New Zealand is a country unlike any other. With warm, peaceful islands in the north, majestic, rugged mountains in the south and any number of variations in between, it is truly a diverse country. The nation is comprised of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as several smaller islands, all of which are home to singular wildlife, varied cultures and friendly people. The striking landscapes that have inspired filmmakers have also captured the imaginations of tourist, backpackers, adventure seekers and students. Interning in New Zealand offers you opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes, enjoy the friendly hospitality of the New Zealanders, or "Kiwis," and experience a unique country and culture.
Internships in New Zealand are offered in a variety of locations including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. However, due to the wide range of host organizations with which we work, you will not apply to a specific city. You will instead be placed in the best internship that meets your goals within the country.
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!
Architecture and Urban Planning
Architecture and urban planning internships expose you to the design and construction of buildings and urban areas in cultures that have different planning models than those at home. Gain technical skills and practical experience within the field, while providing exposure to new systems and styles. Participants interested in an architecture internship may need to submit a portfolio.
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!
New Zealand Highlights and Activities
Orientation
Your program in New Zealand will begin with a multi-day orientation on the North Island. From getting to know Maori culture during traditional ceremonies and meals, to journeying through Hobbiton and Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape, the Orientation Excursion is one exciting and educational introduction to New Zealand. Traveling from Auckland (the country’s largest city) to rural Rotorua, the orientation sets you up for a successful experience abroad, introducing you to the local culture, your fellow ISA students, and how to live and study like a Kiwi, all while having a memorable journey. Our in-country staff personally guide you throughout the four full days of activities. Come ready for an adventure!
Orientation Highlights
- Visit a marae (a Maori meeting house) to experience a traditional welcome ceremony and hangi dinner
- Stay in comfortable accommodation while getting to know your new study abroad friends and ISA in-country staff
- Visit the Hobbiton film set, including the famous Shire’s 44 hobbit holes, to see how this fascinating franchise put New Zealand on the global tourism map
- Experience the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, discovering Rotorua’s unique geothermal wonders and exploring the volcanic landscape of Rotorua
- Attend orientation sessions designed to prepare you for your life abroad
- Wrap up an adventure-filled week with a final group dinner before you depart for your host city, where you will receive an introduction by your local ISA resident staff
Excursions and Cultural Activities
Following the multi-day orientation in Auckland and Rotorua, you will travel to your final host city to get settled into your housing, meet your local Resident Director, and get accustomed to your host city. 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.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is renowned for its natural beauty, rural farmland, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches. You will have the opportunity to kayak through sea caves, interact with the local marine life, and dig your own hot spring pool at Hot Water Beach -this is an experience you will truly never forget!
Huka Falls and Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is surrounded by beautiful forests, volcanic mountains, and snowy peaks, undoubtedly making it one of the world's most unique and picturesque areas. During this trip, you will raft down the Tongariro River and have the chance to do some cliff jumping, if you so dare. You will then visit Huka Falls and cruise around the bays of Lake Taupo, visiting Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.
Weta Workshop and Seal Coast Safari
A must for any fan of the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit trilogies, the Weta Workshop Tour is a movie based visitor experience providing unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Weta Workshop. Then it's off to check out Wellington's rugged coast line, offering sublime views, and the chance to encounter New Zealand fur seals up close and personal.
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 open-minded.There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in New Zealand and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Apartments
All apartments are located near public transit routes and are fully furnished. Your apartment will have a fully-equipped kitchen. The number of participants per apartment, internet access and laundry facilities vary 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 participants per room, internet access, the number of meals and/or kitchen facilities and the method of laundry vary by city.
Hostel
Hostels are centrally-located near public transportation and points of interest. You may share a room with another ISA participant. Rooms offer single beds, an attached bathroom and a locked closet for personal belongings. Room cleaning and bed linen services are included. Internet access, meals and laundry facilities vary from hostel to hostel.
Why Intern in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers an emerging global market, a growing global interest, state-of-the-art research, amazing environmental industry, and insight into Pacific and Maori culture. Throughout the North and South Island, New Zealand has many opportunities in Agriculture, Animal, and Veterinary Science; Arts and Humanities; Business and Marketing; Environmental Studies, Hospitality and Tourism; and Sports Management and Exercise Science. While you can intern in almost any field, those with an interest in the above industries are especially encouraged to consider New Zealand. Engineering placements in New Zealand are highly competitive.
Interns are placed throughout New Zealand; in large cities, suburbs, and in smaller towns on both islands to give you the chance to discover new adventures and challenges in one of the world's most unique countries. Participants should be open to living and working in the location where the most suitable placement is found in order for you to gain the best career-building experience available and complete your personal and professional goals during your internship abroad.
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from New Zealand.
U.S. Citizens
Prior to departure, interns apply for a student training visa. Processing usually takes 6-8 weeks. Applicants must be current university students under the age of 30. If you are a recent graduate, please contact the Program Manager for alternative visa options.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to New Zealand without a visa or outside of their visa dates. 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.
