Engineering: 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 engineering initiatives focused on sustainable infrastructure, environmental conservation, and resource management in Kosovo. Please note, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships can take place during the school year or summer break. Internships last for 6+ weeks. You will get a chance to specify when you would like to start your internship.

Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, offers a dynamic environment for engineering students to gain hands-on experience through internships with local NGOs and the University of Prishtina’s School of Engineering. These internships provide students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and direct engagement in impactful engineering projects.

Despite the growing demand for engineering solutions in Kosovo, many organizations and institutions face resource limitations, creating a need for skilled interns to support various projects in engineering, research, and community engagement. Stretching across diverse fields such as construction, hydro-technical engineering/integrated water resource management, geodesy, and environmental sustainability, these internships offer a crucial opportunity to develop professional skills while contributing to meaningful initiatives.

Interns will play an active role in addressing urgent challenges while gaining hands-on experience in sustainable development. Whether working on urban planning, environmental conservation, or infrastructure design, this internship provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of Europe’s most rapidly developing regions.

***Opportunities to take courses at the School of Engineering (taught in English) are available at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level as well. 

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 skills and interests, they will be assigned to one or more engineering-focused projects in Prishtina, Kosovo, working with local NGOs and the University of Prishtina’s School of Engineering:

• Infrastructure Research & Development – Conduct feasibility studies and analyze engineering challenges to support innovative solutions in urban planning, water management, and sustainability.
• Environmental Engineering & Sustainability – Assist in GIS mapping, sustainable land use planning, and environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects.
• Policy & Technical Documentation – Contribute to drafting reports, grant proposals, and engineering policy recommendations to advance sustainable development initiatives.
• Project Implementation & Engineering Design – Support NGOs in designing, prototyping, and implementing engineering solutions for community and environmental projects.
• Event Coordination & Public Outreach – Help organize industry-related conferences, community engagement programs, and awareness campaigns promoting engineering and sustainability efforts.
• Independent Projects Welcome-these programs also encourage self-initiated research or projects based on personal interests or academic requirements, with access to local laboratories, engineering facilities, and expert guidance.

The Ideal Candidate

Isla seeks interns who are passionate about engineering, sustainable development, and infrastructure innovation. Interns should be eager to contribute to impactful projects in environmental engineering, urban planning, and water resource management while gaining hands-on experience with local NGOs and the University of Prishtina’s School of Engineering.

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 or graduate students, and young professionals with backgrounds in engineering, environmental science, urban planning, or related fields.
• Strong interest in infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and technical research.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment, contributing to engineering projects and sustainable development initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with professionals, NGOs, and academic institutions.
• Willingness to engage in project implementation, research, policy documentation, and public outreach efforts supporting Kosovo’s engineering and sustainability initiatives.

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.”

Please note: A $90 application fee is required to process your application.

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