Summer Internships Abroad 2026

Summer is a great opportunity to get professional experience under your belt. For many, there isn’t enough time throughout the academic year to undertake an internship. Summer is the only time of the year where many students have a larger amount of free time, creating the perfect opportunity to participate in something different.

When to apply for summer internships in 2026? 

The application period for 2026 summer internships is in full swing as of autumn of 2025, and will remain so until the end of winter 2026. If you are looking for an internship for the upcoming summer, now is the time to think about it and act on it!

In this article the focus will be on locations and internships that are most viable for the summer. If you want to find out about the application process timeline in more detail, Check out this article on when to apply for summer internships.

Top destinations for summer internships in 2026

Spain

One very popular destination for summer internships is Spain. Known for its warm weather, its simultaneously vibrant yet peaceful lifestyle, and its food, it’s no doubt that Spain is one of the top destinations in Europe.

A destination like Spain gives students the opportunity to participate in their internship while making the most of the summer climate, enjoying nice weather, social life, and in some cases even the beach.

With some cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, being a hub for technology & innovation start-ups, it presents a great opportunity to obtain internships in smaller businesses. This can have its advantages, such as:

• Increased impact - the smaller the business, the more direct and visible impact each decision will have on the company’s success.
• Broader experience - with a smaller scale of operations, departments are more likely to work in direct contact with each other, meaning interns get to see every aspect of a business rather than just one.
• Leadership and mentorship - in a smaller business, leaders are more likely to be present more often than not, giving you an opportunity to learn directly from entrepreneurs, as well as having the possibility of them mentoring you if the opportunity presents itself.

United Kingdom 

Differently to Spain, the UK is widely known for its history and culture, its world-class education, as well as sports and music. It may not have the same hot, fine weather as Spain does most of the year, however the summer is an exception, with warm, long sunny days taking over. 

The UK, and specifically major cities such as London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, are hubs renowned for finance and consulting. Interning in large, reputable companies can be very advantageous:

• Access to high-quality training - Larger companies usually have formal procedures such as training programmes, workshops, and experienced workers made available for new hires and interns, giving interns access to properly structured training.
• Higher chance of job offer - large companies tend to use internships as a pipeline for new graduates, meaning if your internship goes well, you have an increased chance of landing a full-time job at the company.
• Networking and CV - An internship at a widely known international company always looks good on the CV and is an eye-catcher for future employers. On top of that, it allows you to be in direct contact with professionals in your area, which can be a great asset for your future.

South Africa

Looking outside of Europe, South Africa is also a viable summer internship option. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, its history and cultural diversity, as well as its success in sports such as rugby, South Africa offers the possibility to thrive in different kinds of internship than most places.

One thing to remember when traveling between hemispheres is that the seasons are inverted, therefore if you live in the northern hemisphere, it will be winter in South Africa when it is summer for you.

South Africa is an ideal location for internships concerning wildlife conservation and marine science due to its natural diversity in environments, ranging from beaches to mountains to savannas. This kind of internship will bring you a different experience than the typical office internship, and has its own advantages:

• It is a more practical, hands-on experience where you work with ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation practices. You have the opportunity to work with different kinds of scientists and researchers, as well as improving skills such as data analysis, mapping, and surveying.
• It takes place in a more unique environment which allows you to build resilience and adaptability. Working as a team in conditions that may sometimes be unkind builds both mental and physical resilience, and often leads to improved creative thinking and problem-solving.

Summer internships abroad 2026 in Europe

As you may have been able to understand by now, a place’s popularity is greatly influenced by which major industry is heavily based in that location. Here are some examples of European countries which are also popular, and which industry they are most known for.

France

Also known for its beautiful landscapes, art, and cuisine among other things, France is a popular destination amongst people looking to gain experience. The most popular fields in the country include:

• Fashion and luxury - France is a hub for many famous luxurious fashion brands.
• Business and marketing - Like most of Europe’s economic powerhouses, France hosts countless opportunities to undertake internships in several different kinds and sizes of businesses.
• Gastronomy and Hospitality - Luxury isn’t only in Fashion - many lavish hotels and restaurants reside all across France, turning it into a great place to learn among the very best of their industry.

Italy

Italy is very well known worldwide for its history, its cuisine, and its fashion. It is also an incredibly popular tourist destination, which opens the door to several different opportunities.

• Fashion and design - specifically in Milan, who is a major hub for up and coming fashion designers.
• Hospitality - given the abundance of tourists that visit the country each year, Italy is the perfect opportunity for those looking for experience in the hospitality sector, as there is always demand for these positions.
• Architecture - part of the country’s history is seen in its architecture, especially in Rome, where internships in this field are highly sought after.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a very popular destination for both tourists and students. The progressive culture and diversity attracts the former, while the relatively inexpensive education as well as the great career opportunities and the international setting brings in the latter. Thanks to this as well as its commercially strategic location for trade, the Netherlands is home to many big names.

• Internships in specific business areas such as logistics and supply chain are very prominent in Rotterdam due it being a port city.
• Cities like Delft and Eindhoven present opportunities for technology and engineering.
• Amsterdam grants the possibility in multiple sectors, such as finance, technology and marketing as examples.

RealStep summer internships:

Communication Internship in NGOs

RealStep offers the possibility of participating in a communication internship in either Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, or Croatia, all prominent summer destinations. The tasks will depend on dates, needs of the NGOs at the time, and your skills. Some examples of these tasks are content creation, event organization, or participating in marketing campaigns.

Find out more about the program here.

Internship in Cape Town

With RealStep, you have the possibility to undertake a summer internship in either the communication field or hospitality and tourism. The communication internship would focus on tasks such as writing, SEO strategies, website development and social media calendars.

The tourism/hospitality internship gives you the possibility to work in either a 5-star hostel, a 5-star boutique guesthouse, or a travel agency.

Find out more about the program here.

Marine Protection Internship in Tenerife

This marine biology internship allows you to deepen your knowledge of the marine ecosystem in the Canary Islands while gaining university credits. Participate in the protection of whales and dolphins while accompanied by experts and specialists, and gain real field experience by putting your knowledge to use.

Find out more about the program here.