Work Placements/Internships
You can get a funded work placement through the ERASMUS programme, which would normally be included as part of your course. However you might be interested in getting some work experience abroad during the summer period or after you graduate, so an internship or work placement might be for you.
Internships or work placements are with a company or international organisation that is looking for new graduates or students who are looking for summer work.
Some internships are well paid, and some not at all, so you may need to be prepared to raise funds in advance of travelling, take on some supplementary work whilst abroad or seek support from your family. Most internships do offer a small stipend or cover expenses.
For more information and links on a range of organisations and websites that offer internships, you can look on the European Youth Portal.
Below you will find some programmes that offer structured support in organising your work placements.
IAESTE
This programme offers summer work placements to architecture, agriculture or science students. Students must pay for travel and a £100 participation fee. In return they receive a work placement and a small living stipend.
AISEC
This programme is run through student societies. To find out if your university has one, click on the link below. AISEC supports students to find work and volunteering placements all over the world. There is a £275 participation fee.
Work Abroad
If you are simply looking to escape for the summer or longer, you may wish to consider summer jobs. There are a range of work opportunities abroad ranging from picking fruit in France to cleaning hotel rooms in Bulgaria. For more information on summer work abroad opportunities, see the European Youth Portal.
Au Pair Opportunities
Au Pairing can be a fantastic way to learn about a country or society and pick up a new language.