IT Internship in Europe

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Apply your IT skills to web development projects with nonprofits that will help you build your portfolio as you expand their online presence

Launch off into a fulfilling digital development journey through a web development internship with nonprofits dedicated to social change. By working with organizations that leverage technology for maximum impact, this IT Internship in Europe offers a hands-on experience in the ever-evolving digital space.

As a Web Development intern, you’ll play a key role in enhancing nonprofits’ online presence by coding and optimizing websites. Some projects will focus on making websites accessible to users with disabilities, such as those who are blind or deaf. Other opportunities include building or restructuring databases to streamline processes and expand audience reach. You may also take on larger projects, such as creating websites for organizations that currently lack an online presence.

This IT Internship in Europe allows you to directly contribute to the growth and success of nonprofits while refining your technical skills in a meaningful, purpose-driven environment. Whether you’re passionate about coding, digital accessibility, or data management, this internship will equip you with practical experience and build your portfolio, while helping organizations amplify their social impact.

Learning Objectives

  • Develop proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks
  • Gain expertise in web accessibility standards for users with disabilities
  • Enhance problem-solving and debugging skills in a real-world context
  • Build experience in database design, management, and optimization
  • Strengthen collaboration skills by working with designers and developers in a team

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

Your role as an IT intern will be tailored to your interests and learning goals, based on the location and available projects.

Responsibilities

  • Write well-designed, testable, and efficient code using industry-standard software development practices
  • Create user-friendly website layouts and intuitive user interfaces
  • Design, optimize, and maintain stable, reliable, and effective databases for nonprofits
  • Collaborate with web designers to ensure cohesive and visually appealing web designs
  • Optimize and maintain legacy systems to improve performance and functionality
  • Fix bugs in existing web development projects and solve database usage issues
  • Gather and refine specifications and technical requirements based on project needs
  • Create and maintain comprehensive software documentation
  • Conduct performance benchmarking tests to ensure efficiency and reliability of web applications
  • Decide on appropriate technologies and programming languages for project needs

Requirements

  • Currently studying or have completed a degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or a related technical field
  • Proven experience in web development, including proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks
  • Knowledge of database design and management systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards and web optimization for users with disabilities
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with designers and other developers
  • Efficient organizational skills with attention to detail
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus
  • Minimum age of 18 years

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Italy OR Portugal
PROGRAM FOCUS: Sustainable Development
TASK FOCUS: Website Management, Backend Development, Systems & Procedures
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From EUR 2,165

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hands-on experience with nonprofits dedicated to social change
  • Build and optimize websites with a focus on accessibility
  • Tackle real-world digital challenges, including database management
  • Develop technical skills in coding, web design, and optimization
  • Gain exposure to new culture by interning in a European city.
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

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.

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.

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 Rome, Italy / Lisbon, Portugal
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • If interning in Rome: daily lunch is not provided
  • 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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