How to obtain a paid internship during an exchange abroad?

Did you know that it is possible to combine studies abroad with paid professional experience? The internship during the exchange has become one of the most effective ways to maximize the return on investment in international education, offering not only academic learning but also career development and global networking.

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Why do an internship during the exchange

The paid internship during the exchange goes far beyond financial compensation. This experience provides a complete immersion in the international labor market, developing technical and intercultural skills that become unique competitive differentials.

Key benefits:

• International experience in the curriculum valued by Brazilian employers
• Global networking with professionals and multinational companies
• Development of soft skills such as adaptability and intercultural communication
• Supplementary income to cover living expenses abroad
• Clarity about career goals through professional practice

In addition, many companies use internship programs as a gateway to effective hiring, offering students the opportunity to build a solid international career.

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Be Easy destinations that allow paid internship

Canada: the paradise of co-op programs

Canada stands out for its co-op (cooperative) programs, which integrate periods of study with professional experience. O Private College in Canada - Co-op offers:

• 50% of the time studying And 50% working
• Average salaries of CAD $15-25 per hour
• Trending sectors: technology, business, hospitality
• Possibility of permanent residence After completion

The Canadian system allows students to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. For programs Public College in Canada, graduates can obtain the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), allowing them to work for up to 3 years after training. To better understand the opportunities, check out our guide on How to take advantage of a work permit during a course in Canada.

Australia: flexibility and opportunities

The program Study and Work in Australia offers one of the most flexible systems for international students:

• 48 biweekly hours During the course
• Fulltime During school holidays
• Minimum wage of AUD $24.95 per hour (one of the largest in the world)
• Popular sectors: tourism, hospitality, retail, agriculture

Ireland: gateway to Europe

A Ireland allows students to work:

• 20 hours a week during the term of office
• 40 hours a week During vacation
• Access to the European market through the strategic location
• Growing sectors: technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services

Germany: European industrial powerhouse

The program Study and Work in Germany offers:

• 20 hours a week for students
• Minimum wage of €12.82 per hour In 2025
• 18 months of work after graduation to seek permanent employment
• Leading sectors: engineering, technology, manufacturing

Spain: growth and cultural diversity

A Spain allows:

• Up to 30 hours a week During the course
• 40 hours a week During vacation
• Average salary of €10 per hour
• Immersion in Hispanic culture with global application

To maximize your opportunities, see our complete guide on How to find part-time work in Spain while studying.

New Zealand: quality of life and safety

The program Study and Work in New Zealand offers:

• 20 hours a week during the study period
• 40 hours a week during academic holidays
• Safe work environment in one of the safest countries in the world
• Featured sectors: agriculture, tourism, technology, health

Malta: European hub in the Mediterranean

With the program Study and Work in Malta:

• Work permit starting from the 13th week Of course
• Up to 20 hours a week Of work
• 20% lower cost of living What other European countries
• Popular sectors: tourism, iGaming, financial services

United Arab Emirates: modernity and opportunities

The program Study and Work in the United Arab Emirates provides:

• Work permit According to the type of visa
• Multicultural market with international opportunities
• Modern infrastructure and cosmopolitan environment
• Expanding sectors: tourism, technology, aviation, finance

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How to find internship opportunities

1. Use resources from the educational institution

Most schools and universities abroad have departments that specialize in professional placement. These centers offer:

• Job Fairs exclusive for students
• Direct partnerships with local companies
• Preparation workshops for interviews
• Curriculum review adapted to the local market
• Personalized mentoring with career counselors

2. Specialized digital platforms

International employment websites:

• Indeed - local versions in each country
• LinkedIn - global professional networking
• Glassdoor - search for companies and salaries
• Monster - opportunities in multiple countries
• WayUp - specialized in internships for students

Be Easy tip: Create profiles on the local versions of these sites in the destination country, using keywords specific to the area and including your status as an international student.

3. Strategic Networking

Networking is critical to discovering opportunities that are not publicly disclosed:

• Attend events in the area such as meetups and conferences
• Join student groups Brazilians and internationals
• Connect with teachers Who have contacts in the industry
• Use professional social networks strategically
• Attend workshops and business lectures

4. Direct approach to companies

Many companies value the initiative of proactive candidates:

• Search for companies of your interest in the region
• Send speculative resumes Demonstrating interest
• Mention your condition From an international student
• Highlight benefits How cultural diversity and languages
• Demonstrate knowledge About the company and sector

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Preparing for the international market

Curriculum adapted to the country

Each country has specific curriculum formats. Essential elements:

• Local format (European CV vs. American resume)
• Personal Information appropriate to local regulations
• Relevant experiences highlighting transferability
• Language skills clearly specified
• Work permit Mentioning student visa

Development of soft skills

Most valued skills:

• Intercultural communication - ability to work with diverse teams
• Adaptability - flexibility for changes and new environments
• Problem solving - critical and creative thinking
• teamwork - effective collaboration
• Time management - organization between study and work

Preparing for interviews

Specific aspects for international students:

• Present your unique perspective As a Brazilian
• Demonstrate motivation To work in the country
• Explain your objectives Of a career clearly
• Prepare examples of adaptation to new environments
• Show knowledge about local business culture

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Sectors with the highest demand for international interns

Technology and innovation

The tech sector especially values cultural diversity. If you're interested in this area, check out our guide on 5 best countries to work with IT in 2025:

• Software development
• Data analysis
• Digital marketing
• UX/UI design
• Cybersecurity

Tourism and hospitality

Ideal sector for language students:

• Hospitality
• Travel agencies
• Restaurants
• Corporate events
• Sustainable tourism

Business and finance

Opportunities in multinational companies:

• Consulting
• Banks and fintechs
• Startups
• International trade
• Financial analysis

Education and training

Especially for Brazilians:

• Teaching Portuguese
• Curricular development
• Exchange programs
• Corporate training
• Online education

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Legal and bureaucratic aspects

Required Documentation

Before starting any internship:

• Valid student visa With a work permit
• Social security number local (where applicable)
• Bank account in the destination country
• Health insurance suited
• Employment contract formal

Labor rights

As an international intern, you have specific rights:

• Minimum wage According to local laws
• Maximum hours Of work per week
• Proportional holidays when applicable
• Safe environment Of work
• Non-discrimination by origin

Tax issues

Important aspects:

• Tax return in the destination country
• Tax agreements between Brazil and destination country
• Tax withholding At the source
• Documentation For declaration in Brazil
• Currency conversion for tax purposes

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Tips for maximizing the experience

During the internship

To make the most of it:

• Be proactive In seeking new challenges
• Build relationships Genuine with colleagues
• Document your achievements for future applications
• Ask for feedback Regulate about your performance
• Maintain balance between work and studies

Strategic Networking

• Attend events of the company and the sector
• Connect on LinkedIn with colleagues and supervisors
• Offer help whenever possible
• Keep in touch even after the end of the internship
• Be an ambassador of Brazilian culture

Preparing for future opportunities

• Request letters of recommendation of supervisors
• Keep portfolio Updated with projects
• Develop expertise on specific tools
• Consider specializations based on experience
• Explore opportunities Back to the company

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Common mistakes to avoid

In the search process

• Don't search appropriately about companies and local culture
• Send generic resumes without personalization
• Ignore specific visa requirements
• underestimate The importance of networking
• Don't prepare suitable for interviews

During the internship

• Arrive late Or be absent without justification
• Don't ask questions or seek clarification
• Isolate yourself Culturally of the team
• Neglect academic responsibilities
• Don't document learnings and achievements

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that your exchange is more than an educational experience - it's an investment in your professional future. Our specialized team offers complete guidance on internship opportunities at each destination, from pre-boarding preparation to support during your experience abroad. With over a decade of experience, we know the best programs and strategies to maximize your chances of international professional success. Contact us and discover how to transform your exchange into a launching pad for your global career!

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