Do you want to do an internship in Europe? So why not on an island? (Really, why not?)
Alright, let’s not beat around the bush: you want to go do an internship abroad. That’s already a great idea. Honestly, there’s nothing better to get a breath of fresh air, learn new things, break out of your routine, improve your English (or your Spanish, Italian, whatever), live in another country, meet new people… In short, to experience something different. Something a bit more exciting than your exams or your student job at the local fast-food place, admit it.
But now, you’re stuck. You haven’t found where to go yet. You’re hesitating. You watch YouTube videos of people heading to Australia, you scroll through Insta stories of interns in South Korea, and you think, “Yeah, I want to live that too!” Except you’ve checked the price of the flights. And the cost of living. And the paperwork. And you told yourself: well, actually, maybe it’s not for me. It’s not cheap, all that. And you’re not wrong.
But then… does that mean you have to stay home, give up on the internship abroad, and do your work-study just two blocks from grandma’s house? No. Definitely not.
There’s a plan B. A good plan B. A plan that means “sun, turquoise sea, English without too much effort, a cool vibe, and not at the other side of the world.” And that plan can be summed up in one word: islands. Yes, European islands. You know, those little slices of paradise not so far from home, where people speak English, where the food is great, where people are friendly, and where you can do a super rewarding internship.
Want some names? Alright, I’ll give you three that are really worth a visit: Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus. Shall we take a tour of the place? Let’s go.
1. Ireland: the perfect combo of Guinness + friendliness + a valuable internship
Sure, technically it’s not a tropical island. There are no palm trees or cocktails served in coconuts. But honestly, Ireland is one of the most pleasant countries to live in when you’re young and want to get around a bit. First, because the Irish are lovely people. Kind, patient, funny. The kind of folks who chat with you on the bus, lend you a hand if you’re struggling, and invite you for a pint even if they don’t know you.
And the atmosphere? Oh, it’s something special. You’ve got the pubs, live concerts, the old cobbled streets of Dublin, the huge cliffs on the west coast, sheep crossing the road without warning, the little colorful houses… Honestly, it’s charming. Really charming. The kind of vibe that makes you say, “Okay, I’m somewhere else, but I feel good here.”
When it comes to internships, you can find a bit of everything: marketing, tourism, hospitality, early childhood, social work, tech, and more. And contrary to what people think, Ireland is super dynamic. There are plenty of companies, especially around Cork and Dublin, working internationally. So even if your English isn’t perfect when you arrive, you’ll improve really fast. Plus, the Irish are usually very understanding about accents, so no stress.
Bonus? The landscapes. Yes, it rains a bit (okay, sometimes a lot). But the rain there is almost poetic. And between showers, you get incredible light, deserted beaches, remote mountains, forests that look like movie sets. Oh, and by the way, ever heard of Game of Thrones? Guess where some scenes were filmed… 😉
So, ready for Ireland? It might not be the Bahamas, but when it comes to vibe, it’s one of the best in Europe.
2. Malta: sun, English, and pastizzi
We’re switching it up completely. Imagine a small Mediterranean island, bathed in sunshine almost all year round, with turquoise waters, ancient stone buildings, villages frozen in time, and terraces where people speak English, Italian, Maltese, Spanish… Welcome to Malta.
Malta is kind of the least well-kept secret among European students. Why? Because it’s small (you can go around the whole island in one day), it’s super safe, it’s cheaper than many other destinations, and most importantly… people speak English there. Officially. Because Malta used to be a British protectorate, so English is an official language alongside Maltese.
And there, you’ve got plenty of options for internships. Tourism, digital marketing, hospitality, education, environment, events… everything’s possible. There are lots of small businesses, associations, educational centers, communication agencies… Plus, since the island is very focused on international students, organizations are used to hosting foreign interns. So you’re not some alien when you arrive, which is reassuring.
And outside of work? Well, that’s the fun part. You can go diving in underwater caves (Gozo is incredible), stroll through the baroque streets of Valletta, chill on Golden Bay beach, take a boat to Comino and its Blue Lagoon… And the evenings? Head to Paceville. Never heard of it? It’s a neighborhood full of bars and clubs. It’s loud, intense, a little crazy… but if you like to party, you’ll be in heaven.
And then there are the pastizzi. That little Maltese pastry, crispy and filled with ricotta or peas, which you can buy for 50 cents at any bakery… a real treat. Definitely a must-try.
In short, Malta is the perfect combo of sun + English + student vibe. You work, you live, you meet lots of people, and you get a tan. What more could you ask for?
3. Cyprus: quirky, surprising, captivating
Looking for a lesser-known place, a bit off the beaten path, but still packing a punch? Check out Cyprus. Here, you’re really in a different vibe. More eastern, more Mediterranean, almost mystical.
Cyprus is an island at the crossroads of cultures. On one side, you have the Greek part (in the south), which is part of the European Union, with its Orthodox monasteries, whitewashed houses, and stunning beaches. On the other side, there’s the Turkish part (in the north), with a different vibe and other traditions. And in the middle? A capital city split in two: Nicosia. Yes, literally cut in half. Unique in Europe.
But don’t worry: everyone gets along just fine, and both sides are very welcoming. Especially since English is widely spoken, particularly in the southern part. It’s taught from a young age, and since the island partly relies on tourism, people are used to talking with foreigners.
For an internship, it’s really interesting. You can work in environment, tourism, education, culture, NGOs, sustainable development, and more. Summer lasts six months. Did you catch that? SIX. And even in winter, it’s mild. You can wear a t-shirt in November. Dream come true.
And when it comes to culture, Cyprus is a gem. You’ve got ancient ruins everywhere, deserted beaches, mountain villages perched high, Byzantine monuments, markets full of spices, and beaches where you can swim with turtles… It’s a rich destination, not flashy, but deeply authentic.
Looking for a real change of scenery without leaving Europe? This is the place.
Conclusion? Pick your island and go for it!
So there you have it. Three islands. Three vibes. Three ways to do an internship abroad without blowing your budget, without going halfway across the world, and without struggling to get a visa.
Want greenery, pints, and lovely people? → Ireland.
Prefer sun, sea, and English without much effort? → Malta.
Looking for a more unique vibe, somewhere between Europe and the Middle East? → Cyprus.
Whatever you choose, you won’t go wrong. Because doing an internship abroad isn’t just about working in a company. It’s about living, discovering, learning, stepping out of your comfort zone, sometimes failing, often succeeding, and coming back stronger.
And if you need help, advice, feedback, or a little boost to find THE internship that’s right for you, just write to us. We’re here. And we’ve probably already sent young people just like you who came back with stars in their eyes and memories to last a lifetime.
So, ready to pack your bags?
And you, when are you heading off?
We won’t lie to you: leaving can be a bit scary. You’re leaving behind your familiar places, your habits, your comfort zone. But you know what? That’s exactly where the magic begins. Each island has its own rhythm, its own energy, its own encounters. And you have everything to gain. Don’t miss this chance to live something powerful, something different. This internship might just be the start of a big turning point. So… are you taking the leap? Europe is waiting for you. The islands too. And we’re here to help you get there.