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Sports and wellness is a field that is founded on teamwork, motivation, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. To succeed in the industry, you need experience working with diverse groups of people in a fitness and wellness setting. One of the best ways to gain this experience is with an international sports and wellness internship.
An international sports and wellness internship will help you build a strong professional network and expose you to career opportunities that exist outside the United States. An AIFS Abroad internship will help you expand your global perspective while gaining practical, hands-on experience that will pave the way for future success in the industry. At AIFS Abroad, we offer exceptional internships in cities around the globe—here’s our list of the top five destinations for sports and wellness internships.
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in this industry? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 global cities for sports and wellness internships!
1. Sydney
As Australia’s cultural and business center that features a thriving local community focused on healthy living, Sydney is an excellent place for sports and wellness interns. The city offers a wide variety of opportunities in the field including fitness training, physical therapy, nutrition, coaching, event coordinating, yoga instructing, sports management, and more. While the sports industry is very much rooted in entertainment, Australians also use it to promote well-being. Here, you can find more holistic approaches to the industry and innovative practices that prioritize physical health, mental wellness, and community engagement. From state-of-the-art fitness centers to outdoor boot camps on Sydney’s iconic beaches, the city provides an inspiring environment for sports and wellness interns to gain hands-on experience customized to their career interests.
Sydney also offers a wealth of options for non-career-focused recreation. You can pick up a board and shred on Sydney’s famous surf or simply lay out in the warm sunshine. Or head into the city for some live music—Sydney is well-known for its booming music scene that launched globally-recognized bands like AC/DC, along with contemporary artists like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Iggy Azalea, and The Kid Laroi, among many others. Not to mention, it’s home to the Sydney Opera House, a true icon of the city. Ever wondered what makes the Aussies so happy? Find out with a sports and wellness internship in Sydney!
2. Madrid
Madrid is an excellent choice for sports and wellness, and not just because it’s home to Real Madrid, one of the most successful soccer clubs in the entire world. This active, health-focused city is bursting with sports and wellness opportunities in nutrition training, physical fitness education, health plans, community wellness, and more. But don’t take it from us! Hear directly from Caroline, who did a sports internship program with AIFS Abroad in Madrid:
“Completing my internship in Madrid, Spain was an incredibly fulfilling experience. I had the privilege of making a direct impact on the community by teaching English to children, promoting healthy lifestyles, and contributing to projects that empower individuals through sports and education. This [internship] not only expanded my professional skills but also deepened my passion for creating positive change.”
If that sounds too good to be true, just wait until you discover all the extracurricular perks Madrid offers! We’re talking delicious Spanish cuisine that draws inspiration from every corner of Spain, world-famous art museums with unique collections, and historic squares popping with the distinct architecture this city is famous for. There’s the opportunity to take the laidback, more relaxed approach to life the Madrileños are known for and the chance to build friendships (or light-hearted rivalries) over sports teams!
3. Rome
Rome is home to world-class fitness facilities like the iconic Stadio Olimpico—home to the Lazio and Roma soccer clubs—along with countless gyms, wellness centers, and community programs focused on sports and wellness. The city’s long-held traditions in physical activity and entertainment, ranging from ancient gladiatorial combat to modern-day soccer, offer interns a unique perspective on how cultural heritage influences contemporary sports and wellness practices. In addition, Rome’s position as a global hub for international organizations provides interns with opportunities to engage in projects that combine local traditions with global health strategies.
Rome is an amazing place to live while you complete your sports and wellness internship. When you’re not interning, you’ll have plenty of time to explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Villa Borghese, as you discover the quieter, everyday rhythms of Roman life. Spend mornings jogging along the Tiber River or attending outdoor yoga classes in local parks. Build connections with locals at the fresh produce markets and embrace the city’s emphasis on balanced living through its incredible food, diverse social life, and relaxed pace. There’s no need to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to make this dream come true—all you have to do is intern abroad in Rome with AIFS Abroad!
4. Dublin
Dublin is a great pick for your sports and wellness internship, thanks to its unique blend of modern innovation and deep-rooted traditions in sports and community health. As the birthplace of Irish sports like hurling and Gaelic football, Dublin provides fascinating opportunities to explore the connection between cultural identity and athletic pursuits. An internship in this city offers the chance to explore how countries like Ireland are preserving their culture by keeping certain sporting traditions alive. Dublin is also home to state-of-the-art sports science facilities, wellness programs, and major organizations like Sport Ireland, which supports health and fitness initiatives across the country. Interns in Dublin can gain hands-on experience in a city that values community-driven wellness—from engaging in youth sports programs to corporate wellness initiatives, Dublin offers fantastic internship experience.
When you’re not at your internship, you can spend time exploring famous Dublin sites like the beautiful campus of Trinity College or soaking up the local culture at pubs, music venues, museums, or cafés. Stay active running along the River Liffey or participating in a group fitness class at Phoenix Park, one of the largest parks inside any European capital city. Dublin isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a city to live, learn, and grow during your sports and wellness internship!
5. Barcelona
Known globally for its enthusiasm for sports, Barcelona is home to the legendary FC Barcelona and some of the best sports facilities in Europe. The city’s focus on wellness is reflected in its widespread commitment to outdoor fitness, with parks like Park Guell and beachfront promenades along the Mediterranean Sea offering picturesque settings for walking, running, cycling, yoga, and calisthenics. With an internship in this city, you can learn about holistic approaches to sports and wellness in a place that emphasizes physical and mental health. Interning in Barcelona allows you to learn firsthand how the city blends athletic excellence with a healthy, active lifestyle, whether you’re working in community wellness programs, sports management, or with innovative fitness technologies.
Living in Barcelona offers an enriching cultural experience like no other. Visit landmarks like the historic Gothic Quarter while enjoying tapas or café con leche. Barcelona’s welcoming atmosphere means you’ll feel at home, forging meaningful connections with locals and fellow interns. Remember, you don’t have to be Lionel Messi to enjoy the sports and wellness benefits this city offers—enjoy all the perks to living and learning in Barcelona with an international internship!
Looking to advance your career with an international sports and wellness internship? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international sports and wellness 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 sports and wellness pros 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 sports and wellness experience with an internship abroad!