Imagine starting your day prepping fresh seafood in Barcelona, crafting pastries in Boston, or plating gourmet dishes at a luxury resort in Melbourne.
These aren’t just travel destinations, they’re places where your culinary skills can grow faster than in any classroom. A culinary internship abroad helps you gain real-world experience, build confidence, and open doors for your future in this industry.
The U.S., Spain, Australia, and Canada are among the top chef internship destinations for culinary students and young professionals worldwide! You could be working alongside renowned chefs like Diego Murciego, exploring authentic flavors such as wattle seeds, and you could be learning something new in the kitchen every single day.
In this article, we’ll take you through the best countries for culinary internships, what to expect in each one, and how our team at Alliance Abroad can help you make the most of your experience. If you’re exploring chef internship destinations, this guide will help you choose the right path.
United States
From Disney World to five-star resorts
The U.S. continues to be one of the top countries for culinary internships, offering young chefs the chance to grow in world-class kitchens and experience life in one of the most diverse countries in the world. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular chef internship destinations due to its variety and quality of placements.
Whether you’re dreaming of big cities, beach towns, or mountain resorts, we’ve got incredible placements across the country:
- In Florida, you can gain experience with Palmas Restaurant Group at Walt Disney World, where you’ll be part of a fast-paced and multicultural team serving thousands of guests daily.
- In Wisconsin Dells, join the culinary team at Kalahari Resorts, one of the largest indoor water park resorts in the U.S., offering a dynamic environment with high guest volume and varied kitchen stations.
- In Colorado, the legendary Broadmoor Hotel is known for its fine dining and luxury service—perfect for interns wanting to grow in upscale cuisine and hospitality.
- Head to Texas or Maryland and work with top-tier Marriott Hotels, where you’ll rotate through different food & beverage departments and get a true taste of American hospitality.
- In Chicago or Denver, experience life in a bustling city while learning in modern kitchens that combine international flavors with American trends.
- And if you’re looking for a luxury experience, placements at The Ritz-Carlton in destinations like Ohio or West Virginia allow you to train at a five-star level.
Our Alliance Abroad programs offer urban and resort-based placements, many of them in seasonal destinations. In other words, you learn in the kitchen, but also enjoy beautiful landscapes, fun local events, and strong team cultures.
Most of the roles are rotational, so you’ll gain experience in areas like prep, line cooking, banquets, and even food & beverage service. You’ll get a complete view of how professional kitchens and restaurants operate
Our programs in the U.S.:
- Hospitality & Culinary Internship
- Hospitality & Culinary Trainee Program
- TN Program for Mexican Citizens
Did you know? The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most diverse culinary cities. New York alone is said to have over 200 distinct culinary traditions represented.
Canada
Vibrant cities and breathtaking resort towns
This is your sign to choose Canada for your culinary training! Experience life in one of the most welcoming countries on Earth.
Through our Francophone Culinary Program, French-speaking applicants can train in authentic kitchen environments. Available roles include commis chef, sous chef, and chef de partie.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with real responsibility in places like:
- Vancouver, BC – a multicultural food hub with influences from Asia, Europe, and beyond.
- Whistler, BC – a beautiful mountain town known for upscale resorts and seasonal opportunities.
- Banff, Alberta – located in a national park, offering incredible views, high-end restaurants, and an international team culture.
And we know not all the magic happens in the kitchen. So, if you love skiing, you’ll want to experience Banff’s three world-class ski hills: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Area. With one of the longest ski seasons in North America and 8,000 acres of deep powder terrain, it’s a skier’s paradise!
Also, if you’re a sports enthusiast (and a culinary intern or trainee), Whistler Blackcomb is a fantastic destination. Named in 2025 as “The Most Beautiful Ski Destination in North America,” it boasts 3 glaciers, 8,000+ acres of terrain, and 200 marked runs. Making it the perfect chef internship destination to balance winter sports with hands-on culinary training.
Canada has it all. It offers a safe and scenic lifestyle with access to outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and vibrant communities. It’s no surprise that so many young professionals consider Canada one of the top countries for culinary internships.
Did you know? Canada has the world’s longest coastline. This is the perfect destination for seafood lovers and chefs looking to explore local flavors.
Program in Canada:
Spain
Tradition, tapas, and Michelin-starred mentors
Spain = full cultural immersion. España is one of the one of the most enriching chef internship destinations with its regional cuisines, rich culinary traditions, and world-famous hospitality.
Gain hands-on experience in beautiful locations like:
- Galicia – known for fresh seafood and coastal charm.
- The Canary Islands – offering sunny weather year-round and unique island flavors.
- Cádiz – a historic port city with Moorish influence and vibrant Andalusian dishes.
Spain also gives you the chance to explore Europe while gaining valuable work experience (the best combo for young chefs).
Through our hospitality and culinary internship in Spain you’ll have the chance to intern in Michelin-starred restaurants like: Molino de Urdaniz in Navarra, Noor in Cordoba, Ancestral in Toledo, among others.
And even better… these internship opportunities include housing and meals, so you can focus on learning, working, and enjoying life in Spain without the stress of extra expenses.
Did you know? Spain has more than 50 Michelin-starred restaurants. And we forgot to mention that their tapas let you taste a variety of flavors in every meal!
Program in Spain:
Australia
Laid-back lifestyle meets world-class kitchens
Thriving hospitality scene, sunny weather, laid-back vibe. What else could you ask for?
Australia is the perfect place to sharpen your culinary skills while truly enjoying life outside the kitchen. You can land opportunities in some of the country’s best kitchens and hotels; especially if you’re a career-focused candidate with experience in the industry.
You’ll find placements for food and beverage, culinary trainee, chef de partie, sous chef and head chef; in cities like:
- Sydney – home to iconic landmarks and a buzzing food scene.
- Melbourne – known for its coffee culture, food markets, and creative kitchens.
- Gold Coast – where surf, sun, and stylish restaurants mix perfectly.
Australia offers the perfect balance. Apart from the professional training, you’ll enjoy beach weekends, vibrant festivals, national parks, and a welcoming, multicultural society.
If you’re looking for one of the top chef job locations that combines career development with unforgettable experiences, Australia should be at the top of your list!
Programs in Australia:
Did you know? Melbourne has been named one of the most livable cities in the world for several years in a row, thanks to its vibrant food scene, multicultural vibe, and high quality of life. It’s also the coffee capital of Australia, so you’ll never be far from a perfectly brewed flat white.
Full Support, From Day One
Wherever you want to go—the U.S., Spain, Canada, or Australia, we are here to support your journey every step of the way. We help you land life-changing opportunities in some of the top countries for culinary internships. trainee positions, or skilled chef roles.
Our support team at Alliance Abroad will help you find the best position for you, and we’ll always guide you through the entire process.
- Visa assistance and documentation guidance
- Placement matching with trusted host employers
- Pre-departure orientation to help you feel prepared
- On-the-ground local support once you arrive
Train with the Best, Grow with the Best
Trusted Host Employers
Alliance Abroad works directly with pre-vetted and reliable hospitality partners across the globe, so you can train with top chefs and gain experience in professional kitchens known for excellence. Some of our participants train in Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain!
Benefits Beyond the Kitchen
What You’ll Really Take Home
Besides becoming a better chef, an opportunity abroad is about becoming a more confident, well-rounded person ready to thrive anywhere. Many of our participants say the most unexpected benefits come from:
- Building lifelong friendships with people from all over the world
- Stepping out of their comfort zones and becoming more independent
- Immersing themselves in a new culture and language
- Growing their global network of mentors, chefs, and peers
- Exploring nearby countries or cities during time off
This is the moment to make your move, and experience personal and professional growth that stays with you for life.
Learn more about the benefits of international culinary experience. Read Article ⮕
Still deciding between paella in Spain or seafood in Canada? Let’s talk.
Our team at Alliance Abroad helps you find the destination that align with your goals.
Spain’s Michelin-starred kitchens or Australia’s high-end resorts? Canada’s francophone opportunities? Do you prefer the U.S.’s dynamic restaurant scene? You choose! There’s more than one way to grow as a chef. Let’s find the program that fits you—not just your resume.
