Author: Kristiina Kivimäe
Erasmus internships are opportunities for students and recent graduates. Participating in these internships is a great way to combine professional and personal growth. As well as learning new things about other cultures, building a global network, finding new friends, and making memories for life. This article explores the TOP 10 cities to go to for an internship in 2025 and compares some of the most important criteria for choosing a place for an internship.
Which criteria to look at?
Some of the most important criteria to compare when choosing the right city for an internship are cost of living, career opportunities, cultural immersion, student friendliness, and accessibility. Firstly, the cost of living includes monthly expenses for accommodation, food, and transport. This is important because internships have usually specific scholarships that might not be big enough to cover all the costs in some cities. Secondly, it is beneficial to look at the career options in the considered cities. Thirdly, it is suggested to take a look at the local culture and student activities. Lastly, it is beneficial to examine public transport and infrastructure. The following paragraphs will introduce the TOP 10 cities for an Erasmus internship and describe all the mentioned criteria for these cities.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers great internship opportunities, including marketing (Casa Batlló marketing campaign), tourism (Park Güell visitor management), and digital media (local startups like Typeform). Additionally, shared apartments in Gràcia or El Raval are from 250€, but most of the apartments usually cost around 350€-400€. The monthly metro pass costs 20€, and budget-friendly meals cost around 8€-10€. There are many interesting activities, for example, exploring Gausi’s houses, part of Guell, attending music festivals, or just relaxing on one of the beautiful Barcelona beaches. Also, there is an active Erasmus community that is organising weekly activities like volleyball, karaoke, and beer pong.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin provides internship possibilities, for instance, in tech giants (SAP, Siemens), creative industries (independent film studios in Kreuzberg), and sustainable startups (Solaga Biotech). Living costs in Berlin are higher than in Barcelona. Moreover, the prices of the rooms in Neukölln or Friedrichshain start from 350€ per month; the public transport is around 56€ per month, and budget meals are around 7€ to 10€. There are several cultural highlights to visit, like the Museum Island complex or the East Side Gallery. Besides, local coworking spaces are hosting international movie nights and hackathons for students and interns.
3. Paris, France
Fashion internships (Louis Vuitton HQ), arts (Musée d’Orsay research roles), and global business (OECD internships) are just a few of the internship opportunities provided in Paris. Further, living costs in Paris are more expensive than in Berlin and Barcelona. For example, shared housing in the 18th arrondissement is around 700€ and the monthly transport pass is 75€. But as good news, dining prices can start from 6€. Paris offers beautiful cultural activities like ballet at Opéra Garnier, walking in the Champ de Mars, and exploring hidden gems like Rue Cler. For expanding networks, there are monthly meetups at Station F for people who like businesses and entrepreneurship.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is known for internship opportunities in tech (Web Summit roles), digital marketing (local startups in LX Factory), and hospitality (boutique hotel internships in Alfama). Additionally, the housing prices in Lisbon start from 300€ per month, and public transport tickets are around 30€ per month. Besides, dining meals cost around 7€. Lisbon offers various activities like enjoying Fado performances, walking the hills of Alfama, or surfing at nearby Cascais. As in Barcelona, Lisbon has several Erasmus events like picnics at Jardim da Estrela and city walking tours.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague offers great internship opportunities in IT (Avast internships), finance (Erste Bank roles), and creative industries (animation studios in Žižkov). Also, the living costs are lower compared to the cities mentioned above. Housing prices start from 250€, the public transport ticket costs 20€ per month, and cheap meals cost around 5€. There are several interesting activities, for example, strolling through Prague Castle, enjoying a beer garden at Letná Park, and attending the Signal Light Festival. Additionally, there are local buddy programs for Erasmus students that help them with the basics of the Czech language.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam provides internship possibilities, for example, in sustainability (Fairphone), tech innovation (Adyen), and cultural management (Van Gogh Museum). Living costs in Amsterdam are higher than in the cities mentioned earlier. Moreover, the prices of the rooms in De Pijp cost around 1000€ per month; the public transport is around 80€ per month, and meals are around 15€. There are different cultural highlights like canal boat tours, the Rijksmuseum, or King’s Day festivities. Besides, local coworking spaces are hosting international movie nights and hackathons for students and interns. As a benefit, interns can bike everywhere in the city, use free bike repair services, and take part in university sustainability projects.
7. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for internship opportunities in cultural institutions (Belvedere Museum internships), marketing (Red Bull HQ), and public health (WHO Europe office). Furthermore, the housing prices in Vienna are around 450€ per month, and public transport tickets are around 50€ per month. Also, dining meals cost around 10€ to 15€. Vienna offers several activities like attending operas at the Vienna State Opera, visiting Schönbrunn Zoo, or exploring Vienna’s coffeehouses. As in Prague, Vienna is providing free German classes at student centres.
8. Stockholm, Sweden
Tech internships (Spotify), green startups (Climeworks), and product design (IKEA concept labs) are some of the internship opportunities provided in Stockholm. Besides, living costs in Stockholm are around 800€, and the monthly transport pass is 40€, and dining prices vary from around 10€ to 15€. Stockholm offers interesting cultural activities like Gamla Stan, joining midsummer celebrations, or visiting ABBA and Vasa Museums. Additionally, there are free language cafes in Stockholm to learn Swedish and student-led innovation clubs.
9. London, United Kingdom
London offers great internship opportunities in media (BBC internships), finance (HSBC roles), and the arts (Tate Modern curatorial programs). Furthermore, the living costs are higher compared to the other cities. Housing prices are around 1000€, the public transport ticket costs 180€ per month, and cheap meals cost around 8 to 12€. There are various interesting activities, for instance, watching plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, strolling through Borough Market, or exploring Camden. Additionally, there are opportunities for joining university career fairs and alumni panels for Erasmus students.
10. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest provides internship possibilities, for instance, in animation studios (Digic Pictures), tourism (Danube River cruises), and educational tech startups. Besides, the prices of rooms cost around 250€ per month; public transport is around 20€ per month, and meals are around 5 to 8€. There are different interesting things to experience, like relaxing at Széchenyi Thermal Baths, hiking Gellért Hill, or attending the Budapest International Documentary Festival. Also, there are monthly meetups at ruin pubs for international students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Erasmus internships are great opportunities for gaining new experiences, meeting new people, and growing both professionally and personally. For choosing the right place for an internship, it is recommended to examine the living cost, career opportunities, cultural immersion, student-friendliness, and accessibility of the considered cities. Cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Budapest are affordable and provide many student activities. Paris, Amsterdam, and London are appealing for their internship opportunities but have higher costs. Vienna and Prague are in the mean with their affordability, cultural activities, and career opportunities. By weighing these criteria and finding out which factors are most important for them, interns can find out what city might be the best for their future internships.
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