Professional Internship Programme

About the programme

Through our relationship with BUNAC, we are proud to offer the Professional Internship Programme, which allows you the opportunity to intern full-time at an unpaid placement. The London Professional Internship Programme offers you a full-time, unpaid placement (25 to 35 hours a week). AES will source a suitable internship for you based on your degree, experience and future career plans. There is no requirement to study while you are in the UK. We generally work with medium to small-sized companies as, in our experience, smaller companies can offer a more hands-on experience for you. We will ensure that all placements follow a learning agreement so that you are able to gain a variety of skills & are exposed to as many aspects of a British business as possible. During your internship, you will also have a supervisor who will closely monitor your work.

Eligibility

• Full-time degree level student or have graduated within the last 12 months
• Over 18 years
• Fluent English
• Relative skills in the desired field

Programme dates

The London Professional Internship Programme runs year-round. You should apply to AES at least 6 months before your anticipated internship start date. This is to allow enough time to source a suitable placement and for you to apply for your UK visa.

Visas

All non-UK passport holders will need to apply for a Tier 5 UK visa. AES works in conjunction with BUNAC who will act as your visa sponsor. For more information on the BUNAC Intern in Britain programme please see the BUNAC website – EU passport holders do not need a visa to intern in the UK.

What’s included

Pre-Departure

• Online pre-placement interview with experienced AES staff
• Internship within a suitable organisation prior to arrival in London
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials
• Assurance by AES that the training plan is compliant with visa requirements
• Dedicated Placement Coordinator and Student Services Assistant
• Guidelines on applying for your UK BUNAC Tier 5 visa

On Arrival

• Arrival orientation
• Supervision of the placement
• Full support during your placement including access to the AES internship office
• Mid-term site visit by AES staff
• If applicable, accommodation in shared flats in travel Zone 1 or 2
• Planned social activities with other education abroad students
• Grade report for internship from AES
• Access to AES discounted tickets and events

Housing

If applicable, students are housed in friendly and secure neighbourhoods in central London (Zone 1 or 2). All flats have a full kitchen and lounge area, with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms which accommodate between three and eight interns, depending on the number of bedrooms. Facilities include weekly cleaning and internet access. Although conveniently located near a variety of attractions and shopping, students may need to commute to their internship site. This provides interns with a real London workday experience.

Additional costs (not included in the AES programme fee)

• Airfare to/from the UK [Please check here for our special discounted rates for AES students]
• BUNAC Tier 5 sponsorship fee
• UK Visa fee
• London Oyster card
• Travel Insurance (check with your school or university)
• Support funds (please check the BUNAC website for the latest information)
• Housing – if applicable, AES is able to assist with finding accommodation in central London