London Summer Internship | IES Internships

London Summer - Internship

Why London?

Explore the impact of Britain on Western culture, including art, literature, business, and politics, when you intern in London.

Your Internship

Our program guarantees an internship placement to help you develop professional skills that will jump-start your career and make you competitive in today’s job market. IES Internships’ unpaid, academic internships will place you at a company or organization in your field of choice, while you experience all that London has to offer.

Before you depart, we work with you to perfect your CV and cover letter, hone your networking and interviewing skills, and prepare you for working in a new environment. You'll intern at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 32 hours per week. You'll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship by examining workplace issues.

With IES Internships’ dedicated staff and international connections, you’ll have an internship that meets your goals. You’ll learn to stand out.

Past students have interned in placements like the examples listed below. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive. We encourage students of all majors to apply.

Parliamentary office working to improve government policies and the lives of constituents in their district
Artist management agency and music consultancy
FinTech startup helping users create savings goals and budgets
Recruitment company focused on placing financial professionals in permanent, temporary, contract and interim opportunities
Boutique, independently owned investment advisory company specializing in alternate investments
Nationally recognized prison arts charity that encourages ex-offenders to change their lives through taking parts in the arts
Fashion company that works with an extensive network of international brands to distribute quality, branded timepieces and jewelry in the UK and Europe
Internationally awarded theatre company that produces over 30 productions a year
Social enterprise that invests in world-class, early-stage businesses that generate compelling financial and societal returns
Organization working to improve the health of the nation by getting more people, more active, more often
Small, fast-growing technology company focusing on developing secure and data-driven applications with a focus on data analytics
Award-winning immigration law firm
Publishing house that publishes novels, essays, memoirs, and children’s books

Don’t see what you're looking for? Just talk to your IES Internships Representative—we are always seeking out new opportunities.

Daily Life

We want you to feel at home while you intern in London, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural activities, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

Spend your free time getting to know London and its surroundings through IES Abroad-organized cultural events and optional field trips to places like Bath & Stonehenge, Brighton, and Cambridge.

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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Academics

While working in London, 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
Navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in London and when you return home

Personalized Placements
Your Internship Coordinator will work with you to find a placement in the field of your choice. We’ve placed past interns at companies and organizations in the following fields:

Arts & Museums
Business
Education
IT
Marketing
Media & Communications
Music
Politics
Social Organizations
Theater

Don’t see your field listed here? Just talk to your IES Internships Representative—we are always seeking out new opportunities.

Courses

All summer interns will enroll in one of the following courses:

IN 395 Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar - 3 Credit Internship Seminar

IN 395 Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar - 6-credit Internship Seminar

Field Trips & Events

Though you’ll be living and working in London, you also have the opportunity to join IES Abroad-organized field trips that take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. These trips are available at an additional cost and are dependent on your work schedule.

Bath & Stonehenge
2 days | Summer
Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.

Brighton
1 day | Summer
Explore the historic maze of twisting alleyways and enjoy a visit to the Royal Pavilion, one of Europe’s most exotic palaces.

Cambridge
1 day | Summer
Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.

IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and length of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Daily Life

Part of making you feel at home in London is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.

Orientation

Your program begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues once you arrive abroad and introduces you to the IES Abroad London staff, your fellow interns, and the city of London. Orientation will also include information sessions on professional and cultural expectations and commuting.

Housing

Residence Hall - You will share a flat with four to five other IES Abroad students in a residence hall. Your room is single occupancy with a bed, storage, and private bathroom. There is a shared kitchen available to you and your flat mates. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

IES Abroad Housing may vary according to term and availability.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events

Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in London, such as:

Organized walks and activities introducing various London neighborhoods
Outings to London’s diverse markets
World-class performances at London’s many entertainment venues

Get to Know Your New City

Explore Neighborhoods

The best way to get a feel for this culturally-vibrant metropolis is to visit some of its 48 distinct neighborhoods.

Walk Along the Thames

Snap an obligatory photo from the Westminster Bridge as you begin your stroll along the Southbank.

Tour the Tower of London

Set along the River Thames, this imposing castle has been a part of the London skyline since 1078.

Unwind in Parks & Gardens

From small garden squares to sprawling grounds with herds of deer, you are always close to a green space in London. Whenever you need a break from the craziness of the city, relax and recharge in one of the city’s many parks.

Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

Make the short trek to Leavesden to pay homage to J.K. Rowling and discover the magic of all things Harry Potter.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.

Term: Summer 2023
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Summer 2023 3 Credits	$5,227	$2,986	$135	$8,348
Summer 2023 6 Credits	$5,827	$2,986	$135	$8,948

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

Summer Need-Based Financial Aid

Up to $1,000

Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:

Level of financial need as determined from information provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus

Hemera Foundation Summer Social Impact Internship Scholarship

Up to 100% of room and board costs based on financial need + $1000 travel grant

The Hemera Foundation Summer Social Impact Internship Scholarship was initiated by the Hemera Foundation, whose mission is to foster basic human goodness in individuals and society. This Scholarship, which will be sustained through a foundation collaborative, aims to inspire students to make a social impact through summer internships within philanthropic or direct service/social service organizations.

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

Learn more

Our Center

london center plaque.jpg

gold plaque on building engraved with "IES Abroad The William L Gaines Centre"

The IES Abroad London Center is an 18th-century Georgian building located in the central London neighborhood of Bloomsbury and a two-minute walk from the British Museum.

Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
Meet with staff in their offices
Study in the Student Lounge/Library
Bring your lunch to eat on the outdoor patio
Meet up with friends in the student lounge
Other features include Wi-Fi, printing facilities, and gender-neutral bathrooms.

The IES Abroad London Center is recognized by The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for meeting or exceeding UK expectations as a quality higher education provider. Learn more about our recent QAA reports.

Our Staff

John Ockey

Center Director

John brings over 15 years of experience with IES Abroad, including seven years with IES Abroad Milan and nearly three years with IES Abroad Siena before coming to IES Abroad London. Here, he oversees all programs in London and Oxford. During his time in Siena, John developed and implemented a banner program with a strong focus on cultural immersion and academic rigor. In Milan, he played a key role in improving and developing the Milan program, notably in the areas of student housing, student activities, orientation, and supervision of the student services staff. Prior to working for IES Abroad, John received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Italian Literature and Art History from Brigham Young University and worked in Geneva for the United Nations.

IES Abroad London Staff

Angela Ellermeier
Associate Director & Dean of Faculty

Zosia Rutkowska
Assistant Director and Head of Customized Programs

Emma Blundell
Head of Student Affairs & Wellness

Martin Hannan
Senior Accounts & Budgets Manager

Ahmed Hamdan
Facilities Manager

Rohima Miah
Academic Manager

Beth Lehlbach
Head of Internships

Jacci Lawson
Internships Manager

Rhys Dunlop
Internships Coordinator

Nicoletta Pazzaglia
Student Affairs & Customized Programs Manager (Field Trips and Wellness)

Joshua Trowbridge
Student Affairs & Customized Programs Manager (Housing)

Adam Harrison
Customized Programs Coordinator

exterior of IES Abroad London Center in Bloomsbury, London

another small classroom in London Center

computers, printer, and resources in the student lounge

entry of London Center with bulletin boards

Health & Safety

With 70 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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

programpage-Granada_Sevilla_Sunset at Orientation_Hannah Geller.jpg

student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI 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
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

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