9 Common Challenges of Interning Abroad

Gaining work experience and exposure to new cultures through an internship abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nevertheless, there will be internship challenges, as there are challenges with every major undertaking.

Knowing how to overcome challenges such as homesickness and cultural differences during an internship can be tough. Despite this, a large number of interns who have gone through the ordeal say it was well worth it.

Given that it can be quite difficult to predict all of them, you might ask what the challenges faced during an internship are. Let’s get into a rundown of common internship challenges that you might encounter and suggestions for overcoming them. So, while navigating these obstacles can be daunting, we’ve got you covered!

Is interning abroad worth it?

Interning abroad is the perfect way to expand your network and improve your resume.

Yes! You're going to have the opportunity to learn about other cultures, expand your perspective of the world, and boost your chances of getting a job if you choose to carry out an internship abroad. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can broaden your skill set, learn a new language, and expand your professional network internationally.

Additionally, interning abroad fosters personal growth, adaptability, and autonomy, all of which are advantageous outcomes. Not only can these experiences help you stand out from the crowd on your resume, but they will also assist you in preparing for a world that is more dynamic and interconnected.

However, first you need to know what the challenges of an internship are so you can learn how to overcome those challenges during your internship. Let’s get right to it!

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9 Common Internship Challenges

There are many great things about interning abroad, but there are also many challenges, especially if you choose a long term internship. Gaining a better understanding of typical obstacles and knowing how to overcome challenges during an internship will enhance the quality of your trip. Interns frequently encounter the following nine difficulties while working overseas:

1. Culture shock

You might experience culture shock, but we’ll bet you make some new friends, too!

Cultures vary greatly in their societal norms, practices, and modes of expression, making it difficult to adapt to a new one. Due to these distinctions, you may find it difficult to communicate with co-workers or friends in everyday situations, and you may even start to feel lonely or extremely overwhelmed and anxious.

Culture shock is a phenomenon that includes feeling a sense of uncertainty and surprise about differences in language, culture, climate, and food, as well as the differences in systems that are in place in different countries and cultures. The good news is that it usually only lasts into the first month or two.

How to overcome it: The key to successful integration and communication is learning local customs and social signals. One way to get around this is to study up on the local culture before you travel, but there are many other ways to cope with culture shock.

Keep an open mind, treat others with dignity, and be eager to learn. Talk to people and find out what they think about the way of life by asking them questions. Aiming to understand a new culture instead of complaining about it will help you ease in and relax.

2. Linguistic barriers

The inability to effectively communicate and complete activities can be a direct result of a linguistic communication gap. Since language barriers can impact cooperation, productivity, and your internship experience as a whole, it is one of the most common internship challenges.

The significance of effective communication in a professional context will increase depending on the company’s culture and mission. For instance, if you intern in a country like France, where the locals are notoriously proud of their language, you will be much less likely to get by speaking only English.

How to overcome it: Before and during your internship, enroll in language classes. Practicing with native speakers and using language learning applications can help you learn.

The learning process includes making mistakes, so don’t be scared to make them. Improving your ability to communicate in a second language can have a significant influence on your professional and personal life.

3. Responding to feedback

Learning how to request and respond to feedback is an important tool for your future.

In a new setting, internship challenges may present themselves in the form of negative feedback or none at all. Full-time workers usually receive performance reviews, which assist in identifying an employee’s strengths and areas for improvement. However, interns may feel overlooked if they’re expecting to get feedback or performance reviews and don’t.

Positive feedback is crucial to personal and professional progress. But receiving feedback can be difficult, especially when it suggests a need for improvement.

How to overcome it: Always communicate with your employer, and be willing to accept feedback with an open mind. Look at it as a learning opportunity, and grow from it. Get regular feedback from your supervisor or mentor to track your development.

Asking your manager or supervisor for time to discuss your performance is fine if there are no formal reviews. Consider internships a learning opportunity and develop a growth mentality. Remember that conquering any internship challenges and going out of your comfort zone frequently leads to growth.

4. Homesickness

Loneliness and isolation are common emotions that people experience while they are apart from loved ones. It might be challenging to remain focused and motivated at work when homesickness impacts your mental health and the overall enjoyment of your internship. Homesickness can show up in many ways, including self-isolation, crying on a regular basis, trouble sleeping, or an inability to focus.

How to overcome it: Be sure to keep in touch with loved ones through frequent messaging and phone calls. If you get involved in the local community, you will increase your chances of building connections and possibly set up a routine that lessens the impact of your homesickness.

Finding alternative activities will help you make some new friends, which can help you adjust to your host country.

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5. Financial limitations

If you prepare a budget ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared to tackle financial challenges.

Keeping track of money in a foreign place isn’t always easy, and with all the varied currencies and ways of life, keeping an accurate budget and adjusting to your pay schedule are common internship challenges.

Budgeting and financial planning can remedy any potential stress, but we never know when lemons will come our way. In case of an emergency, it’ll be easier to make lemonade if you’ve saved money for unexpected expenses and thought about living costs ahead of time.

How to overcome it: Make sure you keep track of your spending and stick to your budget. Discover ways to save money on lodging, dining, and transportation. Explore potential opportunities for part-time work or scholarship programs, if available.

6. Navigating new work environments

It can be difficult to adjust to the norms and customs of companies. Not being familiar with the dynamics of the job might lead to misunderstandings or disputes. For example, lack of on-the-job training can cause stress and anxiety, preventing some people from reaching their career potential.

Despite their inexperience, interns are sometimes expected to perform at the same level as full-time employees. It can be difficult to be expected to hit the ground running without a robust onboarding.

How to overcome it: To better comprehend the conventions and expectations of the local workplace, you should study up on the work culture of the host organization. Make your thoughts and feelings known to your superiors and co-workers. Get a feel for what you’re responsible for and actively seek out input.

7. Legal and administrative issues

Make sure your paperwork is in order before you dive in.

Dealing with visas, work permits, and other legal requirements can be confusing and time-consuming, making the process quite bureaucratic. Ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations is essential but can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the processes involved. Depending on your internship goals and the duration of your stay, this is something you may need to consider.

How to overcome it: Research and understand the legal requirements well in advance. Keep all necessary documents organized and accessible. Seek assistance from your host organization or a local advisor.

8. Work-life balance

When you are in a new environment, it may be challenging to strike a balance between the responsibilities of your job and the time you have for yourself. It is possible to experience burnout if the pressure to perform well and make the most of your time abroad is not regulated in an appropriate manner. Burnout can occur when the pressure is not controlled.

How to overcome it: Organize your duties in order of importance and learn to efficiently manage your time. Make sure that you schedule some time for yourself to relax and discover the country that you are visiting. It is important to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance with your employer.

9. Professional expectations

Preparing yourself to face internship challenges will allow you to have a successful experience abroad!

Finally, the last of many common internship challenges are the high standards that may be a source of stress. It is natural to want to succeed and meet the expectations of your employer when you are working in a new environment.

It is also crucial for the success of your internship that you comprehend the professional standards and goals of the organization that you will be working for throughout the duration of your internship. Align yourself with those standards and goals to set yourself up for success.

How to overcome it: Establishing clear goals and expectations with your company from the beginning is one way to tackle this challenge.

Ensure that you are on the right track by checking in with your supervisor on a regular basis. Maintain a flexible mindset and a willingness to acquire new skills in order to fulfill their requirements.

Internships can be challenging—but are always worthwhile in the long run

Now that you have an idea what the challenges faced during an internship are, you should be in much better shape to prepare for the road ahead. Despite the fact that they come with their fair share of challenges, participating in an internship program in another country is unquestionably beneficial in the long run. You can transform your internship into a life-changing experience with both personal and professional benefits by preparing for and knowing how to overcome challenges during an internship!