15 Summer Internships Abroad for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re an undergraduate thinking about how to make your summer more useful, doing an internship abroad (outside the US) can be a good way to do it. You get to work in a new environment, learn how things operate in other countries, and see how your subject applies outside the classroom. It helps you gain experience that you can include in your resume and talk about in college or graduate school applications.
Internships abroad also help you meet people working in your field. You get to learn how they approach their work and what it takes to handle projects in a professional setting. This kind of exposure gives you a clear idea of what working life looks like and helps you build connections that can guide you in your next steps.
To help you get started, we’ve shortlisted 15 summer internships abroad for undergraduates. If you're looking for more prestigious internships for high schoolers, check out this set of blogs!​
15 Summer Internships Abroad for Undergraduates
Location:Â Various universities and research institutes across Germany
Cost/Stipend:Â Fully funded; a monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Around 300 scholarships awarded annually
Dates:Â Summer (typically 3 months)
Application Deadline:Â Typically mid-December
Eligibility:Â Open to undergraduate students from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or related fields
RISE Germany is a fully funded summer research program for undergraduate students in science and engineering fields. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), it places students from North America, the UK, and Ireland into research groups at top German universities and institutions. You are matched with a PhD student or researcher based on your academic interests in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, or engineering. You assist with ongoing research, gaining hands-on experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program lasts about three months, and all work is conducted in English, so no German language skills are required.
Location:Â Geneva, Switzerland
Cost/Stipend:Â Fully funded; includes stipend and travel allowance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; around 150–200 students selected annually
Dates: Typically 8–13 weeks between June and AugustÂ
Application Deadline:Â January 26
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and master’s students in physics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics
The CERN Summer Student Programme is a fully funded research experience for undergraduate students in physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. You work with CERN research teams on experiments and technical projects, gaining hands-on experience in a global scientific environment. You also attend a lecture series by CERN scientists, covering topics in theoretical and experimental particle physics, engineering, and computing. At the end of the program, you present your work in a final poster session.
Location: Hamburg and Zeuthen (near Berlin), Germany
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; €28.50 per day, free on-site accommodation, and partial travel reimbursement
Cohort Size: Around 100 students selected annually
Dates: July 22 – September 11
Application Deadline: January 29
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields.
The DESY Summer Student Programme is a fully funded research experience for undergraduate students in physics, engineering, computing, and related fields. Each summer, selected students join research teams at DESY’s Hamburg or Zeuthen campuses to work on projects in photon science, particle physics, accelerator technology, or astroparticle physics. You assist with tasks like detector development, theoretical modeling, and data analysis, gaining hands-on lab experience at one of Europe’s top research centers. The program also includes a lecture series on advanced scientific topics, guided tours of experimental facilities, and social events that connect you with peers from around the world.Â
Location: Saarbrücken, Kaiserslautern, and Bochum, Germany; hosted by the Institutes for Informatics, Software Systems, and Security & Privacy
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; includes monthly stipend, free housing, and round-trip travel support
Cohort Size: Highly competitive; limited positions available
Dates: Internships run year-round, typically lasting 12–14 weeks. Most interns join between May and August
Application Deadline: November 1Â
Eligibility: Open to exceptional undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students worldwide in computer science or related fields
The Max Planck Institutes for Informatics, Software Systems, and Security and Privacy host fully funded research internships for top students in all areas of computer science. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor on a research project aligned with your interests, whether in algorithms, systems, security, AI, or theory. You will become part of an international research community, often contributing to papers or conference publications. The program offers hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research while covering all living, housing, and travel costs.
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; includes accommodation, meals, and travel support
Cohort Size: Small, highly competitive group of international students
Dates: July 14 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically, MarchÂ
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students from non-biology fields such as physics, engineering, mathematics, informatics, and computational sciences.Â
The EMBL Lautenschläger Summer School is designed for undergraduate students from non-biology backgrounds who are curious about life sciences. Held at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, this program introduces you to modern biology through an interdisciplinary lens. You take part in lectures, practicals, and tutorials led by EMBL PhD students, focusing on advanced imaging techniques used in fields like cell biology, developmental biology, genome biology, and neurobiology. The latest theme is Visualising Life: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Biology. You work closely with current EMBL researchers, gaining insights into both scientific collaboration and mentoring.Â
Location:Â Washington, D.C. and U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad
Cost/Stipend:Â Paid (GS-4 equivalent); travel and housing covered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Highly selective
Dates:Â First summer: 3 weeks of training + 7 weeks in D.C.; Second summer: 10 weeks abroad
Application Deadline:Â Typically early October; varies annually
Eligibility:Â U.S. citizens with a 3.2+ GPA entering junior or senior year at an accredited undergraduate institution
The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is a selective, merit- and need-based opportunity for undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. In your first summer, you begin with three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by seven weeks working in a policy office in the U.S. Department of State. You learn how foreign policy is shaped and implemented, and you gain hands-on experience in diplomacy and public service. In your second summer, you are placed in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for ten weeks. You assist diplomats with real-world missions, international projects, and public outreach. You work in a professional setting and contribute to the goals of U.S. foreign policy.
Location:Â Wako, Saitama, Japan (near Tokyo)
Cost/Stipend:Â Travel and accommodation support available for selected participants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Highly selective; small international cohort
Program Dates: Plan A (Internship Course): June 9 – August 7; Plan B (Lecture Course): July 22 – 28Â
Application Deadline:Â January 31
Eligibility:Â Open to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and early-career researchers in neuroscience or related fields; international applicants welcome
At the RIKEN Center for Brain Science, you’ll immerse yourself in cutting-edge neuroscience research while living just outside Tokyo. Depending on your track, you can spend two months conducting laboratory work in a RIKEN CBS research group or join a five-day lecture series led by world-renowned neuroscientists. Both options focus on hands-on engagement and academic exchange, and you often present posters alongside peers from across the globe. The program integrates practical lab training with exposure to international research frontiers, offering a valuable glimpse into Japan’s vibrant scientific community.
Location:Â London, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: Paid at the London Living Wage (£13.85/hour); travel or accommodation support available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; limited number of positions offered annually
Program Dates: July – AugustÂ
Application Deadline:Â Opens in February, closes in March
Eligibility:Â Open to current undergraduates (not in their final year) with the right to work in the UK
The Wellcome Summer Internship Programme is a paid, full-time internship for undergraduate students in the UK. You work for eight weeks in a department that matches your interests, such as science, public health, communications, or operations. You contribute to real projects, work with experienced professionals, and learn how a major charitable foundation operates. You receive mentorship, attend career development workshops, and take part in volunteering and networking events. You are paid the London Living Wage, and some support is available for travel and expenses. Many interns later apply to Wellcome’s graduate programmes.
Location: Multiple international cities, including Prague, Seoul, Florence, Tokyo, Sydney, and more
Cost/Stipend: Internships are unpaid, but program fees include placement, housing, and support services. Fees vary by location.
Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies by site and field
Program Dates: 8 weeks during summer (June–August); some programs may be 6 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by location, typically between February 1 and April 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students from accredited U.S. universities with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
CIEE’s Summer Global Internship Programs offer international internships for undergraduate students in over 30 cities worldwide. You choose between two tracks: a full-time internship with a built-in seminar, or a part-time internship combined with academic coursework. You earn up to 6 semester credits while gaining professional experience. Internships are available in industries like film production in Prague, e-sports marketing in Seoul, and design and media in Florence. You work 30 to 40 hours per week, attend career workshops, and learn about local business cultures. You also expand your global network through social events and cultural activities.
Location: London, England
Cost: Estimated $9,195 (includes tuition, housing, and health insurance)
Cohort Size: Varies by placement and field
Program Dates: May 27 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with at least sophomore standing and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must meet UK visa and English proficiency requirements.
The IES Abroad Summer Internship in London places you in a full-time internship for at least 32 hours per week. You work in fields like business, nonprofits, fashion, media, or education, and also take a required seminar worth 3 or 6 credits focused on global workplace culture and professional communication. Before departure, IES Abroad helps you refine your resume and interview skills to prepare for the UK job market. During your stay, you explore London’s neighborhoods, cultural sites, and professional networks. The program includes housing, support services, and career development resources.
Location: Multiple cities across Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Asia
Cost: Program fees apply; includes internship placement, housing, and support services. Living costs vary by city.
Cohort Size: Placement-based; varies by site and field
Program Dates: Typically 8 weeks during June–August (varies by location)
Application Deadline: April 1 (early applications encouraged)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities with a minimum GPA of 2.5
AIFS Abroad offers summer internships in cities around the world. Once accepted, you’re guaranteed a placement based on your academic background and career interests. You work in fields like architecture, engineering, marketing, journalism, or international law and earn academic credit and join the Career Readiness Program, which helps you build skills and confidence. You live in local apartments and take part in cultural excursions, networking events, and community activities. You get help with pre-departure prep, on-site guidance, and professional development. You gain global work experience while exploring daily life in your host city.
Location: United Kingdom
Cost: Starting from £1,495 GBP ($1,800); includes visa sponsorship, placement, and support services
Cohort Size: Varies by placement and host organization
Program Dates: Flexible start dates; internships last 1–6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early to allow time for visa processing)
Eligibility: Open to international students and recent graduates (within 24 months of graduation) aged 18+
The Intern UK program by JENZA (formerly BUNAC Intern in Britain) offers international students and recent graduates the chance to gain professional experience in the UK. You can intern for 1 to 12 months in fields like politics, law, marketing, architecture, finance, and more. Once accepted, JENZA provides UK visa sponsorship, employer vetting, and ongoing support from their London-based team. You receive help with housing, pre-departure preparation, and workplace integration. The program is open year-round, and you can start at any time once your placement and visa are confirmed.
Location: Guatemala and Prague, Czech Republic
Cost: Program fees vary by location; limited scholarships available based on merit and need
Cohort Size: Selective; small international cohorts
Program Dates: TFAS Europe (Prague): June 21 – July 12; TFAS Latin America (Guatemala): July 5 – July 19
Application Deadlines: TFAS Europe: March 23; TFAS Latin America: Early deadline April 15, Final deadline May 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from all countries.Â
The TFAS International Programs give university students and emerging professionals the chance to study political and economic systems in global contexts while connecting with peers across continents. Each location has its own academic focus: TFAS Guatemala examines free societies and economic development in Central America; TFAS Santiago explores political theory and economics through Latin American perspectives. TFAS Prague centers on political economy and conflict management in post-communist Europe; the European Journalism Institute offers a one-week workshop on professional reporting and media ethics; and TFAS Asia delves into U.S. government and liberal traditions in Singapore’s multicultural setting.Â
Location: Global (80+ countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; paid internship with stipend covering living expenses (accommodation, food, local transport)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; approximately 7,000 students are exchanged globally annually
Dates: Flexible duration from 8 weeks to 52 weeks; most summer internships run 8-12 weeks
Application Deadline: January 10-15 (varies by local committee)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students enrolled in technical fields (engineering, computer science, natural sciences, architecture, agricultural sciences); must have completed at least 2 years of study; minimum 3.0 GPA typically required; ages 19-30
IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) is a global organization that helps students in technical fields get paid internships abroad. You can work in research centers, universities, or companies on projects related to your studies. The program works on an exchange system, when a student from another country comes to your country, a student from your country goes abroad. IAESTE helps with visas, housing, and local activities through its committees. Internships are in English, but knowing a bit of the local language can help. Since it began, IAESTE has arranged over 370,000 student exchanges worldwide.
Location: Three leading European universities: KU Leuven (Belgium), Leiden University (Netherlands), University of Geneva (Switzerland)
Cost/Stipend: Program fee €11,250 per semester; includes tuition, accommodation, research supervision; limited €1,500 grants available for students with financial need.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; approximately 100-150 students annually across all partner universities
Dates: Full semester programs (Fall or Spring); Fall semester typically August-December, Spring semester January-June
Application Deadline: October 1 (for Spring), April 1 (for Fall)
Eligibility: Open to advanced undergraduate students (typically junior/senior level) from U.S. and Canadian institutions; minimum 3.4 GPA required
EuroScholars is a research-based study abroad program for undergraduate students interested in academic or research careers. You work on a research project under a faculty mentor at one of three European universities that are part of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). You can choose from about 175 ongoing projects in STEM, social sciences, humanities, and other fields. The semester includes research work, courses in research methods and literature review, and language or culture classes. You also write a research paper and attend the Mid-Stay Program, where students from all host universities meet to share their work.
BONUS
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type | Financial aid available
Application deadline: Cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summerÂ
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks | Open to high schoolers, undergraduates, and gap-year students
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week virtual internship where you work on real projects with start-ups and corporate businesses. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program focuses on applied learning through assignments guided by start-up founders and supervisors with experience at places like Harvard Business School, McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft. You’ll develop problem-solving and project management skills, gain insight into entrepreneurial practices, and receive weekly mentorship from your manager and a Ladder Coach. The program ends with a final project presentation to strengthen your resume and professional portfolio.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - RISE Germany logo