10 Years of Full-Time IES Internships Abroad: A Retrospective

As we come up on the 10 year anniversary of our IES Internships Programs, we wanted to celebrate—and what better way to do that than by celebrating our past interns!

At IES Abroad, it is our mission to not only provide our students with a vibrant collection of cultural experiences, but also give them the footing to continue down a bright path in their professional lives. Through diverse industry opportunities, long-term relationship and network building, and impactful career launches, IES Internships has continually set students up with a versatile skill set to conquer the corporate world with confidence.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve connected thousands of students to meaningful internships abroad. Check out some of the highlights from our Summer 2024 Correspondents below!

Intern Diaries: Summer 2024 Standout Blogs

Explore Our Summer 2024 Correspondents!

Sophie F. | Sydney

Missing home & Sydney highlights.

Jason L. | Berlin

Jason’s "Data in Deutschland" series.

Jamie O. | Dublin

Dublin experience as a Theatre Arts major.

Ana L. | Milan

Predeparture jitters, vegan eats in Milan, and being Asian in Milan.

TikTok Tours with Sarah Matthews: Parisian Adventures & Internship Antics

10 Years of Experiences: Looking Back

This year, we celebrate a decade of impactful experiences by revisiting the journeys of our featured alumni. Discover how their internships abroad over the past 10 years have shaped their professional and personal lives.

Leah H. (Santiago Summer - Internship | 2023 | Indiana University)
Social Work Internship | International Studies & Middle Eastern Studies Majors

In the summer of 2023, Leah Heneveld served as an English Teacher and Social Work Intern at Escuela Particular Amor De Dios in Santiago, Chile. As part of the Santiago Summer Internship Program, she developed lesson plans for teaching English to students aged 9 to 15 and assisted with classroom management. Leah collaborated with the social work staff to improve the learning environment and created Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, ensuring a supportive and effective educational experience for all.

Jack R. (Barcelona Summer - Internship | 2022 | Indiana University)
Marketing Internship | Marketing & Professional Sales Majors, Spanish & Film Production Minors

During the summer of 2022, Jack Ryan excelled as a Digital Marketing Assistant and Communications Intern at Son Canciones in Barcelona through the Barcelona Summer Internship Program. Jack's key contributions included conducting detailed marketing research to refine market segmentation and targeting strategies, which deepened understanding of the target audience. He also identified key contacts within the European press, enhancing the promotion of upcoming concerts and projects. Additionally, Jack played a crucial role in redesigning Son Canciones' English website to better engage American readers, broadening the organization’s reach into new markets.

Sapphire T. (Remote Internship | 2021 Summer | University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Media & Arts Management Internship | Music Major, Business Minor

In 2021, Sapphire Toth completed a remote internship with Paladino Media, where she managed emails, client interviews, and weekly Zoom meetings. She notably produced three episodes of her podcast, "Chatting with Creators," featuring artists from Paladino’s album releases. This role expanded her communication skills and provided insights into the international classical music scene. Sapphire’s internship integrated her music and business training, leading to a freelance writing position with Career Compass and broadening her professional network.

Aida M. (Cape Town Summer - Internship | 2018 | University of Iowa)
Healthcare Internship | Global Studies & Health Studies Majors

In the summer of 2018, Aida Mengistu served as a Health & Care Intern with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) as part of the Cape Town Summer Internship Program. During her internship, Aida collaborated across the Health & Care, Training, Disaster Relief, and Youth Departments to develop and implement effective psycho-social programs for communities in the Western Cape. Her work significantly contributed to the well-being and support of local populations.

Kate M. (Dublin Summer - Internship | 2017 | University of Colorado - Boulder)
Child Enrichment Internship | Anthropology & History Majors

In the summer of 2017, Kate McCort interned as a "Funstigator" at Imaginosity, Dublin Children's Museum. During her internship, Kate supervised children and led engaging activities, including summer camps and field trips. Her role involved creating a fun and educational environment, ensuring a memorable experience for the children and enhancing her skills in customer service and program management.

Michelle W. (Rome Summer - Internship | 2015 | Penn State University)
Administration & Research Internship | Biobehavioral Health Major

In the summer of 2015, Michelle Wagner interned as a Research and Administrative Assistant at the National Institute for Health, Migration, and Poverty through the Rome Summer Internship Program. She led tours of San Gallicano Hospital, assisting in care for refugees and the homeless, and recorded minutes for key meetings on health inequalities and integration. Michelle also conducted research on Candida species colonization in denture-wearing immigrants. She collected patient samples, analyzed infection patterns, and used Electron Microscopy to study immune responses and autophagy related to Candida.