Are you a young professional trying to figure out your next step? Are you a college student who’s not sure which career path to choose? Or are you just looking for new opportunities?
If you fit into any of the above, here’s a suggestion — consider an internship abroad! You’ll often arrive at such crossroads in life when you’re not really sure how to go about the next steps. Such situations indicate that you’ve not really found what you want, and you need to explore more.
When it comes to making a career choice, few options offer a better opportunity to explore than interning abroad. An international internship program exposes you to new places, new cultures, new people and new skills. This exposure can help you make an informed decision about your career path.
So, let’s deep dive further into the benefits of interning abroad to help you understand better.
Why You Should Consider Interning Abroad
Interning abroad can be a transformative experience that offers numerous benefits. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should intern abroad:
Cultural Immersion
Interning abroad provides an immersive cultural experience that allows you to gain a deep understanding of a different culture. By living and working in a foreign country, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about local customs, traditions, and language.
Global Perspective
Working in an international setting broadens your perspective and exposes you to different ways of thinking. You gain a deeper understanding of global issues, cross-cultural communication, and diverse work environments, which are invaluable skills in today’s highly connected world.
Professional Development
Interning abroad also accelerates your professional development by exposing you to new industries, work practices, and business environments. You’ll learn how to adapt to different work cultures, collaborate with diverse teams, and develop varied communication skills that are highly sought after by employers.
Networking Opportunities
Doing an internship abroad allows you to build an international network of contacts that can be beneficial for your future career. You’ll meet professionals from different backgrounds, establish connections with industry experts, and potentially open doors to global job opportunities.
Language Skills
Immersion in a foreign country provides an ideal environment for language learning. Interning abroad allows you to practice and improve your language skills on a daily basis, which can greatly enhance your communication abilities and boost your confidence in a second language.
Personal Growth
Living and working in a foreign country challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering personal growth and independence. You’ll develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as you navigate new environments, overcome cultural barriers, and take on new responsibilities.
Cultural Competence
Interning abroad helps develop cultural competence, which is crucial in today’s globalised world. By interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation and respect for cultural differences, enhance your intercultural communication skills, and become more adaptable in multi-cultural settings.
Enhanced Resume
An international internship experience stands out on your resume and can give you a competitive edge in the job market. It demonstrates your willingness to take on challenges, adaptability, cultural awareness, and global mindset, which are highly valued by employers.
Personal Connections
When you intern abroad, you get the amazing opportunity to form genuine connections with people from various corners of the world. You’ll make friends with fellow interns, colleagues from the host country, and locals, and these connections can last a lifetime. It’s a chance to broaden your global network and build relationships that transcend borders.
Opportunity to Explore
Interning abroad offers a unique opportunity to explore a new country and immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. You’ll have the chance to travel, visit landmarks, try local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.
In summary, interning abroad provides exposure to new cultures, opportunities, connections and the excitement of exploring a new country. It is an experience that can greatly enrich your life, both personally and professionally.
Top International Internship Programs
There are several renowned international internship programs that you can apply to. Here are some well-known programs:
AIESEC
It is one of the world’s largest youth-run organisations and offers international internships across various fields. It provides opportunities to work on meaningful projects in different countries and develop leadership skills.
IAESTE
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience is a global internship program specifically focused on technical fields. It offers paid internships in companies and research institutions worldwide, providing valuable practical experience to students.
MITACS Globalink
A prestigious research internship program based in Canada. It offers research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in various disciplines, providing them with exposure to cutting-edge research and collaboration with Canadian universities and industries.
DAAD RISE
Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) is a highly regarded internship program in Germany offered by DAAD, a German academic exchange service. It offers research internships to undergraduate students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), allowing them to gain hands-on experience and work with renowned German researchers.
CRCC Asia
CRCC Asia offers internships in various Asian Countries across numerous sectors, including business, finance, marketing, and engineering. The program provides students with professional development opportunities, cultural immersion, and valuable insights into the business landscape leading Asian countries.
CIEE Internship Programs
The Council on International Educational Exchange offers internship programs in multiple countries. They provide customised placements in diverse fields, cultural activities, and support services, enabling students to gain valuable work experience abroad.
Absolute Internship
Absolute Internship offers internships in popular destinations such as Barcelona, Shanghai, London, and Hong Kong. They partner with a wide range of companies and provide comprehensive internship programs with professional development workshops and cultural immersion activities.
Study Abroad Providers
Many study-abroad providers, such as API (Academic Programs International), IES Abroad, and CIS Abroad, also offer internship programs. These providers have established networks and partnerships with companies and organisations worldwide, providing students with diverse internship opportunities.
United Nations Internship Program
The United Nations offers internship programs in various fields, including international relations, development, human rights, and communications. It provides an opportunity to work at the UN headquarters or regional offices, contributing to global initiatives.
Embassies and Consulates
Indian students can also explore internship opportunities at Indian embassies and consulates abroad. These internships often involve diplomatic, cultural, or administrative work, providing insights into international relations and diplomacy.To explore internship opportunities at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, you can follow these steps:
Gather information about the Indian embassies or consulates in the desired country or countries.
Reach out to the respective entity through email or phone to inquire about internship opportunities.
Provide a concise introduction, express your interest, and request information on available programs.
Follow the embassy’s or consulate’s application procedure, which may involve submitting a resume, cover letter, and any required documents. Be sure to adhere to their guidelines and deadlines.
Familiarise yourself with international relations, diplomacy, and the country’s culture. This will help you during interviews or discussions related to the internship.
If selected, you may be called for an interview. Prepare for it by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.
Once accepted, ensure that you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.
Plan for accommodation and consider any other logistical aspects, such as insurance or health requirements.
It’s important to research and carefully review the eligibility requirements, application processes, and program fees associated with each internship program. Additionally, universities and educational institutions in India may have their own international internship programs or partnerships that students can explore. Do check out Zuno for some of the best opportunities – both in India and abroad.
FAQs on Interning Abroad
Q1. What are the requirements for interning abroad?
Ans: The requirements for interning abroad can vary depending on the program and destination. However, some common requirements may include:
a. Valid passport with an expiration date beyond your internship period
b. Visa or work permit
c. Some internships may require a certain level of language proficiency
d. Certain internships may have specific academic requirements
e. Many internship programs require you to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your internship
f. Application materials like application form, resume, and possibly a cover letter.
g. Remember to research and consult the specific internship program and host country for their precise requirements and application process.
Q2. How can I find intern abroad programs?
Ans: To find international internship programs, you can:
a. Research online through websites of organisations like AIESEC, IAESTE, etc.
b. Check with your university’s career services or study abroad office
c. Reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in your field who may have connections or recommendations for international internships.
d. Explore internship platforms like Intern Abroad and GoAbroad
e. Contact embassies or consulates of the country you are interested in interning in – they may connect you with relevant resources.
Q3. Are there paid internships abroad?
Ans: Yes, plenty of internship programs or companies abroad offer paid opportunities. But before choosing an international internship, ensure you research the opportunity well. Consider reliable platforms or sources for genuine opportunities.
Q4. Can I get academic credit for an internship abroad?
Ans: Yes, it is often possible to obtain academic credit for an internship abroad, but the eligibility and process may vary depending on your university and program.
Q5. How do internships abroad differ from domestic internships?
Ans: There are certain additional benefits that internships abroad offer that domestic internships don’t, such as giving you a global perspective, allowing for cultural immersion, improving cross-cultural communication skills, exposure to diverse work environments and international networks etc.
