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 some of Australia’s most dynamic cities and business hubs across the country. We have placements in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and the Gold Coast.
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 four-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. We offer internships in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
For some career fields, students may find a better placement outside of their preferred location. In these cases, potential 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 art galleries, interior design studios or graphic design companies. Placements range from start-ups to established local businesses, and can include working with local or international artists and the chance to assist with coordination of specific events or displays.
Work with native Australian animals and domestic animals in local vet centers assisting veterinary surgeons with consultations and treatments. Opportunities are also available with wildlife conservation organizations looking after native animals. Past interns have gotten to work on immersive projects like helping koalas regulate their breathing using dehumidifiers. Research opportunities may also be available focusing on improving the health and well-being of different animal species.
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 meetings.
Develop your programming skills and become more familiar with cutting edge technologies while being trained by some of the best in computer science at C++ or Matlab. Alternatively, gain exposure to different areas of the online IT industry, such as software support, programming, 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.
Develop your skills as an educator through experience with educational camps, hospital programs, speech pathologists and other organizations. Work closely with students, learn from experienced educators, observe the process of identifying learning needs and develop specific programming techniques to cater to these needs, and apply different teaching strategies. Due to the difference in academic calendars between 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 in Australia and most of the opportunities available are in computer engineering. 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. Due to the competitive nature of the industry, applicants must have a significant amount of previous experience working with Embedded C, C++ and Python.
Choose an internship placement in a variety of sectors related to the environment, including researching native Australian flora and fauna, conserving wildlife and habitats, or supporting 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 organizing tables, seating charts and guest lists, preparing audio-visual materials and help with setup/take-down.
Past placements have included working for fashion and sales management agencies with opportunities in design (including bridal), design development, quality control and dispatch, studio organization, visual merchandising, new store or 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 health administration, 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 general practitioner’s office, 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.
In the past, students have been placed at prestigious Australian media companies, as well as international media organizations and media platforms, and local outlets that are well respected within the industry. The broad nature of the journalism and communications world has given past interns the chance to specify their interests and get the most out of their internship experience by focusing on their desired skill set.
Work in a respected law firm or within the legal department of an organization. Our host organizations all have incredible legal reputations and consistently make a significant 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 drafted 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 covering a range of fields or marketing initiatives, including 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 with limited internship placements available. Interns who are accepted may work in a healthcare clinic, helping with a number of administrative duties, or complete research for a university or organization. Opportunities may also exist in organizations to assist with organizational psychology and HR needs.
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 cancer research, mental health research, genetics, 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 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 strokes. We also offer positions in occupational therapy and physiotherapy, as well as athletic training positions in small, boutique gyms throughout Australia.
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 and ticketing/memberships. We have opportunities with Australian Rules football, rugby and baseball teams, as well as sports-related non-profit organizations, gyms and fitness facilities. 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 placed 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 (stage and lighting or sound). Students may assist with workshops, marketing and advertising. We also offer positions in public relations specific to the music industry.
Work in the local tourism and hospitality industry creating new excursions, working within marketing and advertising, looking at tour trends and doing market research. You could also work in positions doing hotel or event management within the industry.
TEAN 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 tourism and travel organizations, media agencies, and national and international corporations. Projects 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.
TEAN offers several internships with a variety of start-up organizations. If you’re interested in learning how to start your own business or about getting a business in Australia off the ground then you’ve come to the right place. Companies can vary in size from just a CEO to more than 50 employees and still be considered a start-up. Though some specialized placements are available, most opportunities introduce students to a broad spectrum of roles and tasks within the business. Positions can also include research opportunities as a business develops their client base, target audience or business goals.
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 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 a Sydney Opera House tour, experiencing Luna Park in Sydney, going to Australian Rules football (AFL) and rugby (NRL) matches, surfing in Perth and Sydney, hiking in the Blue Mountains, traveling the Great Ocean Road or visiting the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, visiting Rottnest Island in Perth 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) Deadline | Feb 1 |
| Summer (June start) Deadline | Feb 15 |
| Fall Extended Deadline | July 1 |
| Spring Deadline | Oct 15 |
| Application Deadline | Oct 15, 2020 | |
| Arrival Day | Feb 8 | |
| Orientation Excursion | Feb 8 | Feb 12 |
| Internship Starts | Feb 15 | |
| Internship Ends | May 21 | |
| Program Ends | May 23 |
| May start | ||
| Application Deadline | Feb 1 | |
| Arrival Day | May 18 | |
| Orientation Excursion | May 18 | May 22 |
| Internship Starts | May 24 | |
| Internship Ends | Jul 16 | |
| Program Ends | Jul 18 |
| June start | ||
| Application Deadline | Feb 15 | |
| Arrival Day | Jun 15 | |
| Orientation Excursion | Jun 15 | Jun 19 |
| Internship Starts | Jun 21 | |
| Internship Ends | Aug 13 | |
| Program Ends | Aug 15 |
| Application Deadline | Jul 31 | |
| Arrival Day | Sep 3 | |
| Internship Starts | Sept 7 | |
| Internship Ends | Dec 11 | |
| Program Ends | Dec 13 |
Accommodation for 9 weeks: $3,000
*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.
**The cost may vary if student choses to apply for an alternate visa other than the one TEAN recommends.
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 do you do for TEAN and what is the best part of your job?
I am the New South Wales Resident Director working with students who study in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. The best part of my job is watching students grow throughout their study abroad experience!
What should be on every student’s bucket list for a semester in Australia?
There are so many things to pick from!! My absolute favorite thing I have done in Australia was go to Rottnest Island in Western Australia. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. There are no cars on the island, so you rent bikes and ride around beach hopping. There are amazing snorkeling spots, great beaches to lay out and the quokkas are the absolute cutest!
What are some must-do activities for every Sydney study abroad student?
Everyone should do the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk. If you do that and love it, then check out the Spit to Manly Coastal Walk. It’s a bit longer but so beautiful! You can also take the ferry to Manly Beach then, once you get to Manly Beach, walk up to Shelly Beach and go snorkeling. I also recommend heading to Newtown for some of the best vegan food around as well as great shopping and nightlife, wandering through Sydney’s amazing markets, like theGlebe and Marrickville markets, and seeing if there are any shows or concerts you’re interested in while you’re in Sydney – there are some really cool old theaters here!
Besides Sydney, what are some of your favorite places in Asia Pacific?
I loved Thailand for its culture – the people were so lovely, the food was amazing and seeing elephants is hard to beat! Of course, the beaches are gorgeous and I loved all the fun shopping too. I would highly recommend visiting Thailand while students are living in Australia. It’s very affordable and it’s so close!
What is the best meal (or food) you’ve had while traveling abroad?
When I was in Bali, I tried this jackfruit curry dish in Ubud. It was unbelievably delicious and the texture was amazing. This introduced me to cooking with jackfruit, which is now a weekly staple at my house. All the food in Bali was so fresh. I loved how you could buy tempe and tofu wrapped in banana leaves on the side of the road!
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