Key Insights:
Living costs in many Asian countries — especially in Southeast Asia — are much lower than in Europe or North America. In places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, accommodation, food, and transportation are budget-friendly. This allows interns to stay longer, travel more, and live comfortably while gaining experience abroad.
In comparison, countries like Japan and South Korea have higher living costs, particularly in major cities such as Tokyo and Seoul. However, they are often still more affordable than some of the world’s most expensive cities.
Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-developing economies, including India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Interning in these countries gives you direct insight into industries like healthcare, sustainability, tourism, and technology as they rapidly expand. Interns frequently see creative, community-driven problem-solving and develop strong adaptability and flexibility.
On the other hand, internships in highly developed economies such as Japan and South Korea offer experience in advanced, innovation-led industries.
Both countries provide structured, high-level professional environments that help interns develop global workplace skills and cultural awareness valued by employers.
Working in a different cultural and professional environment gives you firsthand insight into how global issues affect local communities. You gain adaptability, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence, which are key qualities for today’s global workplaces.
Thailand – Great for healthcare, environmental, and community-based internships in welcoming, affordable settings.
Japan – Ideal for sustainable tourism, business, and cultural programs in a highly structured, innovative environment.
South Korea – A top choice for tech, marketing, and business internships in a fast-paced, modern society.
Vietnam – Popular for healthcare and NGO placements focused on community impact.
“I participated in five environmental research projects… I learned concrete field techniques like drone photography and species identification. On a personal level, this internship allowed me to reconnect with nature, with myself, and helped me find balance.” - Lia.
Read Full Testimonial on Environmental Impact in Thailand
“I was responsible for the design and modeling of a school building. This project aimed to improve the local educational infrastructure and to provide better learning conditions for the children. This internship allowed me to expand my technical knowledge and discover new construction methods adapted to the local context, which added real value to my training.” - Nicolas.
Read Full Testimonial on Community Building Project in Nepal
Interns in Thailand often work on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation projects, including mangrove regeneration, coral reef conservation, and tropical forest restoration. These programs blend scientific research techniques with meaningful community engagement while living in stunning natural settings. Program: International environmental internship in Thailand - RealStep
Thailand also offers healthcare-focused placements where interns observe medical professionals, engage with local hospitals or clinics, and learn about healthcare delivery in Southeast Asia — all while contributing to community wellness initiatives and broadening clinical practice. Program: Nursing internship in Thailand with local communities
Japan is known for highly structured internships that often emphasize both professional skills and deep cultural understanding. Interns might support local organizations, engage in sustainable tourism projects, or work in community environments where they enhance language skills and build future-focused competencies. Program: Internships in Japan Guide | RealStep
Environmental internships in Japan let you work with local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism projects in scenic areas like national parks. Interns assist with eco-tours, outdoor activities, and community outreach while learning about sustainability practices and traditional ecological knowledge. Program: Sustainable tourism internships in Japan - RealStep
South Korea presents an innovative, tech-savvy environment for internships. From startups and corporate placements to cultural engagement roles, these programs emphasize emerging industries, digital communication, and cross-cultural business strategies. Program: Internships in South Korea | RealStep
Vietnam’s nursing internships allow students to shadow nurses and participate in day-to-day healthcare tasks such as observing care delivery, recording clinical data, and understanding how a busy provincial hospital operates. The experience combines observational learning with cultural immersion in Vietnamese society.
| Program | About program |
| Gap year in South Korea | This gap-year program in Daegu includes 2 Korean language courses, followed by a job placement at a local company. |
| Nursing Internship in Vietnam | In this nursing internship, follow nurses, doctors, and therapists in their daily routine. |
| Environmental Conservation Research Project in Thailand | In this conservation research project, work in turtle research and conservation centers, conduct studies on the biodiversity of neighboring islands, including studies on birds, and give environmental education courses for which complete training will be provided. |
| Teach English in Thailand | Teach English in Thailand and secure a paid position to teach in public schools! |
| Construction Internship in Thailand | In this construction internship, you’ll be helping to build infrastructure while discovering Thai culture through many exchanges with the locals! |
| Sustainable Tourism Internship in Japan | In this sustainable tourism internship program in Japan, you’ll find positions in the ecotourism sector with various local operators. Accompany local tours and support the guides, and help with social media marketing, such as writing for websites and creating flyers. |
Check out all of RealSteps programs here!
Look for organizations that partner with established NGOs, local universities, or international institutions, and that offer on-site supervision and 24/7 participant support.
Checking for verified testimonials helps confirm both the quality of experience and the organization’s legitimacy.
Healthcare & Nursing — clinical observation and community health outreach.
Environmental Conservation — ecosystem research, restoration, sustainable tourism.
Business & Marketing — digital marketing, communications, NGO business development.
Education & Social Work — language instruction, community programs, intercultural engagement.
Not always. Many internships are conducted in English, though learning basic local phrases can improve daily life and cultural integration.
Depending on the program, interns may stay in shared apartments, host families, or student-style housing arranged by the host organization.
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