BUNAC’s Internship program, Intern in Britain gives participants an opportunity to experience British life and culture from the inside. UK society is a fascinating mix of old and new and offers many attractions for young travelers. The arts, media and youth culture flourish, there are many historical and other places to visit and since Britain is relatively compact, it’s easy to get around to see the four UK countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For longer trips, the rest of Europe is easily accessible.

How the internship program works

This new, once in a lifetime opportunity is exclusively available through BUNAC and comes after many months of negotiations with the UK government. Eligible students and recent graduates of any nationality can apply to take part on the intern program. From 1966 until the introduction of the new UK immigration rules in 2008, BUNAC successfully operated the Blue Card Work in Britain program which allowed tens of thousands of US students to take any job in the UK for up to six months.

On this new internship program, participants are required to arrange the position before applying for a visa. Internships are subject to National Minimum Wage (NMW) legislation (view our internship program FAQs for more information.)

Blue Card Internship Program

The new program is officially known as the BUNAC Blue Card Internship Program and is a Government Authorised Exchange (GAE). As Tier 5 program sponsor, BUNAC is authorized by the UK Border Agency to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to successful applicants who can then apply for a visa before entering Britain. We accept applications throughout the year.

Students of any nationality studying within the US and US nationals studying elsewhere will have their applications and pre-departure support handled in BUNAC’s office in Connecticut. In the UK participants attend an arrival orientation at BUNAC’s London Resource Center and have the full support and help of BUNAC throughout their stay.

Internship program features include:

• A one-off opportunity to take an internship anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for up to six months
• Help and advice from BUNAC in the US before departure and assistance with the visa process
• A comprehensive internship program Handbook
• An informative arrival orientation to fully prepare you for life in Britain
• Ongoing help and support from BUNAC throughout your stay
• Unlimited use of BUNAC’s Resource Center in London
• Assistance with National Insurance, tax and bank formalities
• Social diary of internship program events and trips
• Newsletters
• Free membership of International Students House.