Internships - Volunteer Overseas with IVI

Internships Abroad with IVI

So what's an internship abroad anyway?

Internships Abroad vs Standard Volunteer Projects

Internships overseas are focused on career development and skills learning, and are aimed at those still studying, who wish to gain experience in their chosen field. Our volunteer programs are more community focused and aimed at those wishing to give back whilst gaining a cultural experience.

Internships may be held in the same place as our volunteer programs, but the focus is more so on learning and skill development, whilst volunteering is focused on helping in-need and under-funded projects. There are no academic requirements for volunteer programs unless you are seeking academic credit. For our internships there may be certain requirements you will need to meet, such as a certain number of hours, or written report.

Internship Abroad vs Volunteering in Detail...

Criteria	Volunteering	Internship
Purpose	Focus on giving back to communities, experience & discovery and supporting social causes. Volunteers often assist in grassroots-level work like education, healthcare, and conservation.	Focus on gaining professional experience and career development. Interns work in a structured environment to build industry-specific skills. A two-way experience where they can support the community at the same time.
Duration	Flexible, ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks (longer options may be available). IVI offers programs starting every week, with options to mix and match projects.	Typically, a min of 4 weeks, often tied to academic or professional requirements (e.g., 100+ hours for student placements). Longer term placements encouraged.
Skill Development	Broad personal growth, including adaptability, cultural awareness, and teamwork, as well as experience in chosen field (e.g., teaching, construction). Experience another culture in a hands-on, service-oriented way.	Targeted professional skills, such as technical expertise or industry knowledge, often with formal mentorship and evaluation. Gain practical work experience, build a CV/resume, secure job references.
Impact	Direct community impact. Primarily focused on benefitting the local community, wildlife or conservation efforts. The emphasis is on cultural exchange, giving back, and personal growth.	Primarily personal career impact, with benefits to local NGO’s or community through the intern’s work. Often more career-oriented and aligned with the intern’s academic background or future goals.
Eligibility	Open to all ages and backgrounds (18+ for some programs). No prior experience needed for most programs.	Often needs a relevant academic background, language skills, or specific qualifications.
University Credits	These programs are not typically designed for academic credit. Some universities may recognise the experience informally or as part of a co-curricular record, but credit is uncommon unless pre-arranged.	These are more likely to qualify for university credit, especially if the internship aligns with the student’s major or academic goals. Universities may require learning contracts, progress reports, or evaluations.
Career Development	Career development is usually indirect. May inspire career paths in non-profit work, international development, education, or humanitarian aid, but not always aligned with a specific profession. Less structured career mentoring or feedback.	Designed specifically for professional growth in a chosen field (e.g., healthcare, marketing, veterinary, human rights). Offers hands-on experience that directly relates to future job roles. May lead to future job offers or references.
Cultural Immersion	Deep cultural immersion is a core element. Participants often live in rural or local communities, eat local food, and participate in traditional activities. Promotes meaningful interaction with local people and customs. Often includes cultural workshops, excursions, or language learning.	Internships also provide plenty of cultural immersion, however it can be more limited depending on location and work environment. Interns may live in cities and spend most time in an office or professional setting. Some programs still offer cultural elements, but it’s not the main focus.
Improving Your CV/Resume	Shows initiative, global awareness, and a commitment to social causes. Stands out as a unique experience, especially valuable for people applying to education, healthcare, social work, or international roles. Less effective if applying to corporate or highly technical roles unless well explained.	Directly strengthens a resume in terms of industry-relevant skills. Adds concrete work experience, technical skills, and project outcomes that align with future job applications. Often seen as a stepping stone to full-time employment in the same sector. Stronger professional references and portfolio opportunities.

Internships Abroad

Internships overseas allow you to gain practical experience in your chosen field, while exploring a new country. You’ll build cultural knowledge, expand your global connections, boost your resume, and maybe even pick up a new language! Internships are more learning based, require a few more hours volunteering each day, and most will have some form of supervision and progress reports.

• Assigned project/s and a professional work environment
• Guidance, Supervision and on the job training
• Guaranteed 25+ working hours per week
• Progress sessions with the hosting company/organisation
• 24-hour local support
• Meals and accommodation
• Airport pickup

Volunteering Abroad

IVI volunteer programs are focused on giving back to the community, wildlife, or habitats, and whilst they can be great experience for a future career path, they’re less formal than an internship. Volunteering is a chance to give your time, whilst meeting others from around the world and gaining a cultural experience. We accept short-term volunteers if you don't have much time, whereas an internship is usually a min of 4 weeks.

• Placed where help is needed most
• Local coordinator on each program
• 15+ working hours per week
• 24-hour local support
• Meals and accommodation
• Airport pickup

What Types of Internships do we offer?

There are several different areas and locations in which you can join an internship abroad with IVI. Each are a little different so please read each program page to learn more about the daily requirements. Types of internships:

Teaching
Human Rights
Hospitality & Tourism
Micro-Business
Medical
Nursing & Midwifery
Physiotherapy
Veterinary
Dental
Special Education

*We can also offer customised internships for some of our South America locations, such as Archaeology, IT & Technology, Law, Photojournalism, Psychology, Theatre, Music & Dance.

Featured Internships Abroad

Here are some of our popular internships or see all here…

Teaching Internship

Although textbooks and lesson plans are provided, you may collaborate with other teachers to develop new lesson plans, organize engaging classroom activities, and create fun games to enhance the learning experience. Your responsibilities will include teaching English, organizing playground activities and clubs, designing posters, planning lessons, assisting teachers in the classroom, and helping students improve their English skills.

Internships Abroad with IVI

So what's an internship abroad anyway?

Internships Abroad vs Standard Volunteer Projects

Internship Abroad vs Volunteering in Detail...

Internships Abroad

Volunteering Abroad

What Types of Internships do we offer?

Featured Internships Abroad

Teaching Internship

Human Rights Internship

Medical Internship

What to Expect on an IVI Internship Overseas

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