What's included?

• An internship in London in a sector matching your chosen career path 
• Information, advice and support
• Multilingual internship placement officers
• 24-hour support & emergency contacts during the internship work placement
• Half-day orientation at a Training Centre 
• Access to a Training centre – complete with IT suite (free wifi & internet access) and café area
• Twin Certificate of achievement (awarded on completion of the internship)
• Reference from employer

What's NOT included?

• Flights or Train Journeys
• Insurance (for EEA Applicants from outside the UK)
• Sightseeing activities
• BUNAC Tier 5 Internship visa fee (from £590)
• Tier 5 visa application fee (£245, payable to the UK Government)
• BUNAC Tier 5 Programme handling fee (£250, required for all Non-EEA applicants)

Non-EEA applicants can find additional information on the BUNAC website

Here at Twin Work & Volunteer we get many international interns, all with different levels of English. Every intern is different, some have never visited the UK and may find the idea of working in England a little scary. That is why we work hard to make sure that every intern is comfortable and happy with their placement.

If you are worried that your English isn't very good, then we have the perfect idea. Below are some study options (please note, all prices are per week), to give you the skills you need to live and work in the UK:

If you have any questions about your internship placement then please speak to one of our friendly travel advisors. We can help you choose the right programme and make arrangements for any other needs you may have. Please contact us for further help and information!

Dates and duration

• Internships in London are available throughout the year, so contact us at anytime
• Placements typically start on Mondays

You're advised to contact us as soon as possible so that we can confirm your place in a suitable company.

To get the best possible experience from your internship your applications should be made no later than 6 weeks before you require the internship to start. *If you are a Non-EEA citizen, please start your application 12 weeks before your desired start date*

Eligibility

EEA Nationals and Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Holders:

• Age 18+
• English Level: Intermediate IELTS 3.5+ or equivalent

 Non-EEA Nationals:

Thanks to our partnership with BUNAC, we are able to offer our award-winning Professional Internship to citizens from countries outside the EEA (European Economic Area). Just submit your application with us today by hitting the book now button below and one of our friendly team will give you all the advice you need on how to get your visa from BUNAC. 

Non-EEA Citizens:

• Age 18+
• English Level: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (not applicable if you are from an English speaking country)
• Currently studying at university (at least one semester completed) or graduated within the past 12 months
• Maximum internship duration of 6 months
• Be able to show proof of funds
• Have medical insurance cover (Please see the insurance tab for more information)

Please note, for candidates applying from outside the EEA there is an additional visa administration fee of £250.

Please be aware that:

• It is best that you are capable & feel comfortable in an English-speaking environment.
• You will be assigned an internship based on your available dates, skills, training and personality.
• Some jobs may require more specific qualifications and experience.

Location

Project life

In an increasingly competitive employment market, the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience as an intern will allow you to increase your awareness of the business world and sharpen your existing skills.

The Professional Internship is set up for students and young adults over 18 years old who are looking to develop their personal and professional goals by working in a UK company.

Professional internships are available in numerous business sectors and can be matched to your needs and career objectives. This allows you to make the most of your experience by enhancing your English skills, work on specific projects and show your employers what you have to offer.

Please note that all of our placements are unpaid internships.

We have previously matched interns in the following sectors:

Internships generally last from 3 weeks onwards - many last for longer periods and can easily fit in with your university summer break or stages of your gap year. The longer interns spend at work, the more beneficial the entire experience will be.

Accommodation and Food

If you need accommodation during your placement you can choose to stay in either homestay or residential locations across London. 

Homestay Accommodation:

Living with a host family in London provides you with a real insight into 'London-living', allowing you to have a rewarding experience where you can embrace the multitude of cultures, customs and traditions that London is famed for having.

• There is the option of half-board (breakfast and an evening meal) or full-board (three meals a day)
• Bed and breakfast or
• Self-catering accommodation

The homes are in locations that are within easy reach of transport links to either our partner organisation's training centre or to your internship placement.

Residential housing:

If a homestay is not your thing, or you are looking to have more independence, you can choose to stay in residential housing in locations around London. Again, these are within easy travelling distance of central London and our training centre. If you are interested in enquiring about availability at our residences in addition to our internship programme please send an email to workandvolunteerteam@twinuk.com

Residences in general offer:

• Single rooms arranged in self-contained flats
• Shared kitchen, toilet and bathroom
• Self-catered housing

Shared Flats:

Twin also has a number of flat and house shares available across London. Some options have En-Suite available. Please contact a Twin advisor to find out availability. 

Our accommodation options have you in mind and will help to make your stay in London as easy as possible. 

Residential accommodation is available in locations across London, close to a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants and parks. The locations also have excellent public transport and are within easy reach of central London. You can spend your free time exploring this beautiful city and all that it has to offer. 

You will find that the local area and your comfy accommodation has plenty to keep you entertained! Residential guests can enjoy a range of facilities in their spare time, such as:

• Gym facilities
• Study and common room                    
• Shared kitchens
• Laundry room
• Fast broadband internet (wired and wireless)

Flights, Transportation & Visas

Visas

• Most citizens from EEA countries will not require a visa to take part in this programme
• Non EEA citizens will need a BUNAC Tier 5 visa to take part, the conditions vary from country to country - contact a Twin travel adviser for details
• Non EEA citizens can also obtain a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa - contact a Twin travel adviser for details

 Required documents for Tier 5 visa applicants:

• Current CV - this should be up-to-date and detail any recent work experience and education. Your CV should also include your full contact details. 
• Proof of insurance - your insurance policy must meet specific criteria, please see the safety and insurance tab for further information.
• Official university transcript - this must be an official letter from your university, printed on letterheaded paper. The letter must clearly state your name, degree course and course dates. 
• Letter of recommendation - you must have a letter of recommendation from a previous employer of a university professor which outlines why you are suitable for the programme. This should be signed, dated and printed on university letterheaded paper. The contact details of the professor/employer must be included.
• Passport copy - you must provide a clear copy of the bio information page of your passport. Please note that your passport must be valid for the duration of the internship and for six months after. 
• Proof of funds - you have to show that you have support funds in your account. This must be £945 and it must have been in your account for 90 days. You can evidence your proof of funds with an official bank statement which must include the letterhead of the bank, account holder name, type of account, date of the document, present available balance.
• IELTS - if you are applying from a country where English is not the first language, you must also submit an IELTS certificate, issued within the past 24 months. An IELTS 6.0 is required. 

Flights

• Flights are not included in the cost of the Professional Intersnhip Programme in London.
• London has four major airports which domestic and international flights arrive at:
• Heathrow
• Gatwick
• Stansted
• Luton

 If finding your own way from the airport or train station makes you worry, then we will happily arrange transfers for you. That way you can relax! 

Safety & Insurance

We recommend that all participants take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance, prior to arriving the UK. 

BUNAC Tier 5 Visa applicants are required to show proof of their international medical insurance as part of their visa specifications. The following criteria must be met:

• The plan must have a maximum pay-out benefit of at least $500,000 (USD or equivalent)
• The plan must cover 'repatriation of remains'

Proof can be shown by producing an insurance card, letter from an insurance company or a receipt to show the payments and coverage dates. You must also be able to show proof that the insurance plan meets the criteria specified above.