What are the requirements to apply for a program?

• All our programs are conducted in English so you will need to be proficient in it.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
• In most internships they should have at least one year of undergraduate study completed
• We require all interns to present us with a clean criminal background check before their program starts
• For all in-person programs interns must obtain a valid travel insurance for the entire duration of their program abroad

How do I apply?
Browse though our website to identify the internship type (remote or in-person) and the professional category that interest you. Then use the application button to apply and let us know what you are interested in doing, when and for how long. There is no cost to apply and no commitments at this stage. We will review your application and if we accept you on your selected internship we will assign you with a program manager and ask you to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.

Is there flexibility in my booking?
Yes! Just contact us and you can make program, destination and duration changes, free of charge, subject to availability, up to sixty (60) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date for in-person programs, and before the program fee balance payment is made for remote internships. No changes will be accepted after the program fee has been paid in full. If a participant changes onto a program that has a higher program fee, then the participant is required to pay the difference. No refund will be paid if the new program fee is lower than the original program’s fee. Full details of our change policies are detailed in our Terms & Conditions of Service.

What are the program fees?
When you search our program lists for in-person and remote internships you will clearly see the fees listed for each program. We have gathered our program fees in one page for comparison reasons. If we accept you on this internship we will ask you to pay a non-refundable deposit of US$250 to secure your place. The remaining of your internship fees (less your initial US$250 deposit payment) will be due no less than sixty (60) calendar days before your in-person internship start date or seven (7) calendar days before your remote internship start date. Our program fees have a reasonable cost, without hidden fees and without unnecessary extras, giving the participants a freedom to learn, gain professional experience and emerge in a different culture. By paying for an internship ensures that you get support and a customized professional experience to increase your skills development and fortify your resume. Learn more on: “Why should you pay for an internship abroad?”

You mention that the program fees do not include extras. Are there extra services that we can add?
Our Fees page lists that for the in-person internships currently the only extra service available is extra accommodation nights outside the program duration or to ask for a private housing (subject to availability). If you are interested in extra nights or private housing you can contact your program manager to discuss availability and total program costs.

Where do my fees go?
We charge reasonable fees for our programs which include administrative costs, salaries, accommodation cost, marketing and partner development. Our low prices do not have any hidden fees and no unnecessary extras making it financially viable for you to get a top internship experience without overpaying.

Is there a grant or scholarship?
Cerca Abroad does not currently offer any type of grant or scholarship. We are more than happy to support you by supply a letter to any grant / scholarship awarding organization to provide details of the program that you wish to participate.

What are the payment methods?
In all our programs there are two transactions that need to take place. The first is to pay the non-refundable deposit of US$250 to secure your place (after we reviewed your application) and the payment of the remaining of your internship fees (less your initial US$250 deposit payment). For both transactions you will receive from us detailed payment instructions. The payment method can be via a bank transfer, where you will cover the transaction fees, or via credit/debit card. All prices mentioned in this web-page are in US Dollars and should be payed in US Dollars.

What is your refund policy?
Our program fees are designed to be fairly priced and transparent. Deposit payments cover the administrative support provided to the participants by us in advance of their program’s start date and are non-refundable in all circumstances. Program fees, less the non-refundable deposit payment, may be refunded provided the request is processed by us more than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date. Refunds are subject to a $250 cancellation fee to cover expenses already incurred by us on behalf of the participant, plus any additional cancellation costs such as non-refundable accommodation bookings. No refunds will be provided less than sixty (60) days before the scheduled start date. All program fees paid including the deposit may be held as a credit in the participant’s name for twelve (12) months from the earliest program start date the participant has ever been registered for, provided the request is processed by us more than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date. Full details of our change policies are detailed in our Terms & Conditions of Service.

Is there a payment deadline?

• For the in-person internships the full payment deadline is no less than sixty (60) calendar days before the scheduled start date.
• For the remote internships the full payment deadline is no less than seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled start date.

What happens after I pay the deposit?
A program manager will contact you via email to request additional information and will be available through a web-call to answer any questions that you might have. After we collect all necessary paperwork from your side we will confirm your program dates with the hosting team. No less than sixty (60) calendar days before the scheduled start date you will need to pay the remaining of your internship fees (less your initial US$250 deposit payment) and then make your travel arrangements.

Does the program cover the Flight cost?
No! You will need to make your own travel arrangements and at your own cost. During the program application and preparation phase your program manager will instruct you in which airport you will need to arrive and it is up to you and your travel agent to plan your trip

What happens if I have a health issue while abroad?
In order to participate in any of our in-person programs you will need to get a travel insurance (at your own cost) to cover any health related issue including admission to public or private hospitals. European Union citizens can issue, free of charge the European Health Insurance Card, which covers for free most of their health related costs in Greece. Even for EU citizens we will require you to purchase a travel insurance policy.

Do I really need to buy a Travel Insurance?
Yes! It is a strict requirement from our side and from our hosting institution to be covered by a travel insurance throughout your internship duration. Your travel insurance policy should include an adequate coverage for medical emergencies, travel disruptions, personal property that is lost or damaged whilst traveling, and last-minute trip cancellation (due to unforeseeable events that are out of your control).

Will the Ukraine Conflict affect my in-person internship?
The Ukraine conflict is a shocking and heartbreaking situation as with any conflict around the world. At this stage it remains an isolated and geopolitically targeted situation, very very far from any of our internship sites and we are monitoring it closely. We can reassure you that we have no information to suggest that there is any immediate or future threat to Greece. There is no travel advisory in place, which warns against travel to Greece due to this or any other conflict. Nor is there any state of emergency in the country.

Are there any restrictions or participation requirements due to COVID?
In the health-related programs (Medical, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant & Dentistry) the participants need to be fully vaccinated prior to arrival. For all health-related program participants a negative PCR test is needed max 48 hours before starting your program. The PCR will be arranged upon arriving on Sunday at your own cost (€50). In addition every week 1-2 PCR/Rapid tests, at your own cost (€10), will be required and conducted at the hospital following strict government regulations and you will be notified by the hospital if any change occurs.

For the Agricultural, Engineering, Veterinary and Zoology programs participants are advised to be fully vaccinated prior to arrival.

In the Wildlife Conservation program, our provider “Action for Wildlife” requires participants to first self-quarantine at a private apartment (7 days for vaccinated and 10 days for un-vaccinated interns), prior to their placement start. At the end of the self-quarantine a negative PCR is required to participate to the program.

Our Marine Conservation program requires to first self-quarantine for 2 days, upon arrival to Lipsi island, prior to their placement start. Quarantine accommodation is included in the fees. At the end of the self-quarantine period a negative PCR is required to participate to the program. This requirement is mandatory regardless of the vaccination status.

What should we wear during our shadowing at the health-related programs?
The dressing code in a medical facility is smart-casual. The staff will supply medical robes for the everyday use and scrubs during surgeries

Do I need a visa to travel to my in-person internship?
Currently all our in-person internships are located in Greece. Depending on your nationality, program duration and COVID restrictions you might need a visa to enter the country. Please consult your nearest Greek embassy / consulate and let them know when you plan to travel and for how long and they will advise you if you need to apply for a visa in advance. If you have a query just use the Contact Us page to let us know in which programs you are interested and a program manager will contact you.

What is the accommodation like?
In all in-person programs, the participants will stay in a fully-furnished, same-sex, shared housing at a reasonable distance from the internship location and near public transportation. You might sleep in a single or double bed in shared rooms (subject to availability). Bedding, towels and furnishings are provided and expect to have common areas such as lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Participants can request (subject to availability) extra accommodation nights outside the program duration or to ask for a private housing (subject to availability). The prices for this service are listed in our Fees page and if a participant is interested they can contact their program manager to discuss availability and total program costs.

What is included in the in-person internship?
Depending on which program you choose, the following services are included:

What is not included in the program fees are: Local activities & prepared meals, International/local travel costs, Travel document assistance & Insurance, any other service not mentioned.

Can I arrive earlier / leave later than the program dates?
You can contact your program manager and request a private accommodation or extra nights outside the program duration (subject to availability and  arranged in advance), for an additional “upgrade” fee as mentioned in our Fees page.

Are there any meals included in the in-person Internships?
In the health, engineering & agricultural programs there are no meals provided of any type. In the Wildlife Conservation program our provider, “Action for Wildlife” who is managing the facilities, is offering each free of charge a basic weekly supermarket grocery supply. In all in-person programs your accommodation contains a fully equipped kitchen to cook your meal or its located in an area where food deliveries are possible.

What will a typical day shadowing in a health-related program?
In the Medical, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant programs, during the first day of your program you will discuss with your coordinator your interests and he will design a weekly shadowing schedule for you to rotate in the hospital’s departments. Your days will begin at 9am by following doctors & medical staff doing rounds in clinics to check on patients, prepping for surgery and observing surgical operations next to the surgeon, discussing cases with colleagues or visiting the diagnostic labs (MRI, X-Ray etc) to gain understanding on each case. Your days will conclude after 6-8 hours of accompanying doctors on their daily schedule. For the Dentistry program the days will begin at 11am by reviewing the daily appointments and observing a range dental cases, understanding how a clinic operates, the diagnostic procedures and discussing each case step-by-step with the dentists.

Are the health-related programs compliant with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) rules?
Yes! Our program, collaborating hospitals / clinics follow the strict guidelines of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) making us fully compliant. We follow the same shadowing rules as in the US which allow you to only observe medical practices next to the doctors.

What is the shadowing schedule for the health-related programs?
For all the health-related programs the program runs from Monday to Friday. In the Medical, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant programs, the daily schedule is 9am to 4-5pm. For the Dentistry program the daily schedule begins at 11am and ends by 8pm.

Which specialties can I shadow in the health-related programs?

Depending on which program you choose, you will get to shadow on:

What will a typical day participating in the in-person Agriculture program?
In the Agriculture program your days will include planting and maintenance of the vineyard and olive trees: soil preparation, erecting the support structure for the plants, setting irrigation equipment and planting. It is also expected that you may prune and train growing vines, use methods for controlling pests and diseases with regular spraying. During the harvest period you may assist with handpicking grapes / olives or operating light machines / equipment to that are used around the farm.

What will a typical day participating in the in-person Engineering program?
In the Engineering program your days will include design, assemble, program drones and their sub-systems at the research center of the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, Greece. The program is designed to be hands-on and allow the intern to work in various phases of the drone development including field work.

What will a typical day participating in the in-person Wildlife Conservation program?
In the Wildlife Conservation program your days will include providing medical care to wild animals (birds, foxes, turtles, rabbits etc), cleaning cages, repairing/building cages, feeding animals, participating in actions (freeing animals, awareness events, etc) and maintenance of the facilities.

What will a typical day participating in the in-person Veterinary program?
In the Veterinary program your days will include providing medical care to land/marine mammals, reptiles & birds from all over the world.

What will a typical day participating in the in-person Veterinary program?
In the Zoology program your days will involve activities and duties such as undertaking cleaning and maintenance of enclosures of wild animals (birds, primates, felids etc.) helping with animal health checks, preparing food and feeding of animals in accordance with diet requirements, feeding schedule and instructions, undertaking animal enrichment program, animal behavior observations, attending meetings, seminars and staff training as requested by supervisors.

Is there a language barrier?
In all programs (in-person or remote) your coordinators and staff all speak English proficiently and we expect you to do so. For the in-person internships the majority of the population speaks English so you will not have any issue communicating.

Will I intern with others?
In all in-person programs depending on the time period it is highly likely that you will intern with others.

Will I get a reference letter at the end of my internship?
Yes! In all programs (in-person or remote) you can ask and receive a reference letter.

What should we have in mind for the in-person programs during summer?
Greece is one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, so if you plan to visit during the hot summer period you are advised to pack a hat, light cloths for outdoor activities, a SPF 30+ sun cream and sunglasses. On hot summer days remember to stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you.

What can I do during my free time abroad?
All our in-person internships are hosted in many locations across Greece. It is one of the most popular and safest destinations in the world. Situated in southeast Europe it is blessed with sun, friendly people, rich cuisine and a truly unique landscape that spans from green forests to the deep blue sea. With its 2,500 years of history and its 1,400 islands there is plenty to discover in Greece and it will satisfy the most demanding visitor. So your afternoons & weekends can be filled with exciting places to see, delicious food and many cultural events. You local coordinator will be there to introduce the place to you.

Do you accept Faculty-Led groups in your programs?
Yes! In all our in-person or remote internships we can accept Faculty-Led groups. Please use the Contact Us page to let us know in which program you are interested, the group size, duration and start date. A program manager will contact you and arrange a web-call to discuss the details of the program.

How can a business provide internship positions to your programs?
Easy! Just use the Contact Us page to let us know a few things about your business and how you can contribute. A program manager will contact you and arrange a web-call to discuss collaboration options.

We are a university and we would like to collaborate and send students to your programs. Can we do so?
Of course! Just use the Contact Us page to let us know in which programs you are interested and a program manager will contact you and arrange a web-call to discuss about a potential partnership.

We are an EU consortium interested in applying in Erasmus+ calls, are you interested?
Our company members have over 18 years in participating in European Union funded research projects and currently we are partners in three Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliances (KA2) projects. We are always interested in new and exciting ideas and are looking forward to discuss your proposal. Just use the Contact Us page to let us know more about your idea.

We are study abroad / internship provider and we are interested in expanding our operations to Greece. Can we do so?
Certainly! Over the past years we have collaborated with great success with study abroad / internship providers around the world to include our programs and services to their portfolio and operate in Greece. We can also discuss about customizing our services or designing new programs depending on your needs. Just use the Contact Us page to let us know in which programs you are interested and a program manager will contact you and arrange a web-call to discuss about a potential collaboration.