Australia, the sixth largest country in the world, is nearly the same size as the continental United States and home to 20 million people. Boasting some of the most spectacular travel destinations in the world, Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. Australia is well known for its varied landscapes from the red deserts of the renowned Australian Outback that houses Australia's most famous natural landmark, Ayers Rock, to the Snowy Mountains in southeast New South Wales, to the white sand beaches that surround nearly the entire continent. Just off the Queensland Coast visitors will find the largest coral reef system on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches more than 1,600 miles (2,600 km). Even the cities of Australia are, in themselves, unique with many quaint beach towns such as Surfer's Paradise and Noosa scattered between large metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Brisbane.
ISA Internships in Australia are in various cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Gold Coast. As our network of host organizations is widespread, you will not necessarily have a choice of cities as the goal is to place you in an internship that best fits your goals.
Agriculture and Veterinary Science
An agricultural or veterinary science internship abroad will provide hands-on experience as well as technical and practical knowledge. Attitudes and practices vary across cultures providing a global perspective in this field. Work at veterinary centers, zoos, and wildlife parks with a wide variety of animals like snakes, big cats, kangaroos, koalas, cats, dogs, and horses!
Arts and Humanities
Encompassing a wide range of academic fields including history, philosophy, cultural studies, and sociology among many others, internships in the arts and humanities allow you to explore career options across many business sectors and industries while refining professional interests and strengths. Internships in these fields tend to be multi-disciplinary allowing you to gain a robust set of skills and knowledge.
Business and Marketing
Internships in business fields include a wide range of companies across all industries-—from small start-ups to large multinational corporations. Interns can focus on a specific area within business such as economics, finance, or marketing. Business internships provide valuable experience in understanding regional trade practices, international economies, and global marketing strategies from a new cultural perspective.
Communication, Media, and PR
Understanding the cultural climate of the times and the ways to effectively navigate it is a valuable skill. Working alongside international colleagues and within a new culture helps shape your worldview and ability to more effectively communicate with a wider audience. Work in an array of industries as communications, media and, PR jobs span all industries.
Education
An internship abroad in education is a great way to prepare for a career as a teacher, administrator, or principal. You will be exposed to new educational structures, curriculum, and methods in a variety of educational environments. The experience provides future educators with an expanded cultural perspective and worldview to broaden their approach to education and be more successful educators in our increasingly diverse classrooms.
Engineering
You will work alongside professionals from around the globe from reputable companies, universities, and research organizations in the industry. Interning abroad promotes innovation, technical understanding, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, which are just some of the skills necessary to translate ideas and plans into reality for cultures that are different from our own.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
An internship abroad in environmental studies or sustainability will expose you to some of the most diverse environments in the world. Working with scientists and business professionals, you will gain real-world experience while making a global impact. From placements in biology and ecology to those focusing on sustainable business practices and technology, you will work to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental issues.
Fashion
A fashion internship abroad is a great stepping stone into the industry. Get hands-on experience in a truly global industry, learning about new aesthetics and understanding how business-to-business transactions between suppliers and distributors come to be. Placements focus on design, merchandising, PR, e-commerce, or a combination thereof. Portfolios are required for those participants interested in fashion design.
Film and TV
With a film or television internship abroad, you have the opportunity to work at a variety of companies, providing you with hands-on experience at every step in pre-production, production, and post-production. Exploring the field from a new cultural context while learning best practices will be an invaluable career stepping stone. A portfolio may be requested.
Health
Health internships abroad provide opportunities to shadow professionals, participate in community outreach, and conduct research. Gain first-hand experience with diverse practices in health care systems across a range of specializations. You will leave with a new understanding of how culture influences the practice of medicine, providing you with valuable preparation for a career in the health field. Local language proficiency may be required.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
International internships in hospitality, events, and tourism provide you with a truly unique understanding of the field and an opportunity to learn about the industry through real world experiences. The field varies across cultures, settings, and clientele, instilling a global perspective into your future career. Plan weddings, lead wine tastings, or assist in hotel management as an intern!
IT and Computer Science
An IT or computer science internship abroad complements your formal education with practical work experience in one of the most globalized fields worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to refine career goals, develop a professional network, and learn how other parts of the world use technology. Internships in this field usually require proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, etc.
Legal Studies and Advocacy
Law and advocacy internships include a range of opportunities working at law firms and policy and advocacy centers. Internships in this field provide an inside view of the host country’s legal system and an understanding of how the community navigates within that system. Apply your knowledge to a real-world setting and learn how law and justice work in practice. A writing sample may be requested.
Performing and Visual Arts
With a focus on specific areas such as graphic design, photography, music, dance, or theater, internships in the performing and visual arts give you the opportunity to learn what type of creative projects you will likely work on in a professional setting. Gain valuable insight into the creative process and have a chance to apply your knowledge, channel your inner creativity, and network with industry professionals. A portfolio may be requested.
Political Science
Whether you are interested in American politics, international relations, or public policy and advocacy, an internship abroad allows you to gain valuable insight into how government policies, political parties, city councils, or governmental agencies work. Experience firsthand how these political bodies work with and against one another in the local and global arena.
Psychology and Social Work
A psychology or social work internship helps you understand the complicated social challenges facing global communities while learning how professionals respond. Placements are often research based or involve observing professionals and assisting with various tasks at non-profits. An internship abroad provides the opportunity to connect and integrate theory and practice into a real world setting. A background check may be requested.
Research
Participating in research expands academic experience and enhances understanding of an academic field. A research placement provides the opportunity to join an on-going research project for a short period, helping you clarify academic, career and personal interests. Step in at various stages of the research process and engage in a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach.
Science and Math
Participating in a science or math internship abroad is a great way to understand how research and problem-solving work in other locations, learn about different system models, and see how science and math work in a practical setting. Interning abroad is a great way to build soft skills, gain a better understanding of the larger field, and start considering interests for post-graduate study.
Sports and Exercise
A sport and exercise science internship gives you a comprehensive understanding of current systems and practices in the field as they vary across cultures. Often in this field, you will work as part of a larger team to build teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills. There is a wide range of placements available, from clinics and fitness centers, to sports teams, and research at universities. Complete a mandatory practicum abroad!
Australia Highlights and Activities
Cairns Orientation Excursion
From scuba diving to chilling with koalas, the exclusive Orientation Excursion is one exciting and educational introduction to the land down under. Taking place in the northern city of Cairns, famous for its tropical atmosphere and access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Australia Orientation is designed to set you up for a successful experience abroad by acquainting you with the local culture, allowing time to get to know your soon-to-be-friends and having a memorable journey in the process. Our in-country staff will be there to personally guide you through orientation sessions and all the unique activities – including snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest – planned for the week, all you have to do is show up ready for an adventure!
5 day Schedule Includes:
- Spend a day out on the Great Barrier Reef to learn more about preserving this special site and take an introductory scuba dive with our onboard marine biologist
- Hang out with iconic Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, at a nature park
- Attend orientation sessions in a conference-style environment designed to prepare you for your life abroad
- Wrap up an adventure-filled week at the farewell dinner trying local Aussie cuisine
- Stay in comfortable hotel accommodation for five days while getting to know your new study abroad friends and ISA in-country staff
Excursions and Cultural Activities
Following your orientation in Cairns, you will fly to your host city where you will meet your local Resident Director for a city tour. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island (or Wadjemup in local Noongar language) is an island 19 km off the coast of Perth. A perfect oasis for beachgoers and ocean explorers, those who enjoy a bit of sport and adventure (you can golf on Rotto, bike around the entire island, or go skydiving!) and, of course, home to the world’s smiliest animal: the quokka! Only a 30-minute ferry away from Fremantle, Rotto is a great day trip option or weekend away for anyone keen to camp out under the stars for a few nights. West Aussies love Rotto for the stunning views, the break from the city hustle and bustle, and again, those darn cute quokkas!
Blue Mountains National Park
Trek to Australia’s beautiful Blue Mountains National park via chartered coach along with your fellow ISA students for a day full of discovery. During this day trip you will learn about indigenous culture on a guided bushwalk, capture picture-perfect views of the park’s expansive forests, and marvel at the iconic Three Sisters Rock formation.
Great Ocean Road
Located along Australia's Eastern coastline, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Here, you will witness the rugged splendor of the towering 12 Apostles which are magnificent rock stacks that rise up from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline. With a local guide, journey from the beauty of Port Campbell National Park, with the limestone cliffs of London Bridge, to the spectacular Loch Ard Gorge. To end the day, stop off in the seaside town of Lorne where you can explore the many beach shops along the streetscape or kick back and enjoy the stunning white beaches and enjoy a scrumptious salute to Australia's British heritage with an order of fish and chips.
Housing Details
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay openminded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Australia and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Apartments
All apartments are fully furnished, have a fully-equipped kitchen and are centrally located or are conveniently located near public transit routes. The number of participants per apartment, internet access and on-site laundry facilities varies from apartment to apartment.
Student Residence
Student Residences are a cross between dorm-style living and a boarding house. They are located off campus and are not affiliated to a university, however all residents are students. The number of students per room, internet access, the number of meals and/or kitchen facilities and the method of laundry vary by city.
Guesthouse
Participants live in guesthouses with other ISA and international students. Participants may have a shared room and share a bathroom and kitchen facilities with others staying in the guesthouse. Most guest houses have television, a well-equipped kitchen, and cleaning services. Meals, internet access and laundry facilities vary by guesthouse.
Why Intern in Australia?
Australia is a modern, highly educated culture with a hunger for knowledge and research. Australia has contributed to the international science and research fields through fascinating discoveries, high quality educational opportunities, and international collaboration. As Australia is geographically located near Asia, one of the fastest developing regions of the world, Australia possesses immediate ties to some of the most powerful global economic and industrial exporters in the world.
Australia can host interns in a variety of different career fields, but it's an especially good location for Hospitality and Tourism and Sports Management and Exercise Science students, as well as students interested in Marketing or Business. Interns are placed throughout Australia; in large cities, suburbs, and in smaller towns. Participants should be open to living and working in the location where the most suitable placement is found in order for the participant to gain the best career-building experience available and complete their personal and professional goals during their internship abroad.
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from Australia. In addition, Australian immigration requires the participant to show proof of financial capacity to support their stay in Australia and meet the eligibility requirements. For more details please contact the Program Manager for Internships in Australia.
U.S. Citizens
Prior to departure, participants are responsible for applying for their visa. Processing for U.S. citizens to obtain the visa usually takes 4-8 weeks.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements for the speciality visa ISA Internship uses. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Australia. Other options include the Work and Holiday or Working Holiday visa, depending on the participants nationality. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the embassy or consulate to verify information.
