Customized Internship in Europe

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Design a tailor-made internship experience that aligns with your professional and personal goals while furthering the mission of a nonprofit in Europe

Create your ideal nonprofit internship with this Custom-Build Internship in Europe – a flexible program that allows you to create an experience tailored to your field of study and personal interests. Whether you’re passionate about education, conservation, public health, or any other academic discipline, this nonprofit internship offers the unique opportunity to design a project that aligns with your professional goals. With Roots Interns, you can work closely with experienced staff to develop a customized placement, even if it’s not part of the standard internship offerings. You’ll collaborate with nonprofits in your field of interest, ensuring a meaningful, relevant experience.

This Customized Internship in Europe is ideal for students seeking practical, hands-on learning in a real-world setting while making a valuable contribution to community development or conservation efforts. You’ll gain essential skills, deepen your knowledge, and enhance your resume by working alongside nonprofit professionals who share your passion for social good. By participating in this Custom-Build Internship, you can expect to leave with not only a richer understanding of your chosen field, but also the satisfaction of making a tangible impact in the community you’re serving.

Learning Objectives

  • Gain tailored professional development by designing an internship that aligns with your specific field of study and career goals
  • Collaborate with nonprofit professionals to create a custom project that addresses real-world challenges in your area of expertise  
  • Apply your academic knowledge to make a meaningful community impact through practical, hands-on experience  
  • Develop cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural insights by working in diverse, international environments

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 2015, ImpacTrip is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering social and environmental nonprofits across multiple global destinations. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, ImpacTrip’s mission is to foster a positive social and environmental impact on local communities as they aim to transform the way people travel by connecting them with meaningful internship opportunities.

By partnering with nonprofits, ImpacTrip connects students and recent graduates with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. These internships help organizations increase their impact and provide interns with valuable international experience in their desired field.

 

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As is the nature of a customized placement, your exact role and tasks will be defined once you work with our team to determine the organization that will help you reach your learning goals. You’ll then have the chance to outline the project you’ll be working on and define what you’d like to accomplish during your Customized Internship in Europe.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with nonprofits to develop projects in your specific field of study  
  • Participate in hands-on tasks related to your discipline, applying your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios
  • Assist with organizational efforts such as research, community outreach, program development, or other tasks relevant to your project
  • Create reports, proposals, materials, or presentations that align with the nonprofit’s objectives  
  • Contribute to the nonprofit’s mission in a way that reflects both your expertise and the needs of the organization

Requirements

  • Currently studying in a specific field or recently graduated with relevant academic knowledge  
  • Ability to adapt and create innovative solutions tailored to the project and organization’s needs  
  • Strong communication skills to work with nonprofit staff and community members  
  • Willingness to take initiative and design projects that align with your academic and career goals
  • Proactive and ready to take initiative in an international setting
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus  
  • Minimum age of 18 years

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain
PROGRAM FOCUS: Sustainable Development
TASK FOCUS: Social-Environmental Impact, Tailor-Made, Nonprofit Development
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From EUR 2,120

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Design a tailored internship in your specific field of study  
  • Collaborate with nonprofits aligned with your academic and career goals 
  • Enjoy flexibility to create a unique project that suits your personal interests and career ambitions 
  • Gain practical, hands-on experience in a relevant and impactful setting  
  • Explore a unique European city and learn from a new culture
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

BARCELONA – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns will stay at a social hostel that’s on a meaningful social mission. Only 15 km from the airport and 15 minutes away from the center, you’ll enjoy the quiet neighborhood surroundings, along with finding everything you might need: supermarkets, local coffee shops, pharmacies, ATMs, and other shops. The hostel has 24/7 reception, Wifi, gender-split dorms (8-10 pax), and common areas such as dining room/restaurant, living room, and an outside area perfect for relaxing and/or socializing.

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Barcelona does have instances of petty crime and tourists are easy targets for pickpockets, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers, keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Spain, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (be aware of high charges) or you can purchase a local SIM card at any convenience shop. Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Your internship includes daily breakfast and lunch which is served by local cooks. Breakfast is served in buffet style, while lunch changes according to the menu of the day. The food is always fresh and local, giving you the chance to taste a wide variety of traditional Catalan and Spanish meals. You will have access to a shared kitchen to store food and cook dinner. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area to try our for dinner as well. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know prior to your arrival.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 2,515
6 WEEKS EUR 3,445
8 WEEKS EUR 4,375
12 WEEKS EUR 6,235

Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible if you are an EU resident, have an existing student/residence visa, or are prepared to self-arrange a residence/work permit to stay in the EU. Get in touch for more information.

Start Dates

The Sunday before the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month AND every Sunday from May to the end of August

Location details

As Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona boasts a stunning seaside setting, rich culture, iconic architecture, sun-soaked beaches, and charming neighborhoods. Famous for its azure skies, expansive Mediterranean coastline, and the distinctive works of Gaudí, Barcelona offers endless appeal year-round. From its incredible food & wine to the warmth of its people, it’s easy to see why this city is truly special.

You should expect to budget EUR 2-3 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

NOTE: Interning in Spain REQUIRES intermediate level Spanish language skills. If you’d like to intern in Barcelona and only have basic Spanish knowledge, there is limited project availability and a placement cannot be guaranteed.

LISBON – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns are housed in a dormitory-style sustainable hostel in Estoril located 5 minutes away from the train station by foot. Estoril is a beach town, 30 minutes away from Lisbon city center by train, giving you the best of both city and beach life! This sustainable hostel has shared bathrooms and dorm rooms accommodating up to 6-14 people (single gender), along with private rooms available for upgrading upon request. Around the house there is Wifi and there are common areas to relax and mingle with people from around the world. Feel free to enquire about the sustainability measures taken on-site and share any new ideas!

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Portugal is considered a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night.

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Portugal, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (be aware of high charges) or grab a free local SIM card at reception (the activation fee starts at 5€). Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with three meals per day and also have access to a shared kitchen if needed. The meals are prepared daily by cooks who use fresh local ingredients to offer interns the best of typical Portuguese dishes and international cuisine. Lunch and dinner include local staples such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables and salad. Breakfast is self-served and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. If you have any dietary restriction or allergies, please let us know before arriving.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 2,165
6 WEEKS EUR 2,950
8 WEEKS EUR 3,665
12 WEEKS EUR 5,165

Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible if you are an EU resident, have an existing student/residence visa, or are prepared to self-arrange a residence/work permit to stay in the EU. Get in touch for more information.

Start Dates

Every Sunday

City lights at night

Location details

Portugal has a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony, which gives it a special personality. Estoril is a stylish and sophisticated resort town long recognized on the Portuguese Riviera. With gorgeous beaches, a renowned casino, and fine-dining restaurants – there is plenty to do! Hop on the train and head to Lisbon to explore all that the city has to offer.

You should expect to budget EUR 10 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

PORTO – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Intern stay in a cozy, dormitory-style hostel situated along the picturesque Douro River, just steps away from the metro and within walking distance to Porto’s iconic landmarks. The hostel rooms (single gender up to 6-14 pax) come with air conditioning, bedding, and personal conveniences such as reading lights, power outlets by each bed, and individual lockers for secure storage. If you’d prefer more privacy, you can upgrade to a private room—just contact us for details. The shared bathrooms are equipped with en-suite showers and toilet stalls. There is Wifi on-site and common areas to mingle or unwind.

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Portugal is considered a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night.

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Portugal, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (be aware of high charges) or grab a free local SIM card at reception (the activation fee starts at 5€). Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with three meals per day and also have access to a shared kitchen if needed. Lunch and dinner are served in a nearby restaurant which prepares tasty Portuguese dishes with fresh local ingredients. Breakfast is self-served at the accommodation and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt and fruit. If you have any dietary restriction or allergies, please let us know prior to your arrival.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 2,570
6 WEEKS EUR 3,590
8 WEEKS EUR 4,610
12 WEEKS EUR 6,650

Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible if you are an EU resident, have an existing student/residence visa, or are prepared to self-arrange a residence/work permit to stay in the EU. Get in touch for more information.

Start Dates

Every Sunday

Location details

Portugal has a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony, which gives it a special personality. Porto is a historical, vibrant city famous for its iconic Port wine. Being the second-largest city in Portugal, it is still very walkable with plenty of stunning architecture, a thriving arts scene, delicious cuisines, and a buzzing nightlife.

You should expect to budget EUR 4-5 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

ROME – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns will be accommodated at Roma Camping in Town, an eco-friendly camping village located about 30 minutes from Rome’s vast, historic center with just a 5-minute walk to the bus stop and 15 minute walk to the train station. Interns will share single-gender rooms with 2-3 beds including a private bathroom, air conditioning, bedding and towels, and weekly housekeeping. Private rooms are available upon request. The lodging offers free Wi-Fi in all common areas, and interns can also enjoy a large pool and various social & recreational facilities.

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Being a popular destination, tourists are easy targets for pickpockets in Rome, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers/official apps (Uber or FreeNow), keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Italy, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (although be aware of high charges) or you can purchase a local SIM card at any shop in the city. Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with breakfast and dinner daily at the accommodation. Breakfast is self-service and includes tea, coffee, bread, croissants, sweets, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Dinner dishes are always fresh and incorporate local & seasonal products to highlight the Mediterranean cuisine. The meal is served between 6:30pm and 10:30pm. It is recommended to budget about USD 10-15 for lunch daily which you’ll be able to purchase at local shops and eateries near your internship location. During the European summer months, there is a food truck stationed near the swimming pool where interns can grab quick snacks and sandwiches. If you have any dietary restriction or allergies, please let us know before arriving.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 3,325
6 WEEKS EUR 4,675
8 WEEKS EUR 6,025
12 WEEKS EUR 8,725

Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible if you are an EU resident, have an existing student/residence visa, or are prepared to self-arrange a residence/work permit to stay in the EU. Get in touch for more information.

Start Dates

The Sunday before the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month AND every Sunday from May to the end of August

Location details

Italy is an open-air museum, with the country having its roots in Greek and Roman history. Being the country’s capital, Rome is often a must-see destination on travelers’ bucket lists. The city is a unique place full of history, architecture, art, churches, fountains, and restaurants. As one of the oldest cities in the world, there is no shortage of spots to explore for both modern and historical culture.

Transport infrastructures in Italy work well, but there are often strikes/delays. Make sure to check for daily updates on the status of the transport you use. Your local internship coordinator will also help you with this. You should expect to budget about EUR 3-5 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

SPLIT – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns will stay at the host organization’s own hostel, a newly opened and sustainability-focused accommodation. The hostel is furnished with second-hand items and locally sourced organic materials, and prioritizes reducing water usage and sourcing food locally. Located in a central neighborhood of Split, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the bus station and 10 minutes from the city center. Nearby, you’ll find everything you need including local cafes, supermarkets, ATMs, and pharmacies. The hostel offers laundry services at 10€ per load and features an 8-bed mixed-gender room, as well as single-gender rooms (8-10 pax), which can be requested in advance (depending on availability). Each bed comes with a personal locker for storage, and interns can use a shared kitchen for cooking and storing food.

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Croatia is considered a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in crowded areas in peak European summer months. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night. It is recommended to use trusted taxi drivers/ride-share apps like Uber, Bolt or Cammeo. Choose where you exchange or withdraw money carefully as fees are higher in some places (generally national bank machines have better conversion rates).

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Spain, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (be aware of high charges) or you can purchase a local SIM card at any convenience shop (average cost is EUR 10). Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Lunch and dinner are organized in a family-owned restaurant below the hostel, with traditional Croatian meals made to order. A daily menu is provided with options of vegetarian, meat, or fish dishes. Breakfast is served in a common area and consists of breads, cereal, spreads, fresh fruit, eggs, tea, coffee, and juice. If you have any dietary restriction or allergies, please let us know prior to your arrival.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 2,270
6 WEEKS EUR 3,100
8 WEEKS EUR 3,930
12 WEEKS EUR 5,590

Internships longer than 12 weeks are possible if you are an EU resident, have an existing student/residence visa, or are prepared to self-arrange a residence/work permit to stay in the EU. Get in touch for more information.

Start Dates

The Sunday before the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month AND every Sunday from May to the end of August

Location details

Croatia is a small but diverse country that boasts the perfect blend of great food, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful nature. Split is a popular tourist destination, especially since becoming a Game of Thrones filming location. With a historic old town, scenic seafront, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and other attractions, interns can enjoy a wonderful blend of new and old. In Split, everything you may need is within walking distance.

Most projects are a bus ride away (at most 1 hour). You should expect to budget about EUR 3-5 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

ATHENS – WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Interns will stay at the host organization’s own hostel, an accommodation dedicated to refugee inclusion. The hostel offers six gender-split rooms up to 6-14 pax. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, individual lockers, reading lights, power outlets, and bed linens. The hostel includes free Wifi and features spacious common areas where interns can relax and connect with people from around the world. The accommodation provides employment opportunities to migrants and refugees, fostering community empowerment. Its decor emphasizes sustainability, with second-hand furnishings and support for local, ethical businesses.

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, support staff on the ground, along with an internship supervisor and program coordinator.

Being a popular destination, tourists are easy targets for pickpockets in Rome, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Stick to populated areas and always know how to safely return to your accommodation. Use recommended taxi drivers/official apps (Uber and FreeNow), keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), and keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and never walking down dark streets.

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad. To stay connected wherever you are in Greece, you can opt to use your existing data roaming plan (be aware of high charges) or you can purchase a local SIM card at any convenience shop. Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked for international carriers before you travel.

Meals

Interns are provided with three meals per day which are prepared with fresh local ingredients to offer you the best of various international dishes. Breakfast is self-service and generally includes tea, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Lunch and dinner will include protein such as fish and chicken, as well as rice, pasta, vegetables, and salad. You will have access to a shared kitchen that you can use to cook and store any food. If you have any dietary restriction or allergies, please let us know before arriving.

Fees

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
4 WEEKS EUR 2,120
6 WEEKS EUR 2,850
8 WEEKS EUR 3,580
12 WEEKS EUR 5,040

Start Dates

The Sunday before the 1st and 3rd Monday AND every Sunday from May to the end of August

Location details

Greece has a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony, making it a country with a special personality. Athens is full of vibrant culture, delicious food, and thousands of years of history. Being the birthplaces of modern Western democracy, science, arts, and philosophy, makes it an incredible place to explore picturesque streets, landmarks, and lively shops.

In central Athens, walking is a preferred way to travel around. Omonoia area (where you’ll be staying) is a 9 minute walk to the center of Athens and the metro station is a 5 min walk. You should expect to budget about EUR 4-6 per day for your daily public transportation to your internship placement.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start dates and fees vary per location and can be found in the City specific sections above.

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a shared room (find the City specific Where you’ll Stay section above). If you’d like a single room, please contact us for prices and availability.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival
  • Meals specific for your desired location (find the City specific Meals section above)
  • Wifi access
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Europe
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Potentially, some meals (depending on your desired location – find the City specific Meals section above)
  • Airport transfer upon departure
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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