Global work and volunteering programs

Accelerate your career and build a global network though international work integrated learning, volunteer, internship, research or leadership experience.

International industry experiences through a global internship comprise any sort of international work-based or professional experience undertaken as part of your RMIT program. In addition to this, opportunities exist to undertake a research project abroad, in your field of study, alongside world-leading academics.

These experiences vary in length and commence at various dates throughout the year. Check out the list below for programs that may suit your timeframe.

Eligibility and applications

Global work opportunities are available for undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational education students with each experience having a unique set of eligibility requirements and costs.

Before you apply, please check the program duration and any associated costs. Some programs have funding available for eligible students so ensure you read the programs details.

You’ll be able to gain credit from most programs by contacting your School. More specific information can be found on each program page.

Each individual program has slightly different application processes and durations. You’ll be able to check deadlines and finer details on each program page (see links under Explore global experiences below) or attend an information session to get your questions answered. 

Explore global internships

Under two months

  • ACICIS: Professional Practicums – Intensive internship program in Indonesia in various academic areas
  • CIS Australia: Volunteer abroad – International internship placements around the globe. Lend a hand in developing communities and gain valuable personal and professional experience
  • CIS Australia: Intern abroad – Enjoy living in an engaging overseas environment, while also benefitting from a work placement chosen according to your background and interests
  • Challenges Abroad – Community projects abroad, focussing on social enterprise. Ideal for College of Business students
  • EWB Design Summits – An immersive study tour designed to broaden your perspectives of design and engineering in a complex environment while building professional skills
  • Global Voices – Participate in UN international summits around the world, centred around core UN themes.
  • Hack the North – Discover how to grow your ideas beyond a vision as part of Canada’s biggest hackathon.
  • Hacker Exchange – Experience foreign start-up culture and business abroad.
  • International internships – Gain work experience in Indonesia with immersive internship programs for students from a wide range of backgrounds – business, engineering, arts, international studies, science, arts, design and almost everything in between! 
  • Research projects at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China – Gain experience studying at world-class research laboratories, side-by-side with prominent research professors. Ideal if you’re studying engineering, biotechnology, agriculture, biology, biomed or pharmacy
  • Research projects at the University of Tokyo, Japan – Gain experience studying at world-class research laboratories, side-by-side with prominent research professors. Perfect for engineering students

Two to six months

  • Artbound Initiative Internship Program – Career accelerator for creatives which offers customised internships in major creative cities abroad. Ideal for those studying communications, advertising, design, entertainment, or visual arts
  • European Internship Program – If you’re from the School of Engineering, here’s the chance to undertake work experience in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain
  • Engineering Internship Program in Vietnam – Gain valuable international experience and work with a multinational team in one of the fastest-growing countries in Asia
  • Mitacs Globalink Research Program – Participate in a research internship under the supervision of Canadian university faculty members in a variety of academic disciplines, including science, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences
  • Nicolas Baudin Internship – Undertake a research internship at a French host university in collaboration with an industry partner
  • Research projects at Polytechnic Montreal, Canada – Opportunity for students to work in laboratories at the cutting edge of technology. Perfect if those studying engineering or STEM
  • Research projects at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom – Undertake a research project in a specific field alongside one of University of Liverpool's world-leading academics
  • Research projects at RWTH Aachen, Germany – Practice and engage with EU research, technical and scientific projects. Focus areas include textiles (technical), chemical fibres, textile machinery, fibre composites, bio-hybrid and medical textiles
  • Research projects at TI Dortmund University, Germany – Undertake a research project with an industry partner or a research lab
  • Vietnam Internship Program – Gain valuable international experience and work with a multinational team in one of the fastest-growing countries in Asia. Perfect for those studying marketing, logistics, management, tourism and hospitality management, finance, communication, design, fashion or IT, but others may be available

Online global work

Unable to travel? There are plenty of brilliant opportunities available for you to take an online based global experience, including flexible internships, and with placements with international organisations, without leaving your home.

Richard stands on a bridge with tree-covered mountains behind him.

Richard Hume | Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours)

"It got me out of my comfort zone, gave me the opportunity to meet new people with similar skills, see new places and have the opportunity to experience an entirely new culture."

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.