Finding a paid internship in the EU is possible. But, it isn't easy either. Many students this year will study abroad in Europe – for a semester or even a year – but far fewer will have a chance to work. For those students who want to go off the beaten path and find a paid internship in Europe, it may mean obtaining EU "student status" by enrolling in a MA program.
What is EU Student Status?
When students from North America study in Europe, they usually do a program affiliated with their home university. They are still students at that University, except they are getting credits at a partner school. This does not confer "student status," at least not the official kind that allows one to do a paid internship in the EU.
To get the elusive EU "student status," one must enroll directly in a European educational institution, with the intention of obtaining a degree. Only then will one be conferred this special status – a sort of limbo between student and professional. With this status, one is eligible to work in any EU company.
Paid Internships Vs. Unpaid
Certainly unpaid internship opportunities exist for foreigners in the EU. But, most likely, they won't last very long and they won't be very substantial – just cutesy tasks, although they may lead to college credit. A paid internship implies two main things. It means the intern has EU health insurance and a EU educational institution that supports him or her legally.
An intern with EU "student status" allows companies to employ him or her for a short length and without having to pay all the social costs it takes to hire a full-time employee. Most Europeans do several internships before they start their careers, as internships are usually part of their degree. As such, internships are quite sought after. In order that companies don't take advantage of their interns, many governments stipulate a minimum wage interns must receive.
A Few Benefits of a European Masters Program
This article is not intended to promote a European MA over a North American one. It is simply saying that it is one sure way to qualify for a European paid internship. Europe does indeed have stellar MA programs, especially at their business schools. The Financial Times lists them each year and ranks each one's flagship degree – the MA in Management is Europe's junior version of the MBA. There are, of course, Master degrees outside of business, but the likelihood of finding a graduate internship diminishes. European business schools develop links with businesses and as such, keep a private listing of many internship openings.
One thing to consider is that a MA in Europe costs much less than the $40-$50,000 price tag of many US programs. Moreover, social security is mandatory for anyone enrolled in an EU university. For a relatively small fee foreigners have almost complete health coverage for their time in Europe. Additionally, with a Schengen visa (what all foreign students receive), one is allowed to travel almost anywhere in the EU for a year or more (depending on the length of the program).
All in all, if one is set on doing a paid internship in the EU with a substantial mission, it may mean waiting until graduate school. Enrolling in a European MA Program is a bold decision for non-EU citizens, but one that includes certain benefits, such as EU "student status." This status opens the doors to a real European immersion.
Steven Olsen - I've seen a few things, been to a few places. After receiving my BA in French with a minor in Slavic culture, I decided to pursue a MA ...
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