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In today’s modern world, professionals of all kinds need to be able to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and psychology is no exception. As a psychiatrist, therapist, clinical psychologist, or counselor you may need to communicate with patients from very different backgrounds; as a neuropsychologist, social psychologist, forensic psychologist, or other researcher-focused professional, you may be expected to work with people who come from or live outside the United States. And if you’re hoping to live and work abroad during your career, international experience is critical to your success.
Adding an international psychology internship to your resume is one of the best ways to show future employers you’re comfortable working with people with various life experiences. An AIFS Abroad internship will help you broaden your global perspective and dive into various psychology career paths, setting you up for professional success. At AIFS Abroad, we offer incredible internships in cities around the globe, so here’s our list of the top five destinations for international psychology internships.
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in psychology? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for psychology internships!
1. Dublin
Dublin is a metropolitan city known for its highly reputable universities that feature strong psychology programs fostering a psychology-forward environment. Ireland’s (and Dublin’s) growing emphasis on mental wellness makes Dublin an excellent choice for budding psychologists, whether you’re looking for opportunities in research, or at a private or clinical practice focusing on developing community outreach and mental health programs. While placements in practices provide invaluable experience in psychology-related settings, it’s important to note that as an intern, you will not be seeing patients. In Dublin, you can build a robust professional network in an international community known for its innovation in the field of psychology. One example of previous AIFS Abroad psychology internship placements in Dublin is with an Active Irish Retirement Center which offers a variety of services including integrated therapy with a team approach designed to meet clients’ needs. Also, English is the primary language in Dublin, so you can go abroad without worrying about language barriers!
Dublin offers so much more than just professional development opportunities. This city is steeped in Irish politics, culture, and history. You can explore museums and art galleries, watch traditional Irish dance, listen to Irish folk music at the local pub, and so much more. Also, beyond the city’s borders, the rest of Ireland is just waiting for you to see—picturesque heritage sites like Kilkenny and Trim castle are easily accessible from Dublin for a day trip!
2. Galway
If you want to explore psychology internships in Ireland and prefer a slower pace of life in a smaller city, Galway is the perfect option. Galway is a city located on Ireland’s west coast that’s more peaceful and less busy than Dublin. However, like Ireland’s capital, Galway has a major institution with a well-regarded psychology school that attracts psychologists from around Ireland and the world. With a psychology internship in Galway, you can take advantage of the city’s smaller community and grow a strong professional network that will be sure to benefit you later in your career. Whether you’re interested in research or interning at a community organization or non-profit, there are plenty of psychology opportunities for you in Galway.
Did you know Galway is often referred to as the “cultural heart of Ireland?” In this city you can have more direct exposure to traditional Irish culture, art, music, dance, and language. For example, you can attend Trad on the Prom—an Irish music, song, and dance experience based in Galway. Also, the Irish language, Gaeilge (or Gaelic), is more common in Galway, but don’t worry—you’ll have no problem getting around with just English! Additionally, Galway places you near unique sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the picturesque Aran islands, and relics of the past like the Dunguaire Castle. Get a more focused, authentic Irish experience with a psychology internship in Galway!
3. Milan
Milan is a major Italian city with a wide range of psychology opportunities for aspiring professionals in the field. In this city, you’ll find a myriad of specializations including cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, psychology education, and other strong research-focused pursuits. Milan is known for its robust healthcare sector, which offers many mental health services. The city is also very international, offering a diverse work environment with the chance to collaborate with people from all around the world. With a psychology internship in Milan, you can explore different career options and further your psychology career in a global setting.
An undeniable benefit to an international internship in Milan is experiencing the unique culture and booming art scene. Milan features distinct Italian culture you can’t experience in other parts of Italy. For example, because one of the major agricultural products in Milan is rice, you’ll find delicious risotto you likely won’t find in other parts of the country. Also, the city is packed with architectural delights and art galleries that will leave you craving more. And thanks to Milan’s location in the north of Italy, you can easily access France, Switzerland, Austria, and other nearby countries on your days off. Food, art, travel, and professional development? You can’t beat a psychology internship in Milan!
4. Barcelona
Barcelona is a great pick for psychology interns thanks to its growing market for mental health professionals which offers a wide variety of career opportunities. In this Spanish psychology hotspot, you can find abundant private practices, non-profit organizations focused on addressing mental health, healthcare centers that specialize in psychology, and diverse client populations. Quality clinical psychology and psychiatry institutions are all over the city and aim to address a range of mental health problems. And thanks to the increasing acceptance of therapy, demand for certain specializations like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and grief counseling are growing quickly. While not all interns will be placed at clinics and practices, local institutions like these create great opportunities for networking and interning in a psychology-focused environment. With a psychology internship in Barcelona, you can explore psychology career paths in a city that’s bursting with opportunity.
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due to its thriving culture—delicious Catalan cuisine; a wide range of musical traditions including classical, flamenco, and jazz; striking architecture like that of Sagrada Família; and famous nightlife can all be found in Barcelona. The city is also home to beautiful beaches which offer the chance to soak in the sun and unwind after a busy week at your internship. Discover why people come from all over the world to Barcelona with a psychology internship in this lively Spanish city!
5. Rome
Rome may have a vast history, but its career opportunities are very much rooted in the cutting-edge. As the capital and most populous city in Italy, Rome is home to multiple well-regarded universities with strong psychology programs, serving as a launching point for new professionals, researchers, and professors in the field. This world-renowned city is also home to a varied cultural landscape that offers a wide range of experience to aspiring mental health professionals who can benefit from working with people from different backgrounds. In addition, Rome is a growing tech hub that is creating some interesting initiatives where fields like tech and psychology intersect, offering a unique, innovative psychology environment. For example, psychology and tech come together in user experience (UX), mental health companies transitioning to digital landscapes, and emerging apps. You’ll find that Rome offers many directions for you to take your psychology career, and wherever you end up, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience that will boost your career!
Of course, the advantages of interning in Rome extend far beyond its professional benefits. You can learn about the vast history of the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. At the center of Italian culture and politics you can view world famous art at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and taste the many flavors of Italy—pizza, arrabbiata, gnocchi, cacio e pepe, and so much more. Take it from the ancient Roman stoic Seneca when he said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind,” and embark on an international psychology internship in Rome!
Looking to advance your career with an international psychology internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international psychology internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring psychologists in some of the world’s most exciting cities. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the competitive psychology world with an internship abroad!