Doing part of your internship abroad is one of the strongest ways to combine education, international experience and language training – all at once. For many students, it also becomes the starting point of an international career.
An internship abroad means that a Swedish student carries out all or part of their LIA, APL or VFU at a workplace outside Sweden. The internship still takes place within the framework of a Swedish education, which means learning objectives, insurance and assessment are managed together with the school.
Why an internship abroad?#
International internships give you several things you cannot easily add later:
- practical experience in a different working culture
- language training at a level the classroom cannot reach
- an international network
- a stronger CV when applying for jobs
- increased independence and problem-solving ability
Many employers value international experience highly – not for its exoticism, but because it shows the person can handle new situations.
Common paths to an internship abroad#
| Path | For whom | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus+ traineeship | Universities, university colleges, YH and some upper secondary schools | EU-funded scholarship, the school applies |
| Apprenticeships without EU support | All programs | Self-funded, free choice of country |
| The school's partner agreements | Depends on the institution | The school has negotiated placements |
| Self-organised internship | Driven students | You find and negotiate yourself |
| MFS – Minor Field Studies | Universities/university colleges | Scholarship for field study in low-income countries |
Erasmus+ is the most common and often the simplest path for students within EU programs.
Erasmus+ traineeship – how it works#
Erasmus+ is the EU's exchange program and covers both studies and internships. For traineeships, the basics are:
- The internship must be at least two months.
- It can take place in any of the Erasmus+ countries inside or outside the EU.
- The student receives a monthly grant based on the destination country.
- Students can do Erasmus both during their studies and within 12 months after graduation ("recent graduate").
Your school or university handles the application. Apply early – often six months before the internship starts.
Step by step: how to prepare for an internship abroad#
1. Check what your program allows#
Before going further, check with your education provider:
- Can the internship be done abroad?
- Are there language, scope or industry requirements?
- How will the learning objectives be assessed remotely?
- What deadlines apply for the application?
2. Choose country and industry#
Think in three steps:
- Industry first: based on education and career goals.
- Language: honest self-assessment. Can you handle work meetings in English? Or do you need an English-speaking country?
- Country: choose something that matches both industry and your finances.
Capitals have more placements but also higher living costs.
3. Find the placement#
- Your school's network and alumni network.
- Erasmus+ databases and university exchange portals.
- Industry-specific platforms.
- Direct contact with Swedish companies that have subsidiaries abroad.
- LinkedIn searches for Swedish-speaking people in the target city.
Send many, targeted applications – not few and generic ones.
4. Write your application in the right language#
International companies expect:
- a CV in English or the country's language
- a cover letter tailored to the company and role
- a clear date range
- information about any funding (Erasmus+ is often decisive)
Companies say yes more often when they don't have to pay a salary and the funding is in place.
5. Handle insurance and formalities#
- Order the European Health Insurance Card if you're within the EU/EEA.
- Take out supplementary international insurance.
- Check what your school's insurance covers abroad.
- Apply for a visa and residence permit if going outside the EU.
- Check tax matters if the internship is longer than six months.
6. Housing and logistics#
- Book housing at least 1–2 months before departure.
- Plan moving costs, first month's rent and deposit.
- Get a local SIM card or eSIM.
- Notify the Swedish Tax Agency of moving out if the period is longer than a year.
How much does an internship abroad cost?#
It varies considerably with country and city. At minimum, plan for:
- flight or travel to and from
- first month's rent plus deposit
- food and transport on site
- insurance and visa
- buffer for unexpected costs
The Erasmus+ grant often covers most of the additional living costs, but rarely 100 percent. CSN student loans, savings and possibly an extra job before departure are worth planning for.
Learning objectives and remote assessment#
The school must assess your internship even though you are abroad. This typically means:
- digital supervision from Sweden
- written assignments and reports
- video check-ins
- an official certificate from the foreign company
Clarify early with your teacher how you will communicate and how often.
Tips for getting more out of the internship#
- Set personal goals beyond the learning objectives. Language, network, specific tools.
- Say yes to coffee breaks and after work. Much of the learning happens informally.
- Document continuously. Good material for your report and CV.
- Meet other Swedish students. Support during culture shock.
- Stay in touch afterwards. International networks are valuable.
How Prakto can help#
For schools handling both Swedish and international placements, it becomes easier to gather agreements, learning objectives and follow-up in one place using a digital internship platform like Prakto. The student sees their internship details regardless of country, and the coordinator keeps an overview even when the internship is abroad.
Frequently asked questions about internships abroad#
Can I do my entire LIA abroad?#
Often yes, if the YH provider approves and the learning objectives can be met. Some LIA periods are, however, strongly linked to Swedish workplaces and regulations.
Do I keep my CSN student loan during an internship abroad?#
Yes, if the internship is part of your Swedish education you normally keep CSN. Apply in good time and indicate studies abroad in the application.
Do I need to speak the country's language fluently?#
Often not. Many international companies operate in English. For customer-facing roles and the public sector, the country's language may, however, be required.
What happens to the insurance if I am abroad?#
The school's insurance often applies abroad within the EU/EEA, but always check the terms. Supplement with private international insurance and the European Health Insurance Card.
Can I do Erasmus+ after graduation?#
Yes. You can apply for an Erasmus+ traineeship within 12 months after graduation, as long as you were nominated as a student before graduating.
Conclusion#
An internship abroad is neither a vacation nor an impossible dream. It is a structured step within a Swedish education that requires planning, applications, funding and formalities. Those who plan in good time get both a stronger CV and an experience they carry with them throughout their career.
Sources#
- The Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) – information on Erasmus+ for students
- Skolverket – guidelines for APL abroad
- The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (MYH) – information on LIA abroad
- CSN – student aid during exchange studies and internships
