The programme represents a major milestone in experiential education in Portugal, offering secondary school students direct access to professional environments across sectors including finance, law, media, hospitality, healthcare, technology, architecture, engineering, culture, public service, and the creative industries.

Participating organisations include Santander, Banco Invest, Banco Montepio, SIC, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Delta Cafés, Malo Clinic, Cuatrecasas, Morais Leitão, Altis Hotels, Auchan, Cisco, Nova SBE, Semapa, Jerónimo Martins, Centro Cultural de Belém, the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, NOZ Arquitectura, Quadrante Global, LATITID, and Page, alongside two embassies, among many other partners. Students will also have the opportunity to work with leading professionals and entrepreneurs, including Grupo José Avillez, chef Kiko Martins, and photographer Kenton Thatcher.

The initiative reinforces PaRK IS’s commitment to future-focused education and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preparing students for life beyond the classroom through meaningful real-world experiences.

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“Today’s students need more than academic excellence alone. They need exposure to professional environments, opportunities to develop transferable skills, and experiences that help them make informed decisions about their futures,” said Caroline Mapp, Business Manager at PaRK International School.

As part of the Inspired Education Group, PaRK IS continues to expand its educational offering through innovative programmes designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

The internships will take place from 29 June to 3 July 2025 and will involve students from Grades 10 to 12 in this inaugural edition. Prior to their placements, students will complete a structured application and preparation process before being matched with host organisations according to their interests and aspirations.

Throughout the programme, students will be supported by both school staff and workplace mentors, ensuring each placement provides meaningful educational value while offering insight into the expectations and dynamics of the modern workplace.

The scale and calibre of participating organisations reflects the strength of PaRK IS’s relationships within Portugal’s business, cultural, and institutional communities, while also highlighting a growing appetite among employers to engage with the next generation of talent at an earlier stage.

By launching this programme, PaRK IS positions itself at the forefront of innovation in international education in Portugal, setting a new benchmark for how schools can integrate academic excellence with practical, real-world preparation.