Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism: Professional, Academic, and Cultural Experience included!

Join Isla for a truly immersive and “all inclusive” international experience! Our team pairs you with a local NGO in your field of interest, supports you every step of the way, secures housing, insurance, etc., connects you with professional, social, and cultural opportunities, and collaborates with your university to ensure all academic requirements are met!

Intern with an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable hospitality and tourism practices. Please note, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships can take place during the school year and summer break. Internships last for 6+ weeks. You will get a chance to specify when you would like to start your internship.

Tourism is a new developing sector in the Balkans with extraordinary potential, providing Kosovo with an opportunity for global recognition. This organization serves as the central body for all efforts in national hospitality in Kosovo, focusing on both cultural and natural tourism. As the first organization of its kind in the country, it boasts a diverse membership across various municipalities, with over 70 current members. It holds the distinction of being Kosovo's sole national representative in the FEG (European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations). Their mission is to showcase Kosovo as a premier tourist destination by leveraging skilled tour guides and highlighting the richness of its cultural and natural heritage as integral assets for tourism development. Through sustainable and collaborative efforts with local communities and stakeholders, interns will play a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences throughout Kosovo and showcasing Kosovo's rich cultural and natural heritage as key attractions for visitors from around the world. 

Isla will work closely with your university to locate funding and answer all questions. The following is included within the program so that you can focus primarily on the work at hand and be supported each step of the way! 

• Pre-departure preparations (packing list, language modules, cultural guidance, etc)
• Quality Internship Placement with a customized scope of work
• Airport pickup and in-country orientation
• Welcome lunch/dinner
• Housing, internet, and fully stocked kitchen
• Groceries
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Local SIM Card/phone plan (optional)
• Monthly Bus Passes/Transportation (optional)
• Local Language classes (optional)
• Tuition to study at the national university for 4 ECTS/3 US credits (Kosovo- optional)
• Mentorship from local professionals
• 24/7 support from Isla team
• Bi-weekly internship and cultural experience reflection sessions
• Scheduled team lunches/dinners with all interns/Isla team with relevant professionals/stakeholders
• Support in organizing and planning travel/in-country social activities
• Cultural/social activities as available
• Certificate of completion and letter of references upon completion of internship
• Continued mentorship post completion of internship (according to field of interest)
• Additional support depending on country of internship and academic requirements

Depending on the Intern’s skill set and interest, the Intern will be assigned to one or more of the following projects associated with the hospitality and tourism in Kosovo:

• Tourism Strategy Development & Advocacy
• Hospitality Training & Capacity Building Programs
• Tourist Experience Improvement Initiatives
• Community-Based Tourism Development Projects
• Tour Guide Education & Training

The Ideal Candidate

Isla seeks interns who share a commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices and enhancing hospitality services, contributing to the economic development and cultural preservation of Kosovo.

This internship provides a wonderful opportunity to earn academic credit to meet practicum, research, or capstone project requirements towards your degree. Or if you choose to intern abroad simply to gain international work experience in this unique global community, that is more than doable, too!
 

Skills & Abilities

• University undergraduate and graduate students, and young professionals working on a degree (or who have graduated in fields) in hospitality management, tourism studies, travel management, environmental science, ecology, sustainability studies, English, creative writing, or other-related fields.
• Willingness to take initiative and work under minimal guidance in both office and field settings.
• Motivated and committed to work effectively as part of an inter-cultural team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and willingness to learn.
• Be flexible and work to understand Kosovo's culture, history, and current events.

All Isla internships are customized to your particular academic interests and skill set. Please note, if you are a university undergrad or grad student, it is your responsibility to check with your institution and with Isla Internships Abroad to be sure that your internship Scope of Work is designed to meet all requirements for your particular academic needs. 

The Isla Team is available to guide you through the process even before you accept your Isla internship position. Most of the work in developing your placement is conducted way before your arrival in-country!

Hear from 2024 Isla Alumni: “I would describe it as a unique and rewarding experience for anyone interested in exploring the world and helping people. My time in Kosovo was one that I'll never forget, as the knowledge I gained and the people I met will both have special places in my heart.”

“The internship experience was one that will open your worldview and expose you to new challenges that you will only experience interning abroad. Interning through Isla will develop not only memories, but skills that will transfer into the workforce.”

“I would describe this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was very rewarding and it really shows what you can do by yourself in another country. It is something that I think everyone should do.”

Apply here. Contact The Isla Team for more information at info@isla-serve.org! Live Learn Intern