Internships in Canada

You should apply for your internship in Canada at least 12 weeks before your desired start date. This allows enough time to optimize your application documents, select a suitable placement, and complete the visa process — especially since Working Holiday visas are limited and not guaranteed.

Internships in Canada are especially common in social work, community projects, environmental protection, animal welfare, and nonprofit organizations. Depending on the program, you can work in major cities or in more remote, nature-focused regions across Canada.

In most cases, internships in Canada are unpaid. However, they offer valuable international work experience that can significantly strengthen your CV and improve your long-term career prospects.

No, volunteer internships in Canada are not paid. However, they offer excellent opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and language improvement — especially for participants seeking meaningful international experience.

Yes, under certain conditions an internship in Canada can be recognized as a mandatory or academic internship. This is particularly common in Voluntern programs with nonprofit organizations. Visa requirements are simpler and placement times are often shorter — making this a great option between high school graduation and the start of your studies.

To qualify for a C50 charity visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Good English or French language skills

• Working hours: approx. 20–40 hours per week

• Physical fitness for environmental or animal-related tasks (if applicable)

• Invitation from a recognized charity organization in Canada

The C50 visa can only be applied for through an internship or volunteer program run by a school or agency such as StudentsGoAbroad or its Canadian partner organizations.

If you don’t receive a Working Holiday Visa, you can still complete an internship in Canada through a C50 visa as part of a volunteer or charity program. This option allows you to work with nonprofit, charitable, or social organizations without long waiting times or lottery procedures.

The duration of an internship in Canada is flexible. Depending on the program, short stays starting from 4 weeks are possible, especially in volunteering, environmental, or social projects. Traditional internships abroad usually last 8 weeks or longer, but Canada also offers shorter options — ideal if you have limited time or budget.

The maximum duration depends on the visa type:

• Working Holiday Visa: up to 12 months

• Work permit: up to 12 months

• C50 charity visa: up to 16 weeks (longer stays may be possible upon request)

Nature and wildlife conservation programs are usually located in rural regions of Canada, including:

• Western Canada

• Central Canada

• French-speaking Canada (Québec and surrounding regions)

These locations offer hands-on experience close to nature and wildlife.

For city-based charity programs or internships, you can optionally book homestay accommodation with a Canadian host family. Living with a host family offers a deep cultural experience and typically includes 2–3 meals per day, a private room, internet access, and shared living with other international students.

For nature and wildlife programs, we recommend the Meet & Greet Arrival Package. You’ll be picked up at the airport and brought to your accommodation or hostel. The following day, transport to your project location is organized via bus, train, or shuttle. All travel logistics depend on your program location and are discussed in detail with your coordinators before departure.

Yes, farm work in Canada is a popular alternative if you don’t need an academic internship. For up to four weeks, you can help out on ranches, farms, animal shelters, or agricultural businesses. Accommodation and meals are often included, and you’ll improve your English or French skills while living with a host family — especially popular in British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec.