An IES internship develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid internship placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work up to 35 hours a week. IES Abroad Sydney interns have been placed in an array of industries and work settings, including social media marketing for a surfing company at Bondi Beach, blogging about the best in Sydney food, art and fashion for a leading PR firm, and interning for the city’s film festival.
Summer - Internship
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Summer 2026: May 28 - July 26
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Primary Spoken Language(s):
Language Prerequisites:
About the Internship
Internship Program Advisor
Destiny Oppe
Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why Sydney?
Much more than a stunning location, Sydney is one of the world’s most multicultural cities - an international fusion of culture, languages, and ideas with nearly five million residents. Sydney is both energetic and engaging, a hub for innovation across a number of industries. An IES internship develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.
The Student Experience
I Fell in Love With Sydney: Why You Should Study Abroad in Australia
Read my reflection on my time in Australia, and why you should choose Sydney as your study abroad destination.
Program Dates
Summer 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Academics
While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why - during your semester - we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3- or 6-credit seminar.
Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.
To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3- or 6-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school.
Placement Examples
Courses
While working in Sydney, you'll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you'll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.
Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, understanding new cultures, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Sydney and when you return home.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Internship Seminar (2)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workplace Cultures | Summer | English | 3 |
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workplace Cultures | Summer | English | 6 |
Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
- Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
- Non-U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools: Native English fluency or test scores demonstrating English proficiency, including IELTS scores of 6.0 or above or TOEFL certificate with a score of 500 or above for paper or 60 or above for internet.
- Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
- Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
About the IES Abroad Center
The Center staff are highly trained local professionals provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Sydney staff are located in Chatswood, a business and residential neighborhood in the Lower North Shore of Sydney. IES Abroad Sydney staff are readily available to connect with you on your academic, housing, and life experiences.
IES Abroad Sydney Staff
Housing
Apartment
You will live in a private bedroom within a multi-bedroom apartment located on the University of New South Wales campus. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a living and dining area. All apartments are fully furnished, and you can cook in your apartment or go to a variety of restaurants and markets in the surrounding area. No meals are included.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Sydney, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Internship Cost
Summer 2026
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.