Native English fluency, or a qualifying score from one of the following: GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or TOEFL
Your Internship
Our program guarantees an unpaid, for-credit, 12-week internship placement of up to 32 hours a week in the field of your choice. Before you go, we work with you to find the ideal internship placement that fulfills your career goals. If we don’t currently work with a business or organization in your field of interest, we will search for a placement that’s right for you.
Work Experience
Gain real work experience that will jump-start your career.
Extra Support
Take a 3-credit seminar that will help you navigate the workplace.
International Contacts
Build a global network of professional contacts.
Skill Development
Develop your ability to communicate across cultures.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 12 - April 11
Application Deadline:
Internship Program Advisor
Sydné Cook
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 preparefor 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!
Native English fluency, or a qualifying score from one of the following: GCSE/IGCSE, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, or TOEFL
About the Destination
Why Dublin?
Dublin is a global leader in the arts and entrepreneurship. It’s also a major media center with excellent opportunities in business, finance, communications, social outreach, and more. With so much to offer, Dublin is the perfect place for a semester-long internship abroad. Build a global network of professional contacts while taking in everything this amazing city has to offer.
Here is my final post where I discuss returning home after studying abroad in Dublin, marked by readjusting to routine life after weeks of adventure and saying...
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-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-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school.
While working in Dublin, you’ll also enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in and outside the workplace.
Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Dublin 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.
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.)
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.
Students may be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 5 years 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.
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form — This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Cover Letter — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Official Transcript(s) — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae (résumé) — This should detail relevant work or volunteer experience. IES Internships will provide assistance, suggestions and advice for your CV if it is submitted by the deadline. Your application is not considered complete until a correctly formatted CV is submitted.
Professional Letter of Reference (optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, include the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — The recommendation must include a professor's opinion of the applicant's academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country and any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay (no length requirement) — The essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Dublin Center is a fully renovated red-brick Victorian building that used to serve as a post office. Located just south of Dublin’s city Center, our building is walking distance from Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College Dublin. The Center is your study abroad hub.
You will live in a private student residence with up to seven other IES Abroad students each having your own bedroom and bathroom within the apartment. No meals are provided, but you'll share a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area. Mixed-gender and single-gender apartments are available.
The private student residence is completely furnished and has Wi-Fi along with other amenities, including on-site laundry facilities and 24-hour reception and security. The residence hall is within walking distance or a short bus ride to the IES Abroad Center. Residents are invited to attend a range of social events such as mindfulness workshops, movie nights, volunteer days, and more.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, 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 ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Cork
3 Days ($)
Fall
Explore Cork — known for the world-renowned Blarney Stone, the bustling English Market, and for being the final port of call on The Titanic’s solitary voyage.
Galway
3 Days ($)
Spring
Join us on a trip to Ireland's West Coast, known for its live Irish folk music, shops, stone-clad cafes, and art galleries! You will also visit the Cliffs of Moher on the last day of the trip!
Causey Farm
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Visit an open farm where you will have the chance to try Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, learn to play an Irish drum called the bodhrán, and jump in a bog.
Internship Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Residence Permit Fees (paid on-site if required to register with Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Services)
$330
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Paid at time of application
$8
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$700-1,200
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$120
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$3,000-3,300
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$170
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$250
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$1,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
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.
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.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
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.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).
The IES International Internship Waiver will include:
More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.
Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.
The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.
We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.
Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.
For a step-by-step description of how our internship process works, visit the full-time semester internships page. As soon as you are accepted and confirm your spot on the program, you can begin your placement process! Our internship coordinators will then work with you to secure an internship at least two weeks before the start of your program.
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.
