If you don’t have international internship experience, it can be intimidating to even know where to begin. Gallup’s report found 4-in-10 college students have internship experience.
While many of these students pursued local opportunities, others decided that going abroad would be the best option for them.
How do you begin looking for internships abroad? Below, we’ll outline the steps that you can take to help you land the perfect internship.
Choosing Your Desired Internship Location Abroad
Many students who were once unable to go abroad now have the chance to pursue internships anywhere in the world, thanks to remote opportunities.
If you do want to go abroad, you need to select a location that is:
- Ideal for your degree. Is the location known for being a top choice in your field?
- Known for speaking native or your second language. If your coworkers do not speak your first or second language, it can be very challenging to make the most out of your experience.
You want to learn enough about the location as you can before you apply to be sure that it’s a good, strategic fit for you.
Important Points to Consider
Your international internship experience should help you network with others, hone your skills and even land a job. If you have no intention of living in the location, it may still be a good strategic fit for you and your career.
You should consider:
- Cost
- Duration
- Credit
- Benefits of interning for the company
- Activities in the area that you may prefer
Any time you go abroad, especially in a professional capacity, it can be an impactful experience that helps you grow in your field and profession.
Best Countries for Interning Abroad
Defining the “best” countries is challenging because one country may be a good choice for one intern and not another. The main differentiating factor will be whether the area is known as a hub for your industry.
For example, you may want to go to Singapore if you want to work with startups.
Additional locations that are known for being hubs for interns are:
- Australia
- Japan
- France
- Italy
- United Kingdom
Spend time researching each location until you find one that excites you and seems like a good strategic fit for you.
Where To Find Internships Abroad
Finding paid internships abroad is possible, allowing you to cover some of your expenses in the process. International internships can be found on Capital Placement, but you can also find options using other tactics, such as:
- Locating a company that you want to work for and seeing if they have internship opportunities
- Speaking to your professors or career advisor to find internships
Once you know where to intern, it’s time to apply.
How Do I Apply for an Internship Abroad?
Once you’ve found an internship opportunity, the next step is to apply. In most cases, the application process is straightforward and typically involves:
- Providing the right documentation – your resume, references, etc. Make sure that you tailor your resume for that country if you’re applying directly. For example, in some countries, applicants include photos with their resumes.
- Attending a personal interview. The interview will likely be via video call. Still, it’s important to ensure that you’re dressed appropriately and have a strong internet connection.
- Demonstrating that your skills and credentials are a good fit for the internship. To demonstrate this, include information outside of your work experience, like volunteer work or other relevant projects and accomplishments.
Make The Most of Your Internship Abroad
Interning abroad offers so many opportunities for professional and personal growth and development. How can you make the most of this opportunity and maximize its benefits? Here are some tips:
- Set goals. Write down the goals that you want to achieve during your time abroad. Goals will give you something to work towards and give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Your goals can be personal or professional. For example, maybe you want to develop a new skill, learn the local language or try the local cuisine. Don’t forget that you can include new accomplishments in your CV.
- Keep an open mind. One of the best ways to make the most of your internship is to go into the experience with an open mind. Throw your expectations out the window and maintain a positive attitude. Some of the most life-changing experiences happen when you step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
- Immerse yourself. During your time abroad, try to immerse yourself in your new home. Explore your surroundings, try new things and start building relationships with your coworkers.
Saying “yes” to opportunities and immersing yourself in your surroundings will help you truly make the most of your internship. You never know where an opportunity can lead you, and you may just find that your new home winds up becoming your permanent home. In fact, 66.4% of interns secure full-time jobs after their internships.
In Conclusion
Paid internships abroad can help you jumpstart your career, make valuable professional connections and find opportunities for personal growth. The key is to find the right internship in the right location so that you can make the most of the experience.
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