Go Abroad
SEARCH PROGRAMS
Search by destination, institution, language, and more on Atlas, Western's International Experience Portal.
Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program, generally between late Fall and early Winter terms. Check specific program details in Atlas
International Internships

International internships are a great way to gain experience related to your degree and immerse yourself in a different culture and country. Internships are generally defined as "a work placement abroad, usually working in a pseudo-professional capacity, where the primary motivation is educational. Internships may be credit or non-credit and paid or unpaid."
Would you like an international experience from the comfort of your own home? We also offer virtual internships.
Benefits of an International Internship
- Gain relevant work experience in a global setting
- Build a global perspective and intercultural skills
- Expand your knowledge
- Immerse yourself in a different culture
- Meet new people and expand your global network
- Improve professional skills in a dynamic environment
Program Details
- Most major international destinations are available
- Prices range based on length of internship, destination, and internship provider
- Bursaries and scholarships are available
- Western students receive a discounted rate
- Receive full support from Partner Internship Provider
- Most students intern during summer months but dates are available throughout the year
- Students may arrange to receive course credit for their internship experience
Who Can Apply?
Internships are generally available to all students at main campus and Affiliates from first year to graduate level. However, there are some different eligibility requirements depending on the program, so please refer to requirements for each program in Atlas.
How to Apply?
Before You Apply
Apply Online
After You Apply
Arranging Your Own Experience
If you find your own internship opportunity abroad and have been approved by your academic department or faculty to participate in the experience, ensure that you complete the University Sanctioned International Experiences form in Atlas to begin the Travel Registry process, which is a requirement of Western’s Safety Abroad Policy.
As well, consider the following important matters:
- Visas/Permits: Investigate your host country’s authorization to work requirements. Depending on the length of your internship, you may need to apply for a work permit or visa. Many work permits and visas take time, so you should plan to begin this process well in advance of your internship start date.
- Employment Contract or Letter: Your employer or host organization may request that a letter or contract be signed by Western. If this is the case, contact your Department or Faculty’s career services specialist, or Bob Gough, Director, International Internships and Development, Western International.
- Out-of-Country Health Insurance: You are responsible for ensuring that you have adequate out-of-country health insurance during your time abroad. Some organizations may require you to sign up for coverage that they will arrange. If you are arranging your own health insurance, be sure to review and become familiar with exactly what your plan covers, how long it lasts, and where and how it works. Be sure to ask whether the plan covers pre-existing medical conditions.
Western Heads East Internships

Western Heads East (WHE) is a unique interdisciplinary program founded at Western in 2002. Western Heads East offers a challenging, dynamic, competitive, and multidisciplinary learning opportunity for student interns to grow and assist with health and sustainable development through probiotic foods, working with established African partner organizations and academic institutions.
Since the project began in 2002, over 100 Western student interns have participated in the program from a variety of academic backgrounds, such as business, health science, science, social sciences, food and nutrition, women’s studies, nursing, medicine and education, among others. There is a minimum 90-day internship commitment in Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda. WHE does not have a set program fee, but students cover travel and living expenses.