IES Internships’ unpaid, academic summer internships place Vienna interns in fields such as the arts, international relations, psychology, and more (see our list below). As a summer intern, you'll work with a local business or organization for approximately 30 hours per week. With IES Internships’ dedicated staff and international connections in Vienna, you can be sure that you’ll have an internship that meets your goals. You’ll learn, and learn to stand out!
Summer - Internship
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Summer 2026: May 18 - July 17
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Primary Spoken Language(s):
Language Prerequisites:
About the Internship
Internship Program Advisor
Olivia Manternach
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 Vienna?
Since Summer 2019, IES Internships has offered full-time placements in Vienna—the home of our very first IES Abroad Center. As an IES intern, you’ll enjoy the history, rich culture, and professional opportunities that the political and economic capital of Austria has to offer. Recently ranked first in the Mercer Quality of Living survey, there’s nowhere and no way better to spend your summer than with a full-time internship in Vienna.
The Student Experience
"Like Learning a Third Language": the Reality of Studying Music Abroad
Being able to expand your musical studies and horizons with study abroad is a fantastic opportunity, but it may not always be one that offers easy adjustment.
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 Vienna, 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 Vienna 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
German Language (3)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR 101 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Summer | German | 3 |
| GR 201 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Summer | German | 3 |
| GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent I | Summer | German | 3 |
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 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.
- Previous study of the German language is not required. Basic comprehension and conversational ability may be preferred for competitive placements.
About the IES Abroad Center
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Vienna Center is an elegant, early 18th-century palace called the Palais Corbelli, and is in a bustling central part of the city. Whether you’re visiting any number of the museums, taking in a show at a historic theater, or finding a park to study in, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Vienna Staff
Housing
Studio
Studio – Live in your own one-room studio apartment with a full-size bed, private bathroom and study space. Other amenities include a gym, WiFi, on-site laundry, bike share, and more."
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.