The IAESTE program, which has been connecting students in technical, natural, and social sciences with companies, universities, and research institutions around the world since 1948, offers a unique opportunity to combine work in your field with international experience. Through IAESTE, students go on professional internships in more than 80 countries, where they not only learn new professional skills, but also significantly improve their language skills, independence, and ability to adapt to new environments.
One of the main reasons to get involved with IAESTE is that most internships are paid, with the amount of remuneration set to cover the cost of living in the country concerned. This means that even those who would otherwise not be able to afford such an experience can study abroad. Another big advantage is the fair and transparent application system. Students can apply for internships in the Exchange program, where they compete only with applicants from the Czech Republic, or choose internships in the Global Internship program, where they can contact foreign partners directly.
IAESTE offers both traditional in-person internships and modern remote options, which are ideal for students who are unable to travel for long periods of time due to school or other commitments. In all cases, students can rely on the support of the organization, which helps them with administration, accommodation, and integration into the local environment. Upon arrival in the host country, students are looked after by local IAESTE communities, which organize trips, language courses, and cultural events.
The experience of an internship abroad goes far beyond improving your English. Students learn to work in an international team, solve real-life tasks in their field, and gain professional contacts that can open doors to future employment. Such experience speaks for itself in a CV. Employers value not only professional skills, but also courage, initiative, and the ability to master new challenges. As the IAESTE international team emphasizes: “International work experience helps you stand out – it could be the deciding factor for your future employer.”
Finally, it is important to highlight the background and tradition of IAESTE itself. Throughout its history, the organization has arranged more than 300,000 internships and cooperates with thousands of renowned institutions and companies around the world. Whether a student wants to go on an internship in Germany, Colombia, India, or even Iceland, IAESTE offers a clear process, support, and the assurance that they are not going abroad alone.
An internship abroad is not just about work, but about growth – both personal and professional. It is an investment in the future that really pays off. If you are a student and are thinking about what to do next, then IAESTE may be just the opportunity that will take you one step further. Don't wait, set out on a journey that begins with an application and could end with your dream career.
“An international internship is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the demanding job market and stand out from other graduates.”
How to get involved? Practical guide for students
The first step is to register on the IAESTE international platform at iaeste.org/students, where students create a personal account. After registering, they will have access to a database of internship offers, where they can browse open positions by field, internship length, or destination country.
Next, students must choose whether they will use the Students from the Czech Republic can contact the national committee or the nearest local IAESTE branch – for example, at a university. In many cases, IAESTE organizes information meetings directly at faculties. It is also possible to get involved as a volunteer and help foreign interns in the Czech Republic, which will increase the student's chances of getting an internship in the future.
