Why intern abroad?
International careers don't just happen overnight. They are carefully planned, and many of them begin before the candidate officially enters the job market. Most employers require foreign job candidates to have cross-cultural work experience as a prerequisite for hiring, so international internships are an ideal way for novices in a field to develop a strong employment background, learn relevant skills and know-how, add impressive material to a résumé/CV, and to gain a valuable edge over competing candidates when interviewing for a job. An international internship/ work program refers to a short-term (1 month to 1 year) placement with a company or organization located outside the intern's country of origin. Most interns are degree-seeking students, although some people pursue an internship as a path to a career change. Such placements let interns fully understand the occupations and fields in which they are interested, and to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world.
The benefits of interning abroad
Many interns plan to pursue an international career upon graduation. But even for students who want to stay within his or her country after earning a degree, interning abroad is a fantastic way to obtain important job skills and international understanding. Foreign internships really stand out on a résumé/CV as proof that the potential candidate has had unique worldwide experiences that have helped shape his or her character. International interns are immersed in their host countries on a different level than even study-abroad programs can provide. A work setting in a foreign country gives an intern another insight into the culture of the host country, and to the global community at large.
Many students have financial and time restrictions that limit their ability to travel. International internships are a great alternative to study-abroad programs, which demand at least a semester or academic year spent in the host country. Foreign internships can be arranged for any time of the year and for shorter durations. This makes it possible for students to gain international experience even if they have responsibilities, financial obligations and specific degree schedules which limit the time and resources they can devote to world travel.
Other benefits of interning overseas are similar to the ones offered by any study, work, or teaching position abroad:
- Improve foreign language aptitude
- Immerse oneself in different cultures and expand cross-cultural understanding, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Form relationships with people from other countries and cultures
- Build leadership skills
- Understand new perspectives
- Combine one's program with volunteer work, if desired
But there are some benefits that are unique to you as an intern abroad:
- Enhance both local and international professional interests
- Develop a global perspective and understanding of a given field
- Ease the transition from student life to entering the workforce
- Begin building your network of associates and professionals before you even start your full-time career
- Gain career experience that may not be available in your home country
- Increase the possibility of a higher starting salary than non-interns
- Have resume/CV-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles
Your goals for considering such an internship will vary on the type of programs available. You may consider any of these types:
- Undergraduate Internships
- Graduate Internships
- Post Graduate Internships
- Study Abroad Internships
- Volunteer Internship Programs
- Direct Internships with International Organizations
- Internship Programs and Exchanges
Start with planning, preparation and research
PLAN: Once you've decided that you want to pursue an international internship, you will need to clearly identify what you want and need from such an experience. Here are a few questions to keep in mind during your search for the perfect program:
- How much academic credit do I need?
- In which country or countries do I want to work? Why?
- What type of internship do I want?
- What type of company do I want to work with?
- What are the charges, fares and other costs associated with an internship abroad? How much does it cost to live in this particular country? Do I need an internship that offers a stipend? Do I need financial aid?
- How long would my ideal internship last? When would it start and end?
- How flexible am I in my expectations and criteria?
- Will I need to be proficient in a foreign language as a requirement for work?
- What visa and work requirements are associated with particular internships?
Browsing through the directories on InternAbroad.com is a great first step in helping you locate the best internship program for your unique interests, goals, background, and ability to travel. Many of your questions will be answered within the individual internship listings on GoAbroad.com, or by directly contacting the company or organization whose internship appeals to you.
PREPARE: Internship programs will require that you submit a resume/CV and cover letter, and many will want letters of recommendation. Your university's Career Center is a good resource to help you get your necessary documents together. There are also numerous online resources for job seekers. Make sure you have someone proofread your documents before you submit them.
You will need a valid passport and will have to learn what work permits and visas are required, and how to obtain them. If your university has a Study Abroad office, start there. If not, contact the company or program to which you are applying with your questions.
Create a budget for your international experience. You may need financial help to realize your goal of obtaining an internship abroad. For a list of international scholarships, fellowships and grants, check out GoAbroad.com's Scholarships page.
RESEARCH: Find out everything you can about your targeted country or countries, such as their language, culture, and history. Look up their labor laws and workplace protocols such as standards of dress and decorum. Search online for articles or blogs written by people who currently work, or have worked, in the country where you want to go. Check out the student travel blogs on the GoAbroad Network at GoAbroad Network to read students' experiences as international interns.
Also research health and safety considerations for the locations where you want to work (such as recommended vaccinations) and whether there are travel advisories for the locations where you want to work.
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