Which English tests should you take to find an internship abroad?
Are you preparing for your internship abroad and a recruiter is asking for your score on an official English test?
You’re scratching your head. TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Linguaskill, Duolingo… which one should you choose?
And above all: is one test enough?
Good news: we’ve sorted it out for you. Here are the 6 English tests that really matter when you’re looking for an internship abroad, and how to choose the right one for YOUR project.
The myth to forget: “my LinkedIn level will be enough”
This is the number one mistake made by candidates applying for an internship abroad.
On LinkedIn or your CV, writing “fluent English” is no longer enough. Most international recruiters expect an official test, with a precise score and a validity date.
Why? Because a score is objective and comparable. Whereas a self-assessment is subjective, and often overestimated.
In short, if you want to maximize your chances: take a recognized test.
1. TOEIC: the French star of business English
The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is by far the most widely taken test in France.
Why choose it?
- Business format (emails, meetings, negotiations)
- Recognized by 14,000+ companies worldwide
- Score out of 990 points
- Validity: 2 years
Who is it for? All students aiming for an internship in a company (business, marketing, finance, tourism, communication).
Score to aim for an internship abroad: at least 750/990, ideally 850+.
As ETS explains, the TOEIC assesses English used in an international professional context. It is also the most widely accepted test by French business schools.
2. TOEFL: the American academic test
The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is THE test for those targeting the United States and Canada.
Why choose it?
- Academic format (reading, listening, speaking and writing)
- Recognized by more than 12,000 universities in 160 countries
- Score out of 120 points
- Validity: 2 years
Who is it for? Students aiming for a university internship or an academic program in the US, Canada or Australia.
Score to aim for: 80+ for an internship, 100+ for a prestigious university.
3. IELTS: the British passport
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the reference test in the Commonwealth world.
Why choose it?
- Academic or general training format
- Recognized in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand
- Score on a 9-band scale
- Validity: 2 years
Who is it for? Students aiming for an internship in the UK, Ireland, Australia, or a student visa application in these countries.
Score to aim for: 6.5+ for an internship, 7.0+ for a university.
According to the British Council, IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organizations worldwide, including employers, universities and immigration authorities.
4. Cambridge English: lifetime validity
Cambridge English certifications (B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) have a huge advantage: they never expire.
Why choose it?
- Lifetime validity (unlike the others)
- Recognized by 25,000+ universities and companies
- Widely used in Europe
- Assesses the 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
Who is it for? Students who want a long-lasting certification on their CV.
Level to aim for: B2 First (FCE) minimum for an internship, C1 Advanced (CAE) to aim higher.
Cambridge English offers a useful test comparison tool to position your level.
5. Linguaskill: the fast and online version
Linguaskill (by Cambridge) is the modular and online version of TOEIC/TOEFL.
Why choose it?
- 100% online, to take at home or in a test center
- Results within 48 hours
- Independent modules (general / business / writing / speaking)
- Score on the CEFR scale (A1 to C1+)
Who is it for? Students in a hurry, or those who want a modern and flexible test.
6. Duolingo English Test: the new wave
The Duolingo English Test (DET) has exploded in popularity in recent years.
Why choose it?
- 100% online, from home
- Duration: only 1 hour
- Price: around €60 (vs €150 to €250 for the others)
- Results within 48 hours
Who is it for? Students targeting universities or employers that accept it (more and more of them, especially in the US and Canada).
Warning: check that the employer or university accepts it before registering. European institutions often still prefer TOEIC, IELTS or Cambridge.
How to choose the right test for YOUR internship?
It’s simpler than you think. Ask yourself 3 questions:
1. Which country are you going to?
- US, Canada → TOEFL
- UK, Ireland, Australia → IELTS
- Continental Europe → TOEIC, Cambridge or Linguaskill
- Malta, Spain, Italy → TOEIC or Cambridge
2. Which sector?
- Business / company → TOEIC
- Academic / research → TOEFL or IELTS
- Any sector, lifetime validity → Cambridge
3. How much time and budget do you have?
- Urgency + tight budget → Duolingo English Test
- Time + investment → Cambridge (lifetime validity)
