The aims of this research are to explain the types, reasons for using authentic materials and describe the benefits and challenges perceived by pre-service English teachers in teaching internships. This research was implemented using a qualitative. The participants were three pre-service English teachers from a State Islamic University in Indonesia, selected based on purposive sampling, who used authentic materials in their teaching internship in early September 2023. The data were collected through observation and interviews. They were analyzed through data condensation, display data, and drawing or verifying conclusions from the data. The findings showed that three pre-service English teachers used authentic visual materials, authentic audio-visual materials, and authentic printed materials for different reasons. Several benefits perceived by pre-service English teachers were providing real material, providing cultural knowledge through documentary videos, improving students’ listening skills, and motivating students to learn. However, the challenges of using authentic materials in teaching and learning English are necessary for adequate preparation, selecting the right authentic material that students need, mastering vocabulary before teaching, and determining the appropriate content for class. This study is implied to assist pre-service English teachers in preparing to use authentic materials and optimize the potential of authentic learning materials as dynamic and meaningful learning tools in developing students’ skills and knowledge.