oct 29, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: May 19
If you are an international student, consider pursuing internships like those listed below. Internships offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, work environment, and language, which can lead to a deeper understanding of living and working overseas, particularly if you plan to attend a university there or gain international exposure after high school.
This experiential learning can enrich your personal and academic growth. These internships allow you to gain practical experience in your field of study, enhancing your résumé and increasing your competitiveness in college applications. Additionally, the networking opportunities provided by internships can lead to valuable connections and potential job offers, making an internship both educational and career-enhancing.
It can be tough to find internships in the US that accept international students. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the 10 best internships for international students! Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Non-Paid
Program dates: End of June to mid-August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Must be currently a high school junior or senior (i.e. 11th or 12th grade at the time of application)
Stanford's SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Summer Internship is an exceptional opportunity for high school students. This program allows students to engage in research and gain exposure to various scientific disciplines. Under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and researchers, you will work on projects, experiments, or studies that contribute to scientific advancements. This internship aims to provide exposure to research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Research projects span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Non-Paid
Program dates: Various
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
The Archaeological Research Internship in the Kislak Collection is designed students who are interested in archaeology and historical research. As an intern, you will work with the Kislak Collection, a trove of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and artifacts that span the history of the Americas. You will collaborate with curators and researchers, gaining experience in artifact analysis, interpreting historical documents, and curating cultural and historical materials. You will contribute to ongoing research projects, cataloging, and exhibit development.
Location: Various
Stipend: $3,000
Program dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by the application deadline. Traditionally excluded populations are encouraged to apply.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides students with an opportunity to explore their interest in the natural world and fisheries biology. This program is best suited for high school students who are enthusiastic about aquatic ecosystems and are eager to engage in research. By participating in the program, you will work with professionals, biologists, and ecologists, contributing to projects that focus on the critical issues surrounding aquatic ecosystems. You will learn about the delicate balance of these ecosystems, understand species conservation, and witness the practical applications of your research. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Adler Planetarium
Stipend: N/A
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Adler Planetarium Summer Internship Program is designed for students interested in space, astronomy, and science communication. As an intern, you'll work alongside scientists, educators, and communicators at one of the most renowned planetariums in the world. Your role will involve conducting research, engaging with the public, and developing educational programs and exhibits. You'll participate in astronomical research and play a part in conveying complex scientific concepts to the public.
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Stipend: Given, but the amount is unspecified
Program dates: 4 weeks (varies)
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Jimerson Berr High School Internship is an opportunity for high school students who want to explore law, litigation, and legal processes. You'll work alongside attorneys and legal professionals, gaining exposure to various aspects of the legal profession. You'll delve into cases, legal research, and the intricacies of the legal system. This experience will not only deepen your understanding of law but also give you essential skills like critical thinking, research, and communication. The Jimerson Berr High School Internship is an excellent stepping stone for those who aspire to pursue a legal career.
Location: Various cities
Cost: $2,000
Program dates: Six weeks
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: High school students
The ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to intern with federal or state judges across the United States. This program aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession by encouraging talented students from all backgrounds to explore careers in law. You will gain experience in a court environment, observe trials, and engage in legal research. You'll work with judges and their chambers, experiencing the judicial system from the inside. The JIOP is ideal for those who are committed to pursuing a career in law. To learn more about this program, check out our blog here.
Location: Los Angeles
Stipend: $3,000
Program dates: Nine weeks, June - August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school students
The Research in Industrial Programs (RIP) is a unique opportunity for students who want to bridge the gap between academia and industry. This program is especially suited for students interested in engineering, materials science, or related technical disciplines. You will engage in collaborative research projects with industry partners, solving challenges and contributing to industrial innovation. You'll work alongside experienced professionals and researchers.
Location: TBA
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: July - August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Underrepresented high school students from the five New York City boroughs
The High School Division of the Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program, commonly referred to as the Sotomayor Program, is a prestigious initiative designed to introduce high school students to the judiciary and the legal system. Throughout the program, high school interns engage in a structured educational experience that includes working alongside judges, legal professionals, and court personnel. You may participate in legal research, observe court proceedings, assist with case management, and engage in discussions about the legal process and the importance of justice.
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates: 10 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: April 30th
Eligibility: Students in high school, college, or professional training
Enrolling in the Scripps Student Research Internship, which is part of the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), is a unique opportunity. SRTI is at the forefront of translational research, with a focus on personalized healthcare through genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic correlates of health and disease. As an intern in the program, you'll work with a diverse and multidisciplinary team of scientists. The primary goal of the internship program is to provide you with the training and preparation needed to become a future leader in translational medical research. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to dive further into research, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
Image Source: Ladder Internships