Doing your internship in the Czech Republic (and Central Europe): the ultimate guide I wish I had before leaving.
Alright, you did it. Your internship is confirmed. Prague, Brno, or Ostrava are waiting for you with open arms. If only you knew how much I envy you right now. You’re about to embark on an adventure that, believe me, will leave you with memories for years to come. Not just some lines on your CV or a few photos on Instagram, no no: unexpected encounters, spontaneous nights out, weird but delicious dishes, some struggles too (let’s be honest), and above all: a slightly different version of yourself when you come back.
Alright, now that it’s just us, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to fully live this experience. Get ready, it’s going to be a long one, but after this, you’ll be ready to take off.
Why the Czech Republic is definitely not a coincidence
Honestly, I’ll be honest: when I got my internship there, I barely knew the country. Prague? Sure. Kafka, beer, the old town with the strange clock… and that was about it.
But the Czech Republic is much more than just a pretty postcard.
First of all, when it comes to the economy, it’s seriously impressive. Lots of international companies have set up shop there—not just for show on their business cards. Salaries are competitive (at least for the country), the cost of living is reasonable (way cheaper than in France, even in Prague), and above all: you work in a highly professional environment that’s often pretty laid-back.
Which fields are hiring?
- Tourism (obviously)
- IT, web development, cybersecurity
- Engineering (automotive, industrial, etc.)
- Finance and accounting (thanks to Swiss and Austrian banks relocating to Prague)
- Digital marketing (lots of startups)
You often work in English (even in Czech companies), so if your Czech is close to zero (like 99.9% of foreign interns), don’t worry.
Life in the Czech Republic: way more than just work
Beer (obviously)
Let’s start with the sensitive topic: beer. The Czechs are ADDICTED. Not in the French sense of “I like having a little pint on the terrace”; no. Over there, it’s almost cultural, almost sacred.
You’ll quickly discover Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, Budvar (the real original Budweiser, nothing like the American Bud), Kozel… And above all: you’ll be amazed by the prices. Usually, a pint costs less than a bottle of water. So, afterworks rarely end with just plain water.
But beyond the beer, it’s mainly the vibe that will leave a mark on you: the beer gardens in summer (Letná Park in Prague is legendary), the small craft breweries, the vaulted cellars hidden underground, the unlikely karaoke nights singing in shaky Czech…
Prague: a real favorite place
If you’re in Prague (and honestly, lots of interns end up there), get ready to be blown away. The city is absolutely stunning.
- Charles Bridge at dawn (yeah, you’ve got to get up early to avoid the crowds)
- Prague Castle (and the view that comes with it)
- The cobblestone streets of Malá Strana
- The riverside bars along the Vltava in summer
- The Lennon Wall for those must-have Instagram photos
But above all: you’ll quickly find your own little spots. That hidden hipster café where you practice your Czech while listening to lo-fi. That tiny Vietnamese joint tucked behind a Soviet-era building. That secret bar behind a bookshelf (yes, really, it exists).
Brno: the cool little alternative sister
If your internship is in Brno, no worries. The vibe is different from Prague—less touristy, more student-focused, but just as awesome.
Ostrava: the rising industrial star
And if you happen to be in Ostrava, get ready for a completely different vibe. Once an industrial city, it’s now experiencing a cultural renaissance.
The seasons: every time of year has its own charm
Winter: the magic under the snow
Winter in the Czech Republic is magical. The Christmas markets in Prague (and Brno too, by the way) are incredible. Lights everywhere, mulled wine (svařák), cinnamon cakes, old-fashioned decorations.
If you’re there between December and February, you can also go ice skating on frozen lakes or ski just an hour or two from the city. It’s nothing like the Alps, but honestly, it does the trick.
Summer: nonstop festivals and outdoor terraces
Summer is when everything really comes alive.
Fringe Festival in Prague (street performances, concerts…)
Brno Grand Prix (motorbikes, lots of motorbikes)
- Outdoor terraces open until all hours
- Spontaneous barbecues in the parks
- Evenings on the banks of the Vltava
Bonus tip: summer is often very hot but very dry. You get to enjoy it without being drenched in sweat like in Barcelona in August.
Weekend getaways
That’s THE big advantage of the Czech Republic: you’re right in the heart of Europe.
In 2 or 3 hours by train or Flixbus, you can go to:
- Vienne (2h)
- Bratislava (2h)
- Budapest (4h)
- Berlin (4h30)
- Dresde (2h30)
Let’s just say your weekends are going to be well spent.
Personally, my favorite trip is still Budapest: crazy vibe, thermal baths, ruin bars… And Hungarian food is way better than its reputation.
And after the Czech Republic?
Next stop: Austria
If you loved your internship, why not follow it up with one in Vienna?
It’s the most livable city in the world (not just me saying it—it’s ranked that way in serious annual surveys). Exceptional quality of life, stunning architecture, safety, and a culture that’s everywhere.
The hiring sectors are quite similar to those in Prague, but you’ll also find plenty of opportunities in banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, high-tech engineering… and of course, tourism.
Quick tip: take a trip to Tyrol during your days off—it’s absolutely stunning.
Budapest: still underrated
And of course, there’s Budapest.
There, you have:
- thermal baths at 40°C right in the middle of winter
- ruin bars with live music every night
- walks along the Danube at sunset
- mind-blowing architecture (the Parliament building is incredible)
Prices are still affordable, the cost of living is nice, and above all, the tech scene is booming. If you’re looking for an IT internship, Budapest is a great choice.
A few really practical tips (from real experience)
Housing: start your search early. Facebook Marketplace and expat groups are your best friends. Prague is obviously more expensive than Brno or Ostrava, but still very reasonable compared to Paris.
Food: get your stomach ready. Goulash, knedlíky (large bread dumplings), garlic soup, sweet trdelník… Not exactly light, but really tasty.
Language: in the workplace, English usually does the job. But learning a few Czech words is always appreciated. A simple “Ahoj” (hi), “Děkuji” (thank you), and “Pivo prosím” (a beer please) will work wonders.
Transport: public transportation is super efficient, clean, cheap, and punctual. Honestly, you won’t need a car. The tram in Prague is life.
Currency: Czech Republic = Czech Crown (CZK).
Austria and Slovakia = Euro.
Hungary = Forint (HUF).
Bureaucracy: no visa needed (thanks to the EU), but remember your European Health Insurance Card and maybe a good international health insurance.
A little realistic disclaimer before wrapping up
Of course, it’s not always perfect: you’ll struggle with menus you can’t understand, you’ll grumble about certain officials (Czech administration is… let’s say… old school), and sometimes you’ll feel homesick.
But that’s exactly what makes an internship abroad so valuable. You’ll learn to adapt, to put things in perspective, to improvise, to step out of your comfort zone. And believe me, those skills are worth more than gold, far beyond just professional experience.
In short: go for it!
Heading off for your internship in the Czech Republic?
Get ready to experience some of the best months of your life.
Whether you’re in Prague, Brno, or Ostrava, you’ll discover a warm, dynamic, lively, and surprising country. You’ll meet amazing people, taste incredible beers, maybe even learn to decode a few Czech phrases… and above all, you’ll grow like never before.
And if you ever need a hand organizing everything, finding your internship, or just have questions: get in touch with us. We’re here to help.
And after that?
An internship in the Czech Republic is much more than just a job: it’s a human adventure. You’ll come back with your head full of memories, solid professional skills, and a huge open mind. So enjoy every moment, and who knows—Central Europe might just become your new playground.
Central Europe is waiting for you. Ready to take off?