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Successful public relations is all about effective reach, and to achieve it, you need to know how to relate to diverse audiences. One of the best ways to hone your public relations skills and learn how to reach wider audiences is with an international PR internship.
An AIFS Abroad internship will help you expand your global perspective while building valuable skills that will launch your career in public relations. AIFS Abroad offers exceptional opportunities for internships in some of the world’s most exciting cities for PR, so here are our top five cities for public relations!
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in PR? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for public relations internships!
1. Barcelona
Barcelona is a global hub for business and media, making it an exceptional place for a public relations internship. The city is home to a thriving PR and communications industry, with many agencies specializing in corporate, fashion, hospitality, and tech PR. Interns can gain hands-on experience drafting press releases, assisting colleagues with managing media relations, and developing strategic communication plans for local and international clients. Barcelona’s position as a major event and conference destination provides opportunities to work on a range of event-focused PR campaigns. Plus, the city’s multilingual environment, where Spanish, Catalan, and English are commonly spoken, allows interns to develop communication skills that resonate with diverse global audiences.
Barcelona isn’t just a fantastic place to build your public relations career—it’s also a city bursting with life and culture. When you’re not networking at industry events or developing your PR skills, you can soak up the city’s exciting energy by strolling down Las Ramblas or exploring captivating art in the Gothic Quarter. If you need to unwind after a busy day at your internship, relax on one of Barcelona’s stunning beaches or blow off steam by participating in the city’s legendary nightlife. Whether you’re enjoying live music in El Raval, catching a soccer match at Camp Nou, or admiring Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona offers an unforgettable experience for personal and professional growth.
2. Sydney
As Australia’s largest city, Sydney is home to major PR firms, global corporations, and a thriving startup scene, providing interns with a diverse business environment to begin their public relations careers. From working on media campaigns for regional brands to handling crisis communications for high-profile clients, Sydney offers a fast-paced atmosphere where you can sharpen your strategic communication skills. The city also hosts major global events such as the Sydney Film Festival and Australian Fashion Week, allowing PR interns to see how large-scale event promotion and media relations are handled. Additionally, with Australia’s strong emphasis on digital communication and influencer marketing, interns can gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of public relations in a tech-driven world.
Beyond career growth, Sydney is a city that knows how to balance work and play. When you’re not crafting press releases or coordinating media outreach, you can relax at Bondi Beach, take a scenic ferry ride to Manly, or spend a day exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to the nearby Blue Mountains or go surfing on Sydney’s famous waves. Enjoying sunny weather, attending outdoor festivals, and getting to know the friendly locals—what’s not to love about a PR internship in Sydney?
3. Dublin
Dublin is a global business hotspot with a booming media industry, making it an excellent choice for a public relations internship. As the headquarters to many local, regional, and global businesses, Ireland’s capital offers unique opportunities to gain experience in corporate communications, tech PR, and digital media strategy at a small or mid-sized company. Dublin is home to a strong network of PR agencies that work across various industries like finance, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and tourism, allowing interns to develop experience in a range of sectors. In addition, Ireland’s reputation as a hub for international business means PR interns can gain direct exposure to cross-cultural communications in a diverse media landscape. Dublin also hosts all kinds of events year-round, allowing interns to collaborate with industry experts on event promotion projects, press releases, and more.
Outside of your internship, there’s so much to enjoy in Dublin. While it’s a modern metropolis, it retains much of its old-world charm thanks to historic buildings like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Four Courts, along with the stunning Trinity College campus, which feels frozen in time. If you feel like going out and having fun, there’s the famous Temple Bar nightlife to enjoy, where you can meet new friends or catch up with other interns and listen to live music. The city’s café culture and literary heritage provide the perfect backdrop for reading your new favorite book if you feel like taking it easy. With its friendly atmosphere and rich history, Dublin is an unbeatable place to enjoy life while you build your public relations career!
4. Florence
If Florence’s infamous Medici family knew anything, it was how to build a brand—and they did it centuries before the term “public relations” even existed. Florence embodies public relations and communications in its DNA, and today’s PR interns can take advantage of its deep history and modern business sectors. As a global center for art, fashion, and tourism, the city offers unique opportunities for PR interns to gain experience in creative fields with luxury brands, cultural institutions, and high-end hospitality. Whether you’re managing media campaigns for local jewelers or helping promote an event held in one of the city’s many art galleries or historic buildings, Florence provides an exciting environment to bolster your public relations skills. With its reputation as a center for creativity and innovation, Florence’s PR industry attracts professionals from cities around the world, giving access to global networks and diverse perspectives that are sure to boost your career during your internship.
A public relations internship in Florence will give you plenty of opportunities to experience all that’s offered in one of Italy’s most picturesque cities. Its stunning architecture provides the perfect canvas for a life where you balance your emerging career and expand your cultural perspective. You can wander side streets to find your favorite pizza or espresso or kick back in one of the city’s piazzas to watch the buzz of life. Spend weekends exploring other parts of Italy—Rome, Milan, and the gorgeous Italian countryside are just a train ride away.
5. London
As one of the world’s leading business, media, and entertainment centers, London offers an exciting environment for aspiring public relations professionals. The city’s diverse and competitive PR scene provides a wealth of opportunities across various sectors, including tech startups, local institutions, and public relations and marketing agencies. If you’re interested in a public relations career within a specific industry, London is an exceptional choice for your internship—the city’s massive business sector touches on every industry imaginable, allowing you to dive into your niche. Interns here can gain experience in high-profile media relations, crisis management, and digital strategy, working alongside bona fide experts who can teach you the skills you need to build long-term success. Plus, with a public relations internship in London on your resume, you’ll be guaranteed to impress future employers.
In addition to professional advantages, London is packed with benefits to your personal life. This busy city will ensure you never have a dull moment while you intern abroad. Whether attending a West End theater show, exploring one of the city’s hundreds of museums, enjoying an afternoon reading, or hanging out with a new friend in one of its many parks, London’s cultural offerings are second to none. The city is also a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, with food from every corner of the globe, perfect for anyone who wants a diverse cultural experience within a familiar language environment. Ditch the career troubles and FOMO with a PR internship in London!
Looking to impress employers with an international public relations internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international public relations 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 PR professionals 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 gain hands-on public relations experience with an internship abroad!