Application for internships takes typically place in early spring starting as early as January but application dates vary. Because the number of interested students exceeds the number of university sponsored internships, students are encouraged to seek an internship assignment independently. The process is similar to looking for a regular job. Interns are usually paid, although not as much as regular employees. The tradeoff is that interns receive extra guidance and mentoring. It is also possible to arrange for academic credit from an internship. In addition, many companies offer young graduates the chance to participate in a trainee program. For more information about such opportunities, check the web pages of big international companies.
For internships abroad, The Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) is the best source of information. Applications for CIMO internship programs take place in February and October. CIMO also grants scholarships for internships in international organizations; application deadlines for these scholarships are on-going. Student organizations like AIESEC, IAESTE or ELSA arrange also internships for students. Most international organizations such as the United Nations, European Union or the Red Cross have their own internship programs.