The Cost of Internships in the USA


Internships in the USA can be expensive, with costs for travel, accommodation, and living expenses adding up quickly. How can European students budget for the costs of internships in the USA, and what are some of the most affordable options for internships in different parts of the country?

Are you a European student dreaming of doing an internship in the USA? If so, you’re not alone! The USA is a popular destination for students seeking international work experience, and for good reason. Internships in the USA can be a great way to gain valuable skills, network with professionals in your field, and experience American culture firsthand. However, there’s one big catch: internships in the USA can be expensive.

Between airfare, accommodations, and living expenses, the cost of doing an internship in the USA can quickly add up. So how can you budget for these costs, and what are some of the most affordable options for internships in different parts of the country? In this post, we’ll explore these questions and give you some practical tips for making the most of your internship experience without breaking the bank.

1. Start by researching the costs of living in different cities

The cost of living can vary widely depending on where you intern in the USA. For example, New York City is known for its high cost of living, while smaller cities like Indianapolis or Milwaukee might be more affordable. To get an idea of how much you’ll need to budget, start by researching the average cost of rent, food, transportation, and other expenses in the cities where you’re considering doing your internship. Websites like Numbeo or Expatistan can be helpful resources for this.

Here are some examples of different US cities and their average prices for internships:

  1. New York City: Known for its high cost of living, interns can expect to spend around $1,400 to $2,000 per month on rent alone, depending on the location. Groceries can cost around $300 per month, and transportation around $127 per month for a monthly pass.

  2. San Francisco: Another expensive city, interns can expect to spend around $1,200 to $2,000 per month on rent, depending on the location. Groceries can cost around $250 per month, and transportation around $98 per month for a monthly pass.

  3. Los Angeles: Rent prices in Los Angeles can vary greatly depending on the location, but interns can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,800 per month. Groceries can cost around $300 per month, and transportation around $100 per month for a monthly pass.

  4. Chicago: Rent prices in Chicago can also vary depending on the location, but interns can expect to spend around $900 to $1,500 per month. Groceries can cost around $250 per month, and transportation around $105 per month for a monthly pass.

  5. Boston: Another city with high living costs, interns can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,800 per month on rent, depending on the location. Groceries can cost around $300 per month, and transportation around $85 per month for a monthly pass.

It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates and actual costs may vary depending on the specific location and individual lifestyle choices. It’s always a good idea for European students to research and budget accordingly before committing to an internship in the USA.

Some sources where you can check the average costs of living in different US cities:

  1. NerdWallet: Cost of living calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator
  2. Numbeo: Cost of living comparison https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
  3. Expatistan: Cost of living comparison https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living
  4. RentCafe: Average rent prices https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/

These websites provide up-to-date information on the cost of living in different US cities, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. They can be a helpful resource for students looking to budget for an internship in the USA.


2. Look for internships with stipends or benefits

Some internships in the USA offer stipends or benefits that can help offset the costs of living. For example, some companies may provide housing or transportation subsidies, while others may offer a stipend or even a salary for their interns. While these types of internships may be more competitive, they can be a great way to gain valuable experience without worrying as much about the financial burden.

3. Consider virtual or remote internships

 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have shifted their internship programs online. This can be a great option for students who want to gain experience in the USA but can’t afford to travel and live there. Virtual or remote internships can also be more flexible and allow you to work from anywhere, which can be especially convenient if you have other obligations like school or family.

4. Look for scholarships or grants

There are many scholarships and grants available to help students cover the costs of internships in the USA. Some are specifically designed for international students, while others are open to all students regardless of their nationality. A quick online search can turn up many options, so be sure to do your research and apply early.

Here are some examples of scholarships and grants that European students may be eligible for when pursuing internships in the USA:

Erasmus+ Traineeship grants: This program provides funding for European students to complete a traineeship in another European country or in a non-European country, including the USA.

Erasmus+ Programme: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities/traineeships-students_en

Fulbright Commission: This program offers scholarships for students from Europe and other countries to pursue graduate study or research in the USA.

Fulbright Program: https://fulbright.org/

DAAD RISE program: This program provides funding for German students to complete research internships in the USA.

DAAD Scholarships: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/

British Council: This organization offers a range of scholarships and grants for UK students who are interested in pursuing internships or other educational opportunities in the USA.

British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.us/study-work-abroad/outward-mobility-funding-for-uk-students

Rotary Foundation: This program provides funding for students from around the world to pursue academic or professional opportunities abroad, including internships in the USA.

Rotary Foundation: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships

It’s important to note that the eligibility requirements and application processes for these scholarships and grants can vary, so it’s important for students to research and carefully review the requirements before applying.


5. Budget wisely and live frugally

Even if you can’t find an internship with a stipend or a scholarship to cover your expenses, there are still ways to make the most of your budget. For example, you could consider living with roommates to split the cost of rent, cooking meals at home instead of eating out or using public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars. By living frugally and budgeting wisely, you can stretch your funds further and make your internship experience more affordable.

In conclusion, Internships in the USA can be expensive, but they don’t have to be prohibitive. By researching your options, looking for internships with stipends or benefits, considering virtual or remote internships, applying for scholarships or grants, and budgeting wisely, you can make the most of your internship experience without breaking the bank. So don’t let the cost hold you back from pursuing your dreams of gaining international work experience – with a little planning and preparation, you can make it happen!


What do you think about all this? Are you up to it?

If this topic interests you, check out our latest post, ‘Visa for Internships in the USA: What European Students Need to Know‘, or the section of our blog dedicated to Internships.

Vera Rocha

Growth Digital Marketing Manager of Internships USA

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