Internship with the UN

Starting an Internship with the UN is a unique opportunity for students who are looking for a successful professional career. Taking an internship means opening up possibilities for new experiences, not just professionally but for life, your maturity and acquiring new knowledge.

Now, you must be asking yourself: What do I need to know before starting my UN internship? 

Before your first day, you will need to do some planning, which involves extensive research and study on this new phase of your life, including understanding the place (country, city and region) you will live/work and studying the local people’s behavior and characteristics and their way of life. It is important to prepare in advance, so that you are not taken by surprise.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook (available soon) and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

UN Internships – Products & Services

Internship with the UN (Step 1): Understanding the destinations

The first thing to research is the place you are moving to, even though it is temporary. You need to know if your internship will be in a city or different country to the one you are currently living in. It is essential to carefully plan this stage, so that no important detail is forgotten. 

The cost of living should be a central piece of information for anyone who wishes to live abroad, since this will determine the costs and expenditure on housing, food and transport, among others.

Talk to people who have been to the place, look for groups on social networks and arrange virtual conversations. Try to establish contacts with local people, to gain the most realistic perception possible of your destination.

Furthermore, find out about the organization – look for further information on the internet. It is worth making the first contact by email or phone with your immediate supervisor to clarify any doubts

OpenIGO created an intelligent system that brings together all the internship opportunities in just one place, facilitating your search for internships.

Search for UN Internship Opportunities

Internship with the UN (Step 2): Look for a place to stay

First of all, you need to define your priorities when selecting a place to live: close to the workplace, the cost-benefit relationship, infrastructure, accessibility, or an easy commute.

Initially, decide on your ideal type of accommodation. Options, such as Couchsurfing, Airbnb, Hostel or Hotel are the best solutions for internships of up to one month, since they are less bureaucratic.

For longer internships, it may be more viable to rent a place to live, such as: an apartment, flat, family house or even a room at university halls of residence. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of accommodation and select the one that suits you best.

Also make a list of the services and structures that are essential for you in an ideal place. For example, a room with a table and chair to study, an internet connection, en suite bathroom, kitchen (shared or individual), water, electricity and telephone services, among others. 

Your research should include information about the places (neighborhoods/streets/avenues) and services and facilities available in the surrounding area

Internship with the UN (Step 3): Preparing for the travel

a) Tickets

Before making a firm decision on the purchase of your air tickets, carry out a detailed research that considers the airline, routes (if they are more or less tiring), travel time, schedules and connections. Be aware of the possibility of stopovers between international and domestic flights and alterations in regulations on luggage weight and size.

 In the case of air travel, the lowest price is not always the best option, since the time factor and tiredness may define your final choice.

Research the airports, which ones they are, where they are, the distance to the place where you will be staying and the transport systems that make the connection with your destination (train/subway/bus/car services and taxis). 

b) Visa

Pay attention, since every country has a series of specific requirements for your entry into their territory. Therefore, it is important to consult the site of the consulate of the country selected, and the list of documents that are required to request the appropriate visa. Some countries demand proof of accommodation and your level of education. Carefully prepare every document. Pay attention to official documents, which must be on headed paper and signed and stamped by those responsible.

In the United States, for example, individuals hired to work directly for certain international organizations, such as the UN, are usually entitled to a G visa. As an UN international intern, you would fall within the category of a G-4 visa.

Discover our UN Internships Application Review!

C) Health Insurance

You must already be dreaming about your journey, imagining visiting each place, enjoying the local attractions, and new things, but have you stopped to think about your health in the destination country? Be prepared for any health problems that may occur at your destination.

The majority of international organizations expect their interns to take out health insurance for the time they spend working there, but this does not mean they do not accept travel insurance in its place. It is important that you check this information with the organization when you receive approval for your internship. The following table shows the differences between both documents:

d) Packing your bags

• First of all, make a list of all the items you are going to take: clothes, shoes, accessories, toiletries, electronics and any medication. Specify the quantity of each item, to get an idea of the space you are going to use.
• Always select more basic clothes – the ones that are easy to fold and can form various different looks when you are away, such as black pants and jeans, which go with almost everything. Try to take the least number of items possible. Remember, you can buy clothes, shoes and food at your destination.
• Research information on the weather at your destination before you leave. The seasons of the year will have quite an effect on the contents of your suitcase. If it is winter at your destination, for example, give more space in your bags to clothes for cold weather: coats, boots, scarves, gloves and socks, etc. For coastal cities or in the summer, you could take your swimwear, lighter clothes, hats and sunglasses, etc.