FAQ – IAESTE Portugal

For Students

Am I eligible to apply for an IAESTE internship?
To apply for an IAESTE internship you should fulfil the following criteria:

You must be a full-time student (in an Integrated Master programme or of the 2nd cycle of the Bolonha studies) in Higher Education.
Your University must have a Local Committee (to apply for the first and second phases);
Your subject studied must be within the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Applied Arts, Architecture, Social Sciences or Sports.

When and how do I apply?

You must apply through IAESTE in your home country or the country where you are studying at.
In Portugal, applications will be made online in November (first phase).
You should contact your Local Committee for more information.

What are the costs involved to apply?

Where can I go?

Generally you can go to any country where IAESTE is represented. See Country list.
Please note that you will only be able to apply for specific internships that your home country has available.

When is the list of internships available?

I am not studying in my home country. Where do I apply?

In most cases you will apply through the National Office (s) in the country where you are studying, in case you are a full-time student. If you are a mobility student, then you apply through the National Office in your home country. Please contact them for further information. (see Countries)

Will I receive any payment during the internship?

All IAESTE trainees generally receive an monthly allowance equivalent to the country’s living costs that will at least cover food, accommodation and travel (to and from work) expenses. The exact amount will be determined by the cost of living in the country and by the Employer.

What are the costs involved with an internship?

When you accept an internship you must pay a deposit in the amount of €150. This value will be partially refunded after the internship or totally in case of cancellation or non-acceptance.
You will have to pay for your own travel expenses (from and to your home country) and for personal insurance valid for the duration of the internship.
You should be prepared to pay for the expenses of the first month, because you will receive your first payment by the end of the first month. You should also be prepared to pay one month rent in advance upon arrival.

What support will I receive if I am successful in gaining a internship?

IAESTE takes care of all communication with the Employer through liaison with the receiving IAESTE country. The receiving IAESTE country will issue the necessary documents for you to obtain a work permit or visa if either is required. IAESTE will also be responsible for arranging your accommodation, in most cases.

My University is not a Local Committee. Can I still apply?

My study field is not listed. What should I do?

Do I need to know a foreign Language?

The majority of IAESTE internships are offered in English, with no knowledge of another language required. An English language certificate is mandatory in all nominations. When a language other than English is required, it will be specified on the Offer form. However, all trainees should be willing to make an effort to learn the local language for social and cultural reasons!

Will I be met upon arrival?

Every effort will be made to meet trainees at their arrival, but there are times when this is not possible (e.g. if a trainee arrives very late at night, during the weekend, in a holiday or outside working hours). In this case, the trainee will be given clear instructions.

Why take a foreign trainee through IAESTE?

IAESTE trainees are studying full-time degree courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Applied Arts, Architecture, Social Sciences or Sports. They are highly motivated and hand-picked according to your requirements.
IAESTE offices around the world provide a full support service to Trainees and their Employers. IAESTE has over 60 years experience in setting up work experience placements and administering student exchanges.

What kind of services does IAESTE provide?
IAESTE takes care of:

What are the costs involved?

All IAESTE trainees must receive a monthly allowance equivalent to the country’s cost of living that will at least cover food, accommodation and travel (to and from work) expenses, with a small amount towards cultural and social activities to allow the student to benefit from living in your country. The exact amount is determined by the employer according to the cost of living in the country.

How are the trainees selected?

Employers may specify the student’s profile they require, such as Faculty, Specialisation, Level of Study, Language abilities, etc.
Trainees will be hand-picked according to the Employer’s criteria set out on the IAESTE Offer form.
There will only be one nomination per Offer of training, although Employers may request more information or another candidate if the first is not suitable.

I want to employ an IAESTE trainee. What do I do now?

Please contact IAESTE National Secretariat to inform them about the internship offered. They will provide you with all the necessary documents and services.

We are a University/Academic Institution. How can we learn more about IAESTE with a view to joining the Association?

Please contact the IAESTE National Secretariat to receive details and advice on application to become a Member of the Association.