As the world rapidly journeys further into the digital age, web design wizzes are finding themselves seated upon a throne that is highly sought after. This phenomenon makes web design internships abroad more accessible than oxygen. Companies are realizing that having an outstanding website is no longer optional, but instead is vital for business, marketing, and communication. A web design internship abroad is one of the most valuable rungs in the ladder you can climb as you take steps further in your career. Also, you’ll get to travel the world, experience a new culture, and maybe even learn a new language that isn’t virtually coded.
Why Intern Abroad in Web Design
Web design is known as a profession that can be done without ever leaving the office, so a web design internship abroad may sound like an oxymoron at first. But if you take a closer look, you can see that the flexibility of the work makes it a career that can truly take you anywhere in the world!
Since the World Wide Web is indeed worldwide, completing a web design internship abroad will introduce interns to new methods of programming and ways of thinking about how websites are created and optimized with specific users in mind. This is a technological practice that transcends national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries, leaving the door wide open for a global education.
Part of what makes the web design field so popular is its reputation for being flexible. In your web design career, an internship abroad can set you apart from your peers by increasing your familiarity with international web design concepts and experience in the field on a global scale. Supplementing your career with international experience is a definite level up in the game of life. Employers will be enticed by your interest in traveling and web design, as it is an international industry.
Locations
Due to the boom in internet marketing, web design is bigger than ever. Web design utilizes a universal language, meaning that no location is off limits for your web design internship abroad. You have the freedom to tailor your internship to a language you want to learn, landmarks noted on your bucket list, or even by closing your eyes and picking a point on a map.
Europe holds the highest quality of web design internship programs abroad, as the continent is home to leading countries in innovation within the field. Italy especially attracts many web design interns, bearing its symbol as a world center for art and design where creativity reigns. Web design is a blossoming trade in the modern cities of Rome and Florence, where art and life intermingle so effortlessly. Italy is an art lover’s paradise and after you leave, the country will always have a pizza your heart.
As small as it is, Florence looms large on the world's must-see list, giving you an abundance of opportunities to fill your free time with. Feast on world-class art and food, and wine so wonderful, you will have no shame drooling over it. Opt to live the dolce vita life in Rome and relax into the city's Mediterranean rhythms. Watch the tempo rise as the day fades into the evening and the crowd descends onto the city's bars and cafes.
There is something electrifying about being part of a new wave of young professionals emerging in the field. Some up-and-coming cities in the web design industry are found in South Africa. If your niche is in grassroots, cities like Cape Town (named the World Design capital in 2014) and Johannesburg may fit your bill of an exciting and dynamic work culture to intern abroad in web design.
Cape Town oozes with natural wonders to be explored within the city’s boundaries. Table Mountain is the headliner, but don’t overlook Company’s Gardens and Green Point Park. Follow the lead of locals by taking full advantage of the abundant outdoor space and learn to surf, go hiking, or enjoy the epic mountain biking. If you are easily seduced by city life, see how Johannesburg has become the vibrant heart keeping the country looking optimistically towards the future. It is considered one of the most successful urban renewal projects in the world with hipster-friendly neighborhoods teeming with creativity and energy.
Web Design Internships
As an intern abroad in web design, you’ll likely have responsibility for a wide array of tasks that range from assisting in larger projects, to developing creative work, then to holding the honor of being the gofer of the week. Because there are all different kinds of companies you can work for as a web designer, a web design internship can manifest in many different forms.
Web design internships abroad are generally flexible in accommodating to your own expectations, requirements, and prior experience. International aspirants will usually intern abroad in web design for anywhere from two to six months depending on availability. Some programs will offer you the opportunity to work part time for as little as 10 hours a week, while others will offer you a full time position. Salaries will vary widely depending on location and prior experience.
It is also possible to find a web design internship that combines entry-level work experience with the additional opportunity to earn academic credit in the field. This generates a brilliant chance for students who are still pursuing their degree to kill two birds with one stone by gaining professional experience and expanding their portfolio, all the while earning academic credit.
Benefits & Challenges
Language barrier. The majority of coding languages were developed in English speaking countries; however, a large handful of others use their country’s native language to code. You will have the chance to experience and learn different coding languages, which will help expand programming knowledge and professional adaptability. You will also be synonymously strengthening your knowledge of communication across cultural and linguistic boundaries through your creative imagery.
Get the creative juices flowing. Nothing inspires creativity quite like travel. Web design involves a hefty amount of artistic influence, and travel is famous for opening our eyes to new ideas and making us reassess everything. Being exposed to new methods of design allows creations to be more streamlined and accessible to different users while appealing to an international community. The internet is a realm of infinite possibility and interning abroad will open your mind to all the innovative new ways you can make your own impact felt as a web designer.
Renew your passion. Traveling abroad can also introduce you to the importance of the career you’re pursuing. As the world becomes more connected through the internet, local businesses from around the world depend on websites to become established and make better lives for themselves and their families. Seeing the importance of web design abroad will undoubtedly make you more passionate about your art.
Get out of your comfort zone. With a universal degree like web design, it may be tempting to stay home and plug in from the comfort of your known surroundings. By breaking free into the larger world, you will redefine the limits of what you thought you knew. The beauty of the web is its ability to break down barriers and limitations, connecting people from all over the world in the process.
As humanity continues to digitalize, web design opportunities are abundant for individuals who want to understand and contribute to this process on a deeper internal level. But the external world is still alive and well, and nothing will unlock your full creative potential like travelling abroad!
