Learning inside a classroom can only take you so far. Internships allow you to practice what you know while learning on the job and gaining work experience. It may seem intimidating to learn how to find social work internships, but it’s easy.
While it’s true most internships abroad are unpaid, that shouldn't stop you from exploring the possibility of living abroad and working in social work. Participating in a study abroad program with an internship component allows you to meet new people in your field, travel in your spare time, and discover more about your chosen field of study.
Taking a social work internship abroad will allow you to learn more about your field on a global scale. You can travel to Peru and help with community development or go to Ecuador for a couple of weeks and work with locals. There are so many options available to social work majors.
Are social work internships paid?
If you’re ready to learn more about the world while gaining experience in your field, it’s time to land a social work internship abroad.
Sometimes, social work internships are paid. However, social work internships abroad will most likely not be paid. Certain international laws even make it illegal to pay foreign interns without a specific visa. If you do manage to get a paid social work internship abroad, it will probably be for a limited amount.
Payment for your work might depend on the length of the internship you participate in. If you go for a year-long internship, there may be a stipend included or some other form of payment. Unfortunately, most short-term internships abroad are unpaid, so keep your expectations for getting paid low.
How to find social work internships
Social work internships can be found in the traditional ways of networking and applying on job boards. However, if you want an internship abroad, there are more avenues you can explore to secure a social work internship. Start off looking at GoAbroad.com for different study abroad provider programs, then go from there.
1. Find a provider and/or program.
There are so many social work intern abroad programs and providers you can choose from. Try to have an idea of where you want to go and when you can go abroad. Then to help narrow down programs, look on GoAbroad.com to read reviews, highlights, cost breakdowns, and more.
2. Make sure you meet requirements.
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself—assess program requirements before applying!
Don’t waste your time applying if you do not qualify for an internship abroad. Sometimes, previous experience is needed for certain internships. Other times, companies might only be seeking students at the junior or senior level in college. Take your time reading about each program before you apply.
3. Assess finances.
Make sure you get a complete picture of how much your program will cost. Also, don’t forget to budget before and during your stay abroad. This will keep you on track and hopefully stop you from spending too much money.
Additionally, make sure you look into financial aid options and scholarship opportunities. It’s free money, just sitting there waiting for someone to claim it! If you qualify for financial aid or certain scholarships, don’t hesitate, apply!
4. Look on online job boards.
LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and other job boards are great resources to help you find and apply to internships. Social work internships are listed on these sites, you just need to start looking and filtering your search to narrow down your options.
For example, narrow your search down to a specific city you want to live in. Then you will see a list of opportunities to complete a social work internship!
5. Apply for a visa, if necessary.
Visas take time to process. Start your application as soon as your program is secure!
Sometimes visas are needed to complete a social work internship abroad. This is especially likely if you plan to stay in the country longer than the vacation visa allows. Usually, a visitor visa lasts for around 90 days, then you need to get a different visa if you stay longer.
6. Start networking.
Word of mouth, informational interviews, internship job fairs, and more are all great networking opportunities. Use these events and tactics to find an internship abroad. Reach out to professors, friends, colleagues, and so on to get your foot in the door and find an exclusive internship.
7. Apply for international internships directly on company websites.
Some businesses and institutions advertise their international internships on their websites. If there are certain companies you are interested in working for, check out their “careers” page and look into their internships. There are many global businesses, government institutions, and nonprofits that need and want your help!
8. Use campus resources!
Alumni and advisors can be a huge help in securing your social work internship.
Check in with your home campus’ study abroad office. Use your campus resources by checking in with a study abroad advisor. They are there to help you with your study abroad journey and can help you find social work internships abroad or point you in the right direction.
Also, they can reach out to study abroad alumni to get you peer advising. This is another form of networking that could get you an internship abroad!
Get matched with 5 social work internship programs abroad right now
How much do social work internships typically cost?
Social work internships abroad can cost around $4,000 to $8,000 for three month programs. This number is a general ballpark and could go up or down depending on the length of your internship. Costs can vary depending on the program—each program and internship is different, so therefore the costs are not all the same.
Consider these factors when budgeting:
- Program length: The program will most likely cost less if you only participate in a short-term four- to six-week internship. However, it will cost more if you decide to do an internship for three months or longer.
- Program fees: Extra study abroad costs might drive up the price too. Oftentimes with study abroad providers, there is a program fee in addition to your other costs. The program fee usually covers housing, excursions, sometimes flights, etc.
- Tuition: If you want to have your internship count for academic credit back at your home university, don’t forget about tuition. Depending on the university and term you are studying abroad, you will need to pay tuition if you want to get credit for your internship.
Getting a cost estimate and budgeting ahead of time can help you decide if a program is right for you. Make sure to use your resources and look into scholarships and financial aid opportunities. You never know, you may get most of your social work internship abroad paid for!
3 social work internships to consider
Where will you gain the experience to launch your career?
There are hundreds of social work internships worth looking into that can take you to all different areas around the globe. From Ecuador to Peru, there are many great locations to choose from. Even from your hometown, you can participate in an international social work internship thanks to remote opportunities. Here are three internships to get you started on your search:
1. Psychology and Social Work Internship in Ecuador
- Why? Complete a social work internship in Ecuador and help children with language disabilities and/or autism. On this program, interns will help diagnose, treat, and provide rehabilitation support. Working at an NGO abroad in Quito will look great on your resume. You'll also have a great opportunity to work on your Spanish language skills.
- Where? Quito, Ecuador
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
2. Social Work Internship with Community Development NGO, Peru
- Why? Help break barriers for children with disabilities on this program in Peru. On this program, interns help teach students helpful coping skills that can improve their quality of life. Accommodations are usually offered in an apartment near the work location. This program is great if you want hands-on, meaningful work during your internship.
- Where? Arequipa, Peru
- Read Roots Interns reviews
3. Affordable Remote Psychology Internships | Intern Abroad HQ
- Why? If you want international social work internship experience but you need to stay in the U.S., then this program might be right for you. It is a fully remote program with plenty of flexibility with work hours. Assignments for this internship can include developmental psychology out of India, child and youth mental health out of Jamaica, or social work and NGO support out of Tanzania.
- Where? Online with host organizations in India, Jamaica, Spain, or Tanzania
- Read Intern Abroad HQ reviews
Explore ALL Social Work Internships Abroad on GoAbroad.com!
A social work internship now can help launch your career later!
Getting hands-on experience in the social work field abroad will look great on your resume. Many times, the connections you make at an internship can help you land a full-time job later on. Are social work internships paid? Usually no, but try not to let that stop you from completing a social work internship abroad. There aren’t many other times when you will have an opportunity like this.
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