Taxes, tariffs, and customs, oh my! When it comes to choosing a destination for your international trade internship abroad, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Virtually every country on the planet is involved in trade to some degree, and many could benefit from the intellect and skillset you possess!

Switzerland. With both the World Trade Organization and International Trade Center headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland is should be the first port of call for interns looking to break into the field of international trade. You’ll have your finger on the pulse of international trade while interning in Switzerland, and an internship with WTO, ITC, UN, or any of their subsidiaries and collaborators will give you experience developing marketing strategies and distribution channels, handling trade logistics, and analysing the environmental impact of specific trade projects across the globe.

China. The Silk Road was a good start for China’s now famously-prevalent hand in international trade; in fact, exports comprise over 25 percent of China’s GDP. Giant trade hubs of China include Shanghai and Guangzhou, where biz talk among friends is commonplace even outside of work. Interns particularly interested in outsourcing practices, ground level production processes, and Asian cultures will be especially satisfied with international trade internship opportunities in East Asia (just don’t talk about trading pandas, it’s generally frowned upon). Pay tribute to all of your “Made in China” possessions by completing an international trade internship in China.

South Africa. For an international trade internship experience that combines professional experience with some fantastic opportunities for adventure, South Africa is always a popular choice. Cape Town is a particularly common destination, especially for interns looking to get their foot in the door of the international business world, with a little bit of fun in the sun thrown in. Beyond the beaches, mountains, safari game reserves, museums, and shopping centers, some of the largest import and export companies on the African continent conduct business in and out of Cape Town. It’s a great place to learn about economic interactions, not just internationally, but interculturally as well. South Africa is known as the rainbow nation, with many different cultures intersecting and coexisting, making it a great place to observe trade practices on micro and macro scales.