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Absolute Internship

Why choose Absolute Internship?

Absolute Internship is an award-winning global internship program. We offer students the opportunity to broaden their professional and social network whilst gaining invaluable skills in their industry of choice. Since our inception in 2009 we have matched over 5,000 students with 800+ corporate partners in world-class cities including Barcelona, Beijing, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Lisbon, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm and Tokyo. We are regularly featured in The New York Times, BBC News, Forbes Magazine, Financial Times, and Bloomberg as a worldwide leader for internship programs.

Reviews

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Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best decision I ever made!

I highly recommend Absolute for anyone considering an international internship experience! My internship in Lisbon, Portugal, was incredibly enriching. I made lifelong friends through work, immersed myself in Portuguese culture, and got to see countless amazing places.

Lisbon itself is a fantastic place to live and work, with its unique blend of city life, beaches, nightlife, rich history and culture, and beautiful natural scenery. The people here are warm and friendly, and I felt so welcomed everywhere I went. I wish I’d known more Portuguese before coming, but I picked up so much during my time here!

Navigating the city was easy, thanks to its excellent public transportation system, which made it simple to explore Lisbon and beyond. Absolute went above and beyond to organize cultural activities and trips, adding so much value to our stay and helping us feel at home in this amazing city.

The Absolute staff was also very accessible, always available to discuss any questions or concerns. They even organized mixers where we could connect with coordinators and fellow interns, which helped us build relationships and made our experience even more enjoyable. If you're considering an international internship, I can’t recommend Absolute and Portugal enough!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
While most people speak English, it is so rewarding and appreciated to be able to communicate in the local language! I learned a lot of Portuguese during my time here, but wish I would've come with a bit more under my belt so that I could be that much more advanced.
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Luis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Japan is a Wonderland

The company and the people was the best thing about my experience I met so many amazing people in Japan and created such special bonds with everyone! I could not begin to describe how rewarding the whole experience was. As a Computer Science student at "Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education" I worked at "Irvine Systems" company in Tokyo from August 2024 to Decemeber 2024 I found this opportunity through the internship agency "Absolute", it was so much fun, I learned a lot of things, developed new skills, grew as a person, and made many great friendships while I was there. So many memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Japan has such a unique and authentic culture and getting to experience it was amazing!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Internshipping in another country with such unique culture like Japan is the most life changing experience one can have
Pros
  • Looks great on CV
  • Makes great friendships
  • Gets fully immersion in another culture
Cons
  • Housing may not be the best
  • Long Programs may not include as many experiences as short programs
  • I lost contact with the internship team for most of my stay
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Juliana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The internship abroad that changed my life

The beginning of my journey abroad was filled with adjustments. Entering new environments had its fair share of challenges. Navigating how to allocate time for myself, enjoying the company of new friends and settling into my internship all required a balance to be struck.

Although this time abroad was a step out of my conform zone, it has allowed me not only to gain experience in the non profit field but also grow on an individual level. I have had to the chance to disconnect to learn more about myself and how I may begin to picture my future. I have had the ability to grow a more profound appreciation for life and all the little moments it has to offer.

This opportunity has granted me to gain insight into the working of the Housing First Project and the remarkable work it yields. I have had the chance to be welcomed into the Crescer organization even if it was just for a short time. A team of passionate and driven individuals who have truly been an inspiration to me. Most importantly, I have had the privilege to have gotten to know the people participating in the project. They have welcomed me not only into their homes but also into their hearts.

An unforgettable experience that wouldn’t be possible without the Absolute Internship Company. Their guidance helped immensely with the adjustment as well as facilitating opportunities to explore the beauty that Portugal undoubtedly has to offer.

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Juliette
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing experience

During my one month internship in Barcelona, I met amazing people, friends for life !! I was scared of not finding friends to have fun with, doing all of the activities… but it was quickly resolved ! I found amazing friends, we’re still in contacts every day even though we don’t live in the same country … Also if you’re scared because of the language don’t be ! I was the only French person in the program and everything went perfectly. You get to talk about the different cultures, mentalities…. It is actually really fun and plus you get to improve your English (and learn American or British slang ;)). You can meet people from the entire world : Mexico, London, India, Italy, United States.. and we’re all here to have an amazing experience, and make the most of it !!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Free bus !!!!!!
Pros
  • Huge and beautiful housing
  • Amazing friends
  • Beautiful city
Cons
  • Heat ..
  • The room was not cleaned once
  • The metros close early the night
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Chara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Life- Changing experience ever

Went here during my gap year, with no clue on what was out there in the world or what to expect. I learned SO much from this, from my career field to working in a team, managing tasks and meeting new people. The office was stunning, and Absolute Internship was always there to help and checked in too. I came back with a new sense of understanding, belonging and more. Truly a good experience for those who want to learn more about their field, themselves and even just have fun in general! Thank you so much Absolute Internship!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I attended a talk by THE Microsoft CEO, which was super cool. This was just on top of the other entrepreneurs who came by. On a more fun note, I went for the Eras Tour, boat rides, amusement parks, concerts, bars, camping (midsummer was amazing) and even a cruise!!
Pros
  • Life-changing
  • Fun and engaging
  • Learn more about the outside world and cultures
Cons
  • Homesickness
  • Unpaid internship
  • You won't want it to end!!

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I decided to apply for an internship with Absolute Internship because I really wanted to undergo an internship abroad and, after doing a lot of research, Absolute Internship was highly recommended from various reliable sources.

I decided to undergo a Law internship, as I am currently staying Law at my 3-year Univeristy, and I really wanted to do an internship abroad.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I personally had to organise the entire trip by my self. However, thankfully, the amazing people working at Absolute Internship helped me with everything. Especially when it came to VISA applications and the hotel and transportation, they literally did everything for me. For this, I am very grateful, as they really made the entire experience stress free.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One piece of advice that I would give is to go alone and not go with friends that you already know. By going alone, you get to meet many people and make amazing friendships. As such, if you go with a friend that you already know, you are less likely to step out of your comfort zone and make new friends.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

When you undergo an internship abroad, there are no average days. Every day you do new and different things, by making every day exciting and amazing. You do, however, have a routine.

What my friend and I would do is wake up early, have breakfast together and then go to our internships; in the evening, after we finished working, we would all meet up. Every time we would do different things, in the afternoon, like go to the city or the beach, go shopping or go to a museum and so on. I honestly can’t wait to do it again!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear before going to Hong Kong was traveling alone. I often fly from the UK to Italy or other European countries, but I never traveled alone to literally the other side of the world. I was very nervous and scared, but thanks to the people working at Absolute Internship, I was able to overcome my fears.

They helped me arrange transportation from the airport in Hong Kong to the hotel, and they also sent me a link to search for a cheaper flight. As such, I felt way more comfortable.

If you could do this trip again, what would you change?

If I could go back in time, one thing that I would do differently during my internship in Hong Kong is applied for a two months internship in Hong Kong instead of one month.

After spending one month in Hong Kong, I felt that I did all of the things on my wish list. However, I enjoyed the experience so much, that I would have loved to stay more, especially since all of the friends that I made a life in different parts of the world, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to see them again.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Thuy Tran

Job Title
Operations Coordinator
Thuy works as Operations Coordinator at Absolute Internship.

Having the fortune to go aboard, to experience the academic and professional life in different cultures has broadened her mind in a way she could never have thought of. And so, she is now planing, organizing, and delivering international education and training opportunities to inspire and provide the same or even better experience for young minds who urge for exploration and growth.
Thuy Tran

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

During my 4 months working as Program Coordinator at Singapore, I had an amazing time exploring the city and go into deeper layers of the cultures and local's life here. It's a tiny country but full of surprises and a diverse mix of cultures. It has taught me a lot about how such a small nation could grow so fast and tremendously in the past 50 years

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

The opportunity to go out there, exploring different lands and interacting with different people simple opens my mind and eyes. I also realized a very important aspect and value of my job, what I am doing when seeing the significant changes the experience has brought to the student. It's very rewarding.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I think it'd definitely be the transformation incurred within themselves after the programs. Some never traveled abroad, some never interact in a different language from their own and with the program, they were able to step out of their comfort zone, build a beautiful connections with fellow interns and local, and growth personally and professionally.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Singapore since I lived the program and see so much growth within my elf but also in the students who came to this city. It's a well organized program that allows students to see and experience a different culture thoroughly.

In a short period of time, with a combination of professional experience (internship), excursion and local cultural activities, students are able to get a full immersion into the Singaporean life.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Absolute Intern ship is team of international people, with different backgrounds and cultures, and yet we come together with the sole purpose to create opportunities and bring changes.

I'm very proud of the team as every single action we are doing now, we're doing it with care and love and an urge to bring changes.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think it's the team who believe in what they do, the value and mission of the company. Everyone at Absolute Internship is very passionate about travelling and personal development and that helps us come together as the A team to build and run the programs and help students realize how much changes they could have for their life and others.

Professional Associations

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