10. Student jobs, internships and traineeships – and how to avoid job scams

Summer and seasonal work

Tourism, hotels and restaurants and agriculture hire many seasonal workers every year. As an EU citizen you have the same rights as local workers – the same minimum pay, working hours and rest. EURES publishes seasonal jobs and runs dedicated events. Ask about accommodation: if the employer provides it, the cost should be clear in the contract.

Internships and traineeships

• Erasmus+ traineeship – a placement of 2 to 12 months in a company or organisation in another country, with a monthly grant; also possible within one year after graduation. Apply through your university. Erasmus+ for students »
• Blue Book traineeship at the European Commission and other EU bodies – 5 months, paid, for university and vocational graduates, about 1 000 places in each of the two sessions a year (from March and from October); applications open months in advance.
• ALMA – for young people aged 18–29 who are not in work, education or training: preparation at home, 2 to 6 months of supervised work experience in another EU country, travel and accommodation paid. Ask your national or regional employment service whether it runs ALMA.
• European Solidarity Corps – volunteering projects abroad for 18–30-year-olds, with travel, accommodation and pocket money covered.

How to avoid job scams

• Never pay to get a job, a visa or a “registration” – EU public employment services and EURES are free.
• Do not give your bank or card details in an online form during recruitment, and never accept a “job” that involves receiving and forwarding money.
• Check the e-mail address (a free e-mail address instead of the company domain is a warning sign) and look the company up in independent sources.
• Be wary of offers that come to you out of the blue with high pay for little work.

Free help if something goes wrong

• EURES advisers – questions about jobs, living and working conditions.
• Your Europe Advice – free, personal answers from legal experts on your EU rights.
• SOLVIT – when a public authority in another EU country does not respect your rights (for example on residence, recognition or social security).
• European Labour Authority – information on fair working conditions, including for seasonal workers.

Sources: EURES – services for jobseekers · Erasmus+ – traineeships abroad · European Commission – Blue Book traineeships · European Commission – ALMA · European Solidarity Corps · EURES – how to spot fraudulent job offers · Your Europe Advice · SOLVIT · European Labour Authority Checked: 3 October 2026.