The 7 Best Places to do an Internship on a Budget

While planning your internship abroad, you’ve almost certainly been doing your research on potential destinations. But for those of you with a tighter budget, your options will start to narrow as you read about how expensive some capitals are.

But we think that interning abroad shouldn’t just be for the privileged few. In fact, it should be open to as many as possible. That’s why we’ve already written a bit about keeping things economical on your internship. 

But to help you as you make your decision, we’ve hand-picked a list of the 7 best cities in which to intern on a budget.

So read on to discover the best destinations for cash-strapped interns!

One of the cheapest travel hubs in the entire world, Bangkok is a fantastic place to intern on a budget. You’ll find yourself indulging in delicious food and drink for a fraction of the usual price. Street markets are especially cheap here, so try it all! Keep in mind that Western cuisine is more expensive than Thai food in Bangkok; so stick to the latter if you really want to keep costs down.

Many of Bangkok’s best tourist attractions are within walking distance; so you can save some money and largely forgo public transport as you explore this diverse and exotic city. 

Take an excursion to some of Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, as well as the Grand Palace. The entry fee is only around $16, which is a low for an attraction with so much to see and do. Take in golden spires and an impressive 14^th-century Emerald Buddha. If you can, go early to beat the crowds and the heat. 

And if you’re looking to keep things even cheaper, Wat Arun – the most famous temple in Bangkok – is accessible for less than $2! 

More than anything, most travellers say that to visit Bangkok is to soak up the atmosphere. The noise, the busyness, the tastes and the smells – it’s a unique package, and once you’re here you won’t have to pay a cent to experience it. 

Check out our immersive internships in Bangkok here.

London is famously expensive. But that’s only if you don’t know where to look.

First up is London’s museum culture. Every museum and art gallery you find will be free of charge to enter. That means you can take an educational journey through art, history, and culture for nothing at all.

There’s a lot of museums in London, and you could spend your entire internship exploring them! Initially, we recommend the British Museum. One of the largest museums in the world, it has around eight million works – and with exhibits from all over the globe, covering every era, there’s nowhere better to immerse yourself. 

Then try the National Gallery, situated at the heart of London. This fantastic art gallery offers a glimpse at most of the major developments in Western art. Home to countless European masterpieces, you won’t want to miss it – and again, it’s completely free!

Another option is clustering your attractions together. This way, you won’t need to spend time and money zig-zagging all over London; after all, so many of the city’s attractions are spread out miles apart. 

Westminster is an obvious choice for Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. Or head to the South Bank to discover the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market. Even just taking in London’s sights is a worthwhile experience. 

Check out our immersive internships in London here.

In Berlin, the great city of culture, everything is affordable. Food and amenities are cheaper than in other European cities, and there’s a wide array of inexpensive attractions to uncover.

Many of the iconic landmarks of Berlin are free, so start out by taking in the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial sculpture, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag. 

Because Berlin was divided for so long, and unlike most other cities, the city never developed a true center. Instead, you’ll find a couple of mini-centers dotted around Berlin, and these are the best places to seek out if you’re looking for a deeper experience.

For starters, try ‘Mitte’ – Berlin’s historical middle. This is as close to a city center as you’ll get in Berlin, and you’ll find all the attractions to show for it. Visit Mitte’s ‘Museum Island’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, if you’d like to learn a little German history. There are museums covering world wars and imperial expansion; or branch out and try the Neues Museum to discover an impressive Egyptian collection. Grab a Berlin Museum Pass for only €29 to gain access to over 30 exhibitions and galleries for three days!

Berlin’s nightlife is world-famous and inexpensive to boot. Alcohol is extremely cheap, and with a range of hipster, upmarket, and laid-back clubs and bars, you’ll find something to match your preferences and price range. 

Check out our immersive internships in Berlin here.

Home to an eclectic mix of old and new, Seoul is the perfect city for the budget-conscious intern. 

The food here is to die for, and you can find it cheaply if you know where to look. Plus, both tax and tip are included in your bill, so you won’t find yourself sprung with extra charges at the last minute. 

In Seoul, what you see is what you get, so get out there and discover some cheap, delicious food! As with Bangkok, local food is cheaper than imported dishes. Try some street food in Namdaemun Market as you take in the heady atmosphere of the oldest and largest market in Seoul.

When it comes to museums and landmarks, entrance fees are generally reasonable. You’re unlikely to find anywhere charging more than $5, and that includes various grand palaces like Changdeokgung. There are five Grand Palaces in Seoul, but you won’t need to visit them all if you don’t want to break the bank. 

We recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace to experience the grandest and most palatial of the lot. Otherwise, the aforementioned Changdeokgung offers beautiful curated gardens; and unlike a couple of the other palaces, the buildings here aren’t reconstructed from earlier designs – they’re the genuine article.

Check out our immersive internships in Seoul here.

Like London, Tokyo is an expensive city. But it’s also a playground for an intern on a budget.

The city is home to some of the richest and most fashionable shopping districts in the world, including Shibuya and Ginza. You’re certainly welcome to take a visit here and soak up the atmosphere, but you’ll have to save your shopping spree for next time.

Instead, head to nearby thrift markets to pick up some second-hand clothing. Try trendy districts like Harajuku or Shimokitazawa to pick up a few bargains. Weekend flea markets are also great places to grab some cheap and stylish clothes – or even souvenirs for your friends and family. 

Food-wise, you’ll want to skip big meals out and focus on both fast and street food. Fast food standards in Japan are high, and you’ll find authentic Japanese food for a low price. Likewise, street food is tasty and accessible for an intern on a budget. You’ll find plenty of delicious food for under $10.

To get around, Tokyo’s high-tech public transport system is a great choice. You can purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you want to experience the entire country, or grab a cheaper local pass if you’re planning to stick to the city. Plan out your journeys and work out where you’d like to go – it’ll save you money in the long run.

Check out our immersive internships in Tokyo here.

With a beautiful natural harbor, beaches, and stunning mountain scenery nearby, Sydney’s free sights are all you need! You’ll get fantastic views over the city and harbor by taking a stroll over the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge. Then head to Angel Place to hear some birdsong as you walk underneath the ‘Forgotten Songs’ art installation – a beautiful collection of bird cages suspended above you.

Make sure to grab an Opal Card as you head around the city. It’ll calculate your fares as you touch in and out of each destination – it’s a time and money-saver. Like most cities, you’ll find cheap food stalls and supermarkets selling pre-prepared sandwiches. 

Or if you want to take a break from street food, you could prepare your own and head up to the Observatory Park. Enjoy a picnic as you gaze over the city, including the historic Rocks area; then visit the remains of Fort Phillip and the National Trust Centre.

By the Opera House, you’ll find over 70 acres of Botanical Gardens. There’s no entry charge, and you even have the option of taking a free hour-long guided tour around the garden. Then head over to Hyde Park – named after London’s Hyde Park – to complete your botanical excursion. Look out for commemorative statues and a magnificently decorated water fountain. Plus, you’ll find festivals, events, and outdoor theater here all year round.

Check out our immersive internships in Sydney here.

Like a couple of cities on our list, Barcelona is a seasonal city. Tourists flood in in the summer; accordingly, prices tend to go up. So if you can, time your internship for the cooler months. It’s a great way to make savings before you even begin.

Antoni Gaudi is one of Spain’s most famous and beloved architects, favored for his colorful and distinctive style. You’ll be able to journey round the city, taking in some of his most famous works for free. If you don’t want to pay the €20 entrance fee, the Sagrada Familia is an impressive sight even from the outside. 

Then visit the Parc Güell, full of Gardi masterpieces, for fantastic views across the city. Much of the park is free to visit, but you’ll have to pay up to €10 to enter the most popular area, the Monumental Zone. Plan ahead and book online for a discount – small savings all add up.

Several museums are open for free on Sunday afternoons, so make the most of it. We recommend the Museu Picasso, featuring over 4,000 works by the iconic painter. It’s a great chance to soak up some authentic Spanish culture.

To get around, grab an Hola Barcelona Travel Card. You’ll get unlimited travel around the city’s metro and bus network for up to 120 hours – plan out your day and make the most of the time you have. It’s much cheaper than buying individual tickets, and it gives you the freedom of the city.

Check out our immersive internships in Barcelona here.

In truth, you can intern on a budget in practically any city. If you know where to look, you’ll find cheap attractions and eateries everywhere.

The most important thing is to be prepared. Book online, research travel passes and other discounts, and be ready to try something different.

In a lot of ways, interning in a city on a budget can give you a cultural appreciation that you wouldn’t otherwise get. By veering from the beaten path, you’ll experience the hidden gems that those paying top dollar will miss. You’ll dodge popular tourist traps – and have a more meaningful internship while you’re at it.

After all, the finer things in life are free. With the right mindset, nothing will ever beat a setting sun or a picnic with friends on a lazy afternoon. 

At Beyond Academy, we offer a range of internships across 14 international destinations. Kickstart your career as you develop your industry skills with an immersive work experience program. If you’d like to find out more and begin planning your international adventure, contact us and go Beyond!