Step 1. Orientation

You start orienting yourself about one year before you want to do your 3rd year internship abroad. Same goes of course for your final research internship, which you do in your 4th year.

Internship handbook

Each domain or programme has its own internship handbook with the advice, rules and regulations regarding the internships. Most probably you find this on Learn. You can also ask the internship coordinator of your programme where to find it. In the internship handbook you find information on the length of the internship and the competencies you have to achieve.

Experiences of students - namens of companies/organisations where they did their internship

On this Learn page you can read stories of HZ-students who did/are doing an internship abroad. It's also a great way to find out where you could potentially do an internship!

Think about the following things

Where would you like to do the internship?
You can choose to do you internship anywhere in the world. When making your decision it's wise to consider the safety of the destination, and the travel advice of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Travel advice Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs- HZ travel policy
Please read the information on the HZ-travel policy under the item 'Safety'.

Can you apply for a grant?
For an internship abroad there are several possibilities to apply for a grant. Even if you receive an internship remuneration, it is often still possible to apply for a grant. There are grants for within the EU and for outside the EU. Read all about it on the special page about grants.

Higher grants for students from so-called 'underrepresented groups'

Are you a student:

  • With limited financial recourses;
  • With a disability (physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment);
  • With health problems (serious illnesses, chronic conditions or other physical or mental health problems)

If so, you may be eligible for a higher grant. Check the information on grants and scholarships to see if you qualify. You can also ask your counselor to inform the HZ International Office of your situation.

Which language?

In many organisations the working language is English. If you are an IB-student and have to specialise in a certain language, then you will do your internship in e.g. Spain whilst your working language is Spanish.

Which semester?
For the 3rd year internship you can mostly choose yourself in which semester you wish to do your internship. In some programmes you must do this internship in a certain semester. Read the Regulation of your programme to see if this applies for you. The 4th year final research internship is in the final semester of your education.

Internship assignment
Ask yourself the following questions regarding your internship assignment:

  • What do you want to achieve?
  • Which assignment fits you and your goals best?
  • Do you wish to work for an SME or a multinational?
  • Is the assignment related to your study programme?
  • Are you able to link the internship tasks to the competencies you have to achieve? In other words: will the assignment be approved? For this you have to consult your internship coordinator.

Costanza Mariotti, a Civil Engineering student about her experience in Italy:

'I am doing my graduation internship abroad, because I wanted to practice my Italian and broaden my career opportunities. I also wanted to go to a place where the weather was more suitable to enjoy the outdoors.

I found my hosting company by researching engineering companies in Italy. Everyone at the office is very helpful and the working hours are flexible. Moreover, I am provided with a personal office and access to the company’s database and facilities.

During my stay I explored Italy and Austria on a frequent basis: I went to Alessandria, Perugia, Innsbruck, Firenze, Pisa. I also enjoyed the natural environment in the region of South Tyrol. In fact, the Dolomites are in this region, this meant going skiing in winter and hiking in summer.'

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