International work experience is more important than ever and one of the best ways to make the leap into working abroad is by completing an internship in Australia – a longtime leader in the health, sports and technology industries. Offering a range of internship opportunities throughout the country, TEAN works tirelessly to connect students with highly relevant placements in every trade from finance, to environmental conservation, to even sports medicine. While Sydney is a popular destination as an international business hub, other cities throughout the country also provide a variety of internships suited to meet nearly every degree or interest.
Gain real world work experience with a full-time internship (minimum 32 hours per week) in pre-established positions for 8 weeks (summer) or 14 weeks (semester)
Further your professional development via interview preparation sessions and individualized feedback/coaching, along with an evaluation procedure including Goal Setting, Supervisor Evaluations, Self Evaluations and more
Live in Sydney, Australia's largest city and business hub. Or you can live throughout the country with placements available in locations such as Perth, Melbourne, Newcastle, Brisbane, Adelaide and Cairns
Enjoy guaranteed pre-arranged TEAN housing in centrally located, fully-furnished apartments which include internet and utilities
Explore the Great Barrier Reef and tropical far north of Australia during your comprehensive five-day Orientation Program, with a week of adventure as well as learning about local business etiquette and internship best practices
Participate in cultural events and excursions included throughout the duration of the internship
Benefit from Resident Directors based in each city who support interns culturally, professionally and personally throughout their stay
Take advantage of our re-entry advising to assist in the practical application of skills learned (i.e. adding your experience to your resume or leveraging your experience abroad to increase marketability at home)
Australia interns start their program with the included Great Barrier Reef Orientation Excursion. The four-day Orientation based in Cairns is designed to set you up for a successful internship by acquainting you with the local work culture and internship best practices, and having a memorable journey in the process.
Read MoreStudents can indicate their location preference when applying to the program, subject to availability. Most internships are based in Sydney but through our extensive network we can source placements throughout the country, such as in Perth, Melbourne, Newcastle, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Cairns.
For some career fields students may be best served by being outside of Sydney. In these cases, locations will be discussed during your first interview with TEAN after an application has been submitted.
TEAN offers Summer (8-week) and full semester (14-week) unpaid internship placements in a variety of positions in exciting industries including the below. There are no industry limitations. If your field is not listed please contact us to check availability.
Intern for a national organization in their finance department or for an accountant who is an accredited mortgage consultant or tax agent. You may be involved in updates and reconciliations for special events within an organization, and will work directly with a finance or accounting unit.
Intern at a gallery, museum or a design studio. Placements range from local boutiques to national museums, and can include working with local or international artists, and the chance to assist with coordination of specific events or displays.
Work with native animals of Australia and domestic animals in local vet centers or even large equine facilities assisting veterinary surgeons with consultations and treatments. Depending on the season, research opportunities may also be available to work with marine mammals, such as studying the migration of humpback whales and tracking specific species’ unique behaviors.
Business internship placements are available in a wide range of local, national and international companies where you’ll work with and learn from managers or directors who will show by example how to manage a team and information correctly. You’ll also be assigned projects and tasks, as well as be involved in company meeting
Gain exposure to different research projects, develop your programming skills and become more familiar with cutting edge technologies while being trained by some of the best in this niche industry at C++ or Matlab.
Develop as an educator through experience in the classroom, exposure to a school environment, or in an educational camp or other organization. Work closely with students, learn from experienced educators, observe the process of identifying learning needs, develop specific programming techniques to best cater for these needs, and apply different teaching strategies. Due to the difference in academic calendars of Australia and the U.S., educational opportunities in the classroom are seasonal and not always available while you’re abroad.
Engineering placements are extremely competitive with an array of opportunities to help your internship organization compete for both private and public projects to further its business. Past students have worked on projects with organizations such as NASA, as well as received mentorship from prestigious system engineers in all aspects of VMWare, including decommissioning, provisioning, licensing and troubleshooting.
Choose an internship placement in a variety of sectors including policy and procedure, conservation within botanical gardens, conservation of wildlife and habitats, atmosphere and community projects.
Learn more about Environment internships.
Learn how to successfully plan a commercial or local event from start to finish, such as music festivals, media events, marketing award ceremonies, corporate conferences and school graduations. Tasks can include organising tables, seating charts and guest lists, preparing audio-visual materials and help with setup/take-down.
Past placements have included working with Australia’s largest fashion and sales management agencies including opportunities in visual merchandising, new store research, new brand research, assisting in showings on location and helping with social media.
Healthcare is a competitive field that allows successful interns to work alongside healthcare professionals within fields such as research, neuroscience, optometry and more. We work with hosts from all different areas to ensure you can gain as much practical experience as possible in a lab or clinical setting.
Intern in a human resources department managing a number of roles to help support the company or organization. Some of the functions carried out may be strategic planning, forecasting labor requirements, recruitment, selection, induction, motivation, performance appraisal and rewarding employees, along with assisting with managing redundancy, employee grievances and complaints.
Gain exposure to different areas of the online IT industry, such as software support, programming (including C++ and Matlab), interface design, client support, system administration and online advertising. Past interns have worked on prestigious IT contracts for international companies, as well as Australian-based businesses of all types, sizes and fields.
In the past, students have been placed at prestigious Australian and New Zealand media companies, such as Fairfax Media Limited, as well as international media organizations, national newspapers and media platforms, and local outlets that are well respected within the industry. The broad nature of the world of journalism and communications has given past interns the chance to specify their interests and get the most out of their internship experience by gaining their desired skillset.
Work in a respected local or national law firms. Our host organisations all have incredible legal reputations and are consistently making a great impact in multiple hearings as well as in the national news.Tasks may involve researching local legislation legal research, legal drafting, attending court hearings or interviews with clients, and providing draft legal advice to solicitors for approval.
Get the opportunity to work across many aspects of marketing including social media, digital or online marketing and developing web content. Roles vary with placements at both agencies and in-house and cover a range of fields or marketing initiatives including potentially working on major TV commercials, advertising campaigns, webinars and online radio interviews.
Work directly for national or local charities on projects that will truly make a difference. Past interns have worked on important research and have prepared numerous reports for issues that have been presented to government organizations to lobby for new legislation.
Psychology is a competitive field, but successful interns may work in a healthcare clinic, at a major hospital working with patients or in research, while being mentored on methods of treatment provided by clinical psychologists using therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Learn more about prosthetics within a cutting-edge organization with the chance to assist with the technical manufacturing of prosthetic and orthotic devices, as well as attend consultations, fittings and adjustments of prosthetic and orthotic devices with patients.
Work alongside healthcare professionals within agencies or non-profits that are trying to reach certain health goals within the Australian community. Opportunities are available in a number of areas such as domestic violence, mental health research, obesity and drug usage.
Work in a boutique PR firm that embodies the professionalism, efficiency and trustworthiness you would expect from a larger public relations agency. Our host organizations operate with a certain flair and willingness to push boundaries, and you’ll likely be involved with brainstorming, monitoring media coverage, drafting media materials, preparing clients reports and supporting product launches.
Expand your skillset with opportunities to work in sales, leasing, accounting and property management. Past placements have included with estate agents and property agencies working with both residential and commercial properties.
Work directly with Australian universities and healthcare organizations on research projects focused on a range of topics, such as anxiety, head traumas or asthma. Work alongside healthcare professionals in a lab setting or research unit whilst gaining valuable training from your peers.
TEAN offers unique opportunities to intern with our leading partners in sports medicine including working as an athletic trainer in fitness and rehabilitation or even with a with a local Australian Rules football team. Train from experts in specific methods of taping, fitness testing and research surrounding exercise sessions for people recovering from various conditions, such as a stroke.
Learn more about Sports Medicine internships in Australia.
TEAN offers a range of opportunities in sports management and sports marketing, with tasks involving working on developing business plans, sports operations, player management, sponsorship sales/servicing, ticketing/memberships. We have opportunities with national football (rugby), basketball, and baseball teams ias well as with sports organizations that work in major leagues both nationally and internationally. Our interns have gone on to get jobs in major organizations such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the National Basketball League.
TEAN interns in theater and music have a number of opportunities to get involved with the local arts scene ranging from working with local and national radio stations, to being places in actors’ gyms or theater companies for both training and work experience. Interns may have the opportunity to be involved in productions or production management in terms of stage and lighting or sound. Students may assist with delivery of workshops, marketing and advertising.
Work in the local tourism and hospitality industry creating new excursions, working within marketing and advertising, looking at tours trends and doing market research.
TEAN television and film internships give you the opportunity to help produce a variety of media, including videos and web-based content for various platforms and companies, such as TV stations, tourism and travel organizations, and national and international corporations. Projects that interns complete often focus on post production and require research and creative development, client liaison, budgeting, production and delivery across various media platforms.
Past interns have also helped with shoots and received extensive guidance and instruction on filming, lighting and planning techniques, as well as editing and the overall production process.
It is Australian government policy that all interns working in Australia must be doing so for academic credit.
TEAN has partnered with Elmhurst College, located in suburban Chicago, to offer a U.S. transcript and award 6 upper division internship academic credits for TEAN’s 8-week summer and 14-week semester internship programs. Credit awarded will be based on the successful completion of learning goals and objectives (set with a supervisor), weekly reflections, employer evaluations and an activity report. Interns will be enrolled at Elmhurst as visiting students and will be in contact with an Elmhurst faculty member for all assignments.
The additional cost for academic credit is $350 total, and includes an electronic transcript with a Pass/Fail grade from Elmhurst College. Elmhurst College is accredited by the Department of Education of the State of Illinois, as well as The Higher Learning Commission, A Member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more about Elmhurst College at www.elmhurst.edu
Participants may be able to arrange academic credit for the internship placement directly through their home university by speaking with their academic department and the study abroad office. At the time of application to the program, students choosing this option will need to provide TEAN with the details of the credit and any special requirements as it relates to the internship placement. Students are responsible for paying their home university for any tuition or fees associated with the credit.
TEAN encourages participants to discuss the academic credit options with their home university early in the application process. Academic credit for internships must be approved and arranged before the internship begins, as credit typically cannot be retroactively arranged.
Our team works with you start to finish through the internship process. Our staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad, then upon arrival in Australia, you will meet our team who will provide assistance during your time in-country. Our staff is readily available and able to assist you with any questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.
Meet the TeamTEAN interns are guaranteed housing in secure, fully-furnished apartments in the host city. Apartments are centrally located within walking distance of public transport.
TEAN’s Orientation Excursion takes place in Cairns in the north of Australia, famous for its tropical setting and access to the Great Barrier Reef – what better way to start your internship than a week full of adventure, including scuba diving and snorkeling on the largest coral reef system in the world? Your Orientation is designed to set you up for a successful internship by introducing you to Aussie culture including local business etiquette and internship best practices while also getting to know your soon to be friends and having an exciting journey in the process. On the final day of Orientation, students travel to their host city where they move into their housing for the duration of the program.
Read MoreEven though you are traveling abroad to intern, it’s important to take time to enjoy the local culture. The TEAN Internship Program includes a minimum of three unique and engaging cultural activities, such as concerts or sports events, during your time in Australia. Past events have included; whale watching in Newcastle, a Sydney Opera House tour, experiencing Luna Park in Sydney, going to Australian rules football (AFL) & rugby (NRL) matches, surfing in Perth and Sydney, hiking in the Blue Mountains, coffee catch ups and music concerts in Melbourne, and exploring Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from January for Summer and Fall applications and from June for Spring applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.
| Summer (May start) | Feb 1 |
| Summer (June start) | Feb 15 |
| Fall | May 1 |
| Spring | Sept 30 |
| May start | ||
| Application Deadline | Feb 1 | |
| Arrival Day | May 13 | |
| Orientation Excursion | May 13 | May 17 |
| Internship Starts | May 20 | |
| Internship Ends | July 12 | |
| Program Ends | July 14 |
| June start | ||
| Application Deadline | Feb 15 | |
| Arrival Day | June 17 | |
| Orientation Excursion | June 17 | June 21 |
| Internship Starts | June 24 | |
| Internship Ends | Aug 16 | |
| Program Ends | Aug 18 |
| Application Deadline | Sept 30 | |
| Arrival Day | Feb 13 | |
| Orientation Excursion | Feb 13 | Feb 17 |
| Internship Starts | Feb 18 | |
| Internship Ends (Perth Only) | May 15 | |
| Program Ends (Perth Only) | May 16 | |
| Internship Ends | May 17 | |
| Program Ends | May 19 |
| Application Deadline | May 1 | |
| Depart USA | Aug 30 | |
| Arrival Day | Sept 1 | |
| TEAN Orientation | Sept 1 | |
| Internship Starts | Sept 3 | |
| Internships Ends | Dec 7 | |
| Program Ends | Dec 9 |
Accommodation for 9 weeks: $3,000
*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.
Take a look through the above information including career fields, program fees and dates. If you have any questions contact us. The TEAN Internships Team will guide you through the entire process – from application to after you return home.
Apply online when you are ready. Make sure to meet the application deadline. See Program dates above.
Once TEAN receives your application we’ll be in contact to have an interview with you. We’ll also provide some guidance on preparing your resume and cover letter that will be used to introduce you to possible internship placements.
After your initial conversation with one of the TEAN Internships team you’ll be requested to pay your program deposit. Once your deposit is paid TEAN will begin the process of securing your internship placement. This deposit is fully refundable if you are not placed in an internship. Read the full internship refund policy.
Our placement team will collaborate with you to ensure we secure a suitable role in your career field. Upon securing a placement, you will be provided with an Internship Placement Profile that includes a list of duties.
You will confirm your place by submitting your signed Internship Profile Placement by the given deadline. At this point, TEAN will work with you to provide pre-departure information including flight booking information, visa guidance and housing details.
Students who would like to combine a semester studying abroad with a part-time internship in Australia should consider the following study abroad programs. These semester programs offer internships for academic credit as part of their study abroad programs.
University of Sydney – Internships available in a wide variety of fields
University of New South Wales, Sydney – Internships available in the fields of communications/media and business
University of Wollongong – Internships available in business
University of Western Australia – Kinesiology internship available
Griffith University, Gold Coast – Community internship available in a not for profit organization
International College of Management, Sydney – Hospitality or event management internships available
Ask pertinent questions while at your internship. Showing a genuine interest in the business is vital to your growth. Remember your internship is a “learn by doing” experience. The more you put in, the more you take out.
What is your role at TEAN?
I manage our internship programs in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. I work as part of an incredible team and love to find each student the perfect internship opportunity to further their careers.
What are some of the top reasons why students should consider an internship abroad?
Personally, I interned abroad many years ago and my initial reasons for considering an internship were to broaden my experiences as well as gain exposure to a different culture. Along with developing a new skillset, getting introduced to the professional working world and personal growth, you also get to travel! I couldn’t agree more with the saying that travel is one of the only things you can buy that makes you richer. Following an internship abroad, you truly come back from your host country having had the most incredible experience as well as skills for your future career.
What advice can you give for interns to make the most of their time abroad?
I recommend for each intern to make the most of every opportunity that they are given. Time is a valuable thing, don’t waste it! There are so many different experiences and people that they can learn from in Australia, and it’s a great way to be exposed to different ideas, cultural influences and attitudes. The students that excel at their internships are real go getters and make sure that they are always willing to put their hands up for additional tasks. Showing willingness and dedication can lead to some really exciting opportunities and experiences.
What helps set up a student for a successful experience abroad?
A positive attitude and an enthusiasm for the work are the most important tools for success for an internship. Doing what is asked of you and showing an interest in the work will result in being rewarded with an overall positive experience. Initially tasks may seem minor to some students until they realize the overall requisites of each task or how the fit into the bigger picture for the company, but by doing them to the best of their ability and with a positive attitude, an intern will surely find themselves with more meaningful tasks down the line.
What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Sydney?
I love strolling from Chowder Bay to Taronga Zoo. This walk leads you along the coastline and goes past Bradley’s Head Amphitheatre where you can see a skyline view of Sydney’s buildings as well as the harbor. It’s best to do this walk in the afternoon and time it so that you get to the amphitheatre around dusk to see the sunset.
You could spend every weekend at a different market in a different Sydney suburb. My personal favorites are the Glebe Markets because they have a nice variety of vendors and it’s not super touristy.
What first brought you to Australia?
During my junior year of college I decided I would do a teaching internship abroad in Australia. It turned out to be one of the greatest decisions of my life. My placement was at a public primary school which happened to be the first school established in Sydney in 1869. I stayed for the entire year working on tasks that included lesson plan development, art and physical education activities, speech therapy, presentations, assembly material and more. Observing and discovering Australia’s different approaches to teaching made me realize the importance of helping students discover their individual talents and learning styles without putting too much emphasis or attention on standardized testing results. Upon my return to the U.S., I finished my degree in Education and Global Studies with the intent to explore education related career paths with more global involvement and perspective.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My absolute favorite part of my job is seeing or hearing stories about TEAN students who have stepped out of their comfort zones while abroad and are very pleased afterward that they did. There’s nothing like moments of self doubt followed by accomplishment and feeling proud of yourself for doing something new. Many of our students have numerous experiences like this while abroad and realize there’s no person or thing here to hold them back from some truly amazing opportunities. The Aussies often say “just have a go” and it’s an expression I’ve never taken lightly – I never regret trying new things!
What makes Sydney a great place to study or intern abroad?
Sydney is a big and diverse city boasting a wide range of lifestyles and multicultural groups. I love it because people from all over the world have decided to make it their home. It is a very accepting city and is always hosting the neatest events around town that support various groups. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is breathtaking and the Opera House is such a beautiful icon that I often find myself on its steps reflecting after a long week. It always leaves me in awe of how lucky I am to live in such a great city.
What was the transition like moving from Brisbane to Sydney?
Sydney has more than twice as many people living in it compared to Brisbane, so they are very different cities that offer completely different lifestyles. I lived in Brisbane for two years and loved its country-town feel (as any girl from Nashville would be able to appreciate). Brisbane is situated in an ideal spot in Queensland for exploring the beaches to both the north and south as well as its hidden hinterland. I miss its warm weather and continuous sunshine. The city itself was small so very easy to get acquainted with in a short amount of time, which can be ideal for study abroad students – you feel at home right away! The Brisbane River was one of my favorite things about ‘Brissy’ as it kept the entire city connected and made it quick to get around on speedy Citycat ferries. In Sydney, on the other hand, you seldom even have to leave the city to find adventure. It always has huge sporting events, concerts, art exhibitions, cultural festivals, markets and so much more. I love that it sees four seasons as opposed to Brisbane and has plenty of scenic hikes with views of the harbor around it.
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