Preparing for Your Internship Abroad
Visas, insurance, accommodation, packing, health, and money. Everything you need to sort before you go, in one place.
Understanding visas as a UK student
Since Brexit, the rules have changed. Here is what you need to know for each region.
EU and Schengen Area
Post-Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country citizens in the EU. The key rules:
- 90-day rule: You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This covers short internships.
- Work permits: Even within the 90-day window, some countries require a separate work permit or host agreement for internships. Spain, France, and Germany each have their own processes.
- Longer stays: For internships over 90 days, you need a national visa or residence permit. Apply at the embassy of your destination country, typically 8-12 weeks in advance.
- ETIAS: From 2026, UK nationals will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (around 7 EUR) to enter the Schengen Area. Apply online before travel.
Working Holiday Visas
The UK has Working Holiday (or Youth Mobility) agreements with several countries. These are brilliant for longer placements:
- Australia (subclass 417): Up to 12 months, ages 18-30. Ballot system, apply early. Allows work with any employer.
- Canada (IEC): Up to 24 months, ages 18-30. Highly competitive annual pool. Check opening dates on the IRCC website.
- Japan: Up to 12 months, ages 18-30. Relatively easy to obtain with proof of funds (approx. £2,000).
- South Korea: Up to 12 months, ages 18-30. 1,000 places per year for UK nationals.
- New Zealand: Up to 12 months (extendable), ages 18-30. First come, first served.
Destination-Specific Visas
- USA (J-1 Intern): The J-1 visa is the standard route for US internships. Requires a sponsor organisation (we connect you with one). Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Budget around £1,500-2,000 for visa and sponsor fees.
- Bali, Indonesia (B211A): A social/cultural visa that allows stays up to 180 days. Requires a sponsor letter. Our local team handles the sponsorship process. Bali destination guide
- South Africa: UK nationals get 90 days visa-free. For longer internships, apply for a Section 11(2) permit through the South African embassy. Cape Town destination guide
- Thailand: Tourist visa (60 days) or Education visa for longer stays. Work permits are handled by the host company.
When to start your visa application
Our team guides you through the full process for your destination. We will tell you exactly what you need and when.
Where you will live abroad
Finding the right place is half the battle. Here is what to expect and how to avoid common mistakes.
Shared flats and co-living
The most common option for interns. Shared apartments with other young professionals or students. Social, affordable, and usually fully furnished. Expect to pay £300-800/month depending on the city.
Homestays
Live with a local family for full cultural immersion. Meals are often included. Popular in Japan, South Korea, and parts of Latin America. Great for language learning and making deeper connections.
Student housing
Purpose-built student accommodation or university halls. Available in larger cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Cape Town. Comes with built-in community but can book up fast. Reserve early.
Staff housing
Some companies, especially in hospitality and resort destinations like Bali and Thailand, include staff accommodation. This can significantly reduce your living costs and simplify logistics.
Finding your own place
If you prefer independence, platforms like HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, and local Facebook groups can help. Always verify listings, never pay before seeing the place (even via video call), and use secure payment methods.
Scam awareness
Deposit scams and fake listings are real risks, especially on social media. Never wire money to a personal account. Never book without a contract. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Our team can verify listings for you.
Monthly accommodation budget guide
Prices are approximate and based on shared accommodation. Solo studios will be higher. Our team provides exact pricing for your destination.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable
It is the one thing you absolutely cannot skip. Here is what to look for and what to watch out for.
Medical coverage
Minimum recommended. For the USA, go higher. A single hospital stay in New York can exceed £50,000.
Emergency evacuation
Air ambulance and medical evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital or back to the UK if needed.
Repatriation
Covers the cost of bringing you home in a worst-case scenario. Not something you want to think about, but essential.
GHIC / EHIC is not enough
Since Brexit, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the old EHIC. It still covers emergency and medically necessary state healthcare in EU countries. However, it does not cover:
- Repatriation or medical evacuation
- Private healthcare (which is often faster and better abroad)
- Lost or stolen belongings, trip cancellation
- Countries outside the EU (Bali, Thailand, USA, South Africa, etc.)
Bottom line: Apply for your free GHIC before travelling to Europe, but always buy comprehensive travel insurance on top.
The scooter and motorbike problem
In Bali, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian destinations, scooters are the main mode of transport. Most standard travel insurance policies exclude motorbike and scooter injuries unless you:
- Have a valid UK motorcycle licence (CBT is usually not sufficient)
- Are wearing a helmet at the time of the accident
- Have specifically added motorbike cover to your policy
Scooter accidents are the number one insurance claim for interns in Southeast Asia. Make sure you are covered before you get on one.
Recommended coverage by destination
What to bring (and what to leave behind)
Pack smart. You can buy most things abroad, but some essentials should travel with you.
Essential documents checklist
These are non-negotiable. Carry originals in your hand luggage and keep digital copies in your email or cloud storage.
Universal packing list
Clothing
- Smart-casual work outfits (3-5 sets)
- Comfortable everyday clothes
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Smart shoes for the office
- Swimwear (most destinations)
Tech and essentials
- Laptop and charger
- Universal power adapter
- Phone with an eSIM-capable device
- Portable power bank
- Padlock for hostel/shared storage
- Reusable water bottle
☀️ Tropical destinations
Bali, Thailand, South Africa in summer. Pack light, breathable fabrics. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (required in some areas). Insect repellent with DEET. A sarong doubles as a beach towel, blanket, and temple cover-up.
❄️ Cold-climate destinations
Berlin in winter, Tokyo in autumn, Canada. Layer up. A quality down jacket, thermal base layers, and waterproof boots are essential. Buy bulky items like duvets locally rather than packing them.
What NOT to bring
- Too many clothes. You will buy things abroad. Pack for 7-10 days and do laundry.
- Expensive jewellery or watches. Not worth the risk.
- Full-size toiletries. Buy them locally. They are cheaper and you save luggage weight.
- Guidebooks. Your phone does everything a guidebook does, better.
- Every charger you own. One multi-port USB charger replaces three separate ones.
Stay healthy before and during your placement
A bit of preparation now prevents problems later. Start early, especially with vaccinations.
Vaccinations by region
Visit a travel clinic or your GP 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses over several weeks.
NHS Fitfortravel has detailed, up-to-date vaccination advice for every country.
Prescriptions and medication
- Carry enough prescription medication for your entire stay, plus a two-week buffer.
- Bring a letter from your GP listing your medications with generic (not brand) names.
- Check whether your medication is legal in your destination country. Some common UK medications are controlled substances abroad (e.g. codeine in Japan, ADHD medication in several countries).
- Keep medication in original packaging, in your hand luggage.
- If you use contact lenses, bring your prescription and enough supplies for the trip.
Mental health preparation
Homesickness is real and normal. Culture shock is a phase, not a failure. Here is how to prepare:
- Set expectations. The first two weeks are often the hardest. It gets better. Almost everyone goes through it.
- Stay connected, but not too connected. Regular calls home help, but constantly scrolling your mates' Instagram stories can make it worse.
- Build a routine. Having a structure (gym, coffee spot, weekly market) grounds you faster than anything.
- Say yes to things. The interns who settle fastest are the ones who accept social invitations, even when they are tired.
- Talk to your mentor. Our local mentors have seen it all. They are trained to support you through adjustment periods.
If you are currently receiving mental health support in the UK, discuss your plans with your therapist or counsellor before departure. Many offer online sessions that can continue while you are abroad.
Managing your money abroad
The right setup saves you hundreds of pounds in fees. Get this sorted before you leave.
Wise
Real exchange rate with a small transparent fee. Multi-currency account. Free ATM withdrawals up to £200/month. The go-to choice for longer stays.
Revolut
Fee-free spending up to £1,000/month on the free plan. Disposable virtual cards for dodgy ATMs. Built-in budgeting tools. Weekend exchange rate markup on free tier.
Monzo
UK bank account with fee-free spending abroad. £200/month free ATM withdrawals internationally. Instant spending notifications. Easy to set up.
ATM tips by destination
- Always decline "conversion" at the ATM. When an ATM asks if you want to pay in GBP, always choose the local currency. The ATM's exchange rate is almost always worse.
- Bali: Use ATMs inside banks, not standalone machines. Skimming is common. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
- USA: Some ATMs charge a flat fee (£2-4). Use in-network ATMs or pay with card directly to avoid fees.
- Japan: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Many local ATMs do not.
- Europe: Eurozone ATMs work seamlessly with UK cards. Watch for tourist-trap ATMs near landmarks that charge high fees.
Emergency fund
Keep at least £500-1,000 accessible as an emergency fund, separate from your daily spending money. This covers unexpected flights home, medical excess payments, or lost belongings. A savings pot in your Monzo or Revolut works well for this.
Budgeting apps
Track your spending from day one. Monzo and Revolut have built-in budgeting. Splitwise is essential for splitting costs with flatmates. Trail Wallet is a simple daily expense tracker designed for travellers.
Preparation FAQ
Yes. Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer have automatic right to work in EU countries. For internships under 90 days in the Schengen Area, you can enter visa-free but may need a work permit or host agreement depending on the country. For longer stays, you will need a national visa or residence permit. Each EU country has different rules, so check requirements for your specific destination early.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers emergency and medically necessary treatment in EU countries, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover repatriation, lost baggage, or cancellation. For any internship abroad, you need comprehensive travel insurance alongside your GHIC.
We recommend a minimum of £500,000 medical coverage, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. For destinations like the USA, higher coverage is essential due to medical costs. Make sure your policy covers the full duration of your internship and any activities you plan to do, such as scooter riding in Southeast Asia.
Wise, Revolut, and Monzo are the top choices for UK students abroad. All three offer fee-free or low-fee currency exchange at the real exchange rate, free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit, and instant spending notifications. We recommend carrying at least two cards from different providers as a backup.
Vaccinations depend entirely on your destination. For Southeast Asia and Africa, you may need Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and in some regions Yellow Fever or Japanese Encephalitis. For Europe, your routine UK vaccinations are usually sufficient. Visit the NHS Fitfortravel website or book an appointment with a travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Yes. Our Full Service package includes accommodation arrangement. Our local teams source vetted housing close to your workplace, from shared student flats to homestays. If you are on the Living Profile track, we provide destination-specific housing guides with trusted platforms and scam-avoidance tips.
We recommend starting at least 3-4 months before your planned departure. Visa applications can take 4-8 weeks, vaccinations may need multiple doses over several weeks, and booking flights early saves significant money. Start with your visa research, then insurance and health, then accommodation and packing.
Most travel insurance policies include some personal belongings coverage, but limits for electronics like laptops and phones are often low (around £300-500 per item). If you are bringing expensive equipment, check your policy limits and consider a specialist gadget policy or adding your items to your parents' home insurance if applicable.
Ready to get started?
Our team handles visa guidance, accommodation, insurance advice, and everything in between. Focus on the exciting part.