Portugal is a country that, although affected by the crisis, attracts students and academics who wish to do their internship there. Sun, cost of living, quality education system: there are many reasons to work in Portugal. Many Portuguese companies now wish to receive qualified students on internship, with the aim of hiring them afterwards. However, there are rules and you have to be careful to respect them. If you want to find your internship in Portugal, whether as an extension of an Erasmus or a diploma, many tracks are available to you. What are the sectors that hire trainees ? What are the conditions to be able to do an internship in Portugal ? How to find it and on which sites to look for it ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything you need to know to find, prepare and do your internship in Portugal.

Why do your internship in Portugal?

More and more students choose to do at least one internship abroad while studying. Erasmus, Eurodysseia, the opportunities are many to live an experience in Portugal and the internship is one of them. In addition to improving your knowledge of the Portuguese language, coming to do your internship in Portugal is adding a nice rope to your bow. Why ? Because going away from home to work opens you to other professional horizons, other ways of working and also forces you to fend for yourself. Life in Portugal is also cheaper than in other European countries, it is beautiful and warm and the sweetness of life reigns throughout the territory, and those throughout the year. This is another good reason to come and do your internship in Portugal (and why not stay there!).

In which sectors to look for your internship in Portugal?

You can find an internship for your Erasmus in Portugal in all fields, but some sectors are the engines of the Portuguese economy, it will be easier for you to find your internship if you practice in these areas: agriculture, viticulture, production of cork, tourism, environment, engineering, telecommunications, marble, automotive sector as well as the entire tertiary sector in general.

What are the requirements for completing your internship in Portugal?

There are certain conditions to be respected before applying for an internship in Portugal. Bob has brought them together here:

• You must be under 30 ;

• Have enough proof of your level of education as well as your sector;

• Demonstrate good command of Portuguese.

This last point seems inevitable, because without the minimum mastery of the language it will be difficult for you to communicate with your future employers. There are, however, a number of foreign companies in which English or any other language can be used, but cases are quite rare.

Specificities of an internship in Portugal

In Portugal, a trainee can be either a student, a jobseeker or a freshly graduated young person. In general, the internship can last from 1 to 12 months, and is rarely paid for less than 3 months. Nevertheless, the remuneration can sometimes be negotiated and can reach 900 euros per month in certain large groups and companies.

Many English speaking companies are present in Portugal and can be a direct and simpler solution for your internship research. You can find the contact information and the names of the contact persons directly on the website of the foreign Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

How to find your internship in Portugal?

If you want to find an internship in the fields of tourism, hospitality, or catering, you are in the right place. These are indeed the most dynamic sectors of the Portuguese economy and your internship research will be facilitated. For others, do not be discouraged because there are always some offers available in several areas.

The dedicated websites

Many websites exist to help you find your internship in Portugal. Whether they are English but also Portuguese, all of them list for you the internship offers available in Portuguese companies. Here are some of the sites where to look for your next internship in Portugal.

• Portal Europeu da juventud

• Go Abroad

• Justlanded

• The student

• Internship Employment

Employment agencies

If you do not have the time or the desire to devote time to your internship search in Portugal, there are placement agencies. These agencies are located in the country and take care of finding the company adapted to your request. This service is paid (the price varies depending on the organization) but ensures you a significant time saving and a you will have more chance to find a paid internship, or at least, with benefits in kind. Be careful though, even if the agency places you with a company, you still have to go through the process of selecting the company.

Networks

More and more English-speaking people are moving to Portugal and would love to give you the opportunity to discover the professional life in this beautiful country. There are several types of networks to guide you during your search for an internship in Portugal.

Professional networks

To find your internship in Portugal, remember to contact foreign Chambers of Commerce in Lisbon. A number of member companies are open to the possibility of having English-speaking trainees.

LinkedIn

All Portuguese companies are not present on LinkedIn but it is worth trying. Indeed, large groups are active there and do not hesitate to post offers on their page. Build a detailed profile of your academic and professional experience to put your assets in value. You can then directly contact the companies that interest you or respond to job offers published regularly on the network. By going through LinkedIn you will show some mastery of digital tools and this will be noticed.

Alumni networks

Do not neglect the networks affiliated with your school. Former students know the value of your degree and often form a large family ready to help each other. More and more foreign student people are moving to Portugal and working in companies from all sectors. Contact them by telling them that you come from the same school as they sometimes help open doors.

You now have all the cards in hand to find the internship of your dreams in Portugal.

Lisbob is expats assistant in Portugal. Check out how he can help you !