4 Internship Abroad Scholarships & Grants to Help You Get PAID......26 .... top-notch films and media. Much of what
MEANINGFUL TRAVEL
TIPS and tales First-Time Interns Abroad
Table of Contents Welcome A Note From GoAbroad..........................................................................................3 Our Contributors......................................................................................................4 Internship Tips Top 10 Destinations to Intern Abroad...............................................................5 Super Rad Intern Abroad Providers to Check Out......................................10 How to Pick the Right Program Abroad.........................................................12 Are Unpaid Internships Abroad Actually Worth it?..................................16 9 Non-Work Related things to Consider Before Accepting an Internship Abroad Offer......................................................................................20 The 10 People You’ll Meet Interning Abroad................................................24 4 Internship Abroad Scholarships & Grants to Help You Get PAID......26 Get Involved Keep Exploring!.....................................................................................................29
An Initiative to Make Travel More Accessible
Questions & Comments.......................................................................................30
Why We Created this Book for first-time interns abroad A Note from GoAbroad
Our Contributors Megan Lee is an international educator, traveler, and writer. After leading study abroad programs in Asia, the South Pacific, and East Africa, she now is the Director of GoAbroad.com.
Interning abroad for the first time can seem overwhelming and no one knows that better than we do.
Raised in a multicultural family in the colorful Chicago suburbs, Raquel Thoesen’s greatest joy is gallivanting around the world, and learning about its endless cultures, languages, and foodie treasures. With a degree from Arizona State University in hand, Raquel taught English abroad in Germany through the Fulbright program.
That’s why we scoured our expert articles directory to come up with a comprehensive resource of the best tips for first time international interns. Interning abroad is more than just your run-of-the-mill international program You’re there to get valuable work experience and learn – about yourself, about your host culture, about your chosen
A proud Wisconsin-native, Laura Jelich has been calling the mountains of Colorado home since 2014. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a communication major and minors in nutrition and psychology. Laura has volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, interned abroad in Germany, and spent time exploring various Central American and European destinations.
industry and career path, and about the world at large. You’re going to work hard, play hard, and explore Matt Arnerich works as a content writer at graduate recruitment agency Inspiring Interns. He got bitten by the travel bug, along with plenty of mosquitos, when he spent four months traveling solo in Southeast Asia in 2015, and he doesn’t intend to look for an antidote any time soon. If you’re interested in graduate jobs in London or want to hire a graduate, get in touch!
far and wide. It won’t be easy, but we think you’re up to the task. So, ask yourself: •
Are you ready to intern abroad?
•
What are your first steps? How do you make the most of this experience?
•
How important is knowing the language before you get there? Etc.
The list of questions to ask before preparing to intern abroad just gets longer and longer the more you think about it. But, we’ve already thought about it. In fact, at GoAbroad we’ve thought about it for 20+ years in the field, and we’ve learned a thing or two in all that time.
Erin Oppenheim is a news and current events junkie, all about that #IntlEd life, and is also the funniest person she knows. She just wants to be a guest on a podcast— doesn’t matter which one.
As part of GoAbroad’s mission to provide the best and most comprehensive resources for meaningful travelers, our writers share their best intern abroad tips every step of the way— from pre-departure to dealing with the post-intern abroad blues. They’re the experts with real experience and all the best info on how and when to apply, the best possible program options for you, funding options, and anything
This could be you! Want to share your own travel tips and tales? Give us a shout!
you might need to know. So, now you can go out into the working world and really soak it all in!
Interested in joining this initiative? Partner with us!
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top 10 destinations for internships abroad by Raquel Thoesen
N
ew Year, new you, new job, and new…country? If your resolutions for this year involve beefing up that resume and becoming a professionally competitive bad@$%, think about doing internships abroad and set yourself apart from the crowd at home. International is sexy, and employers think so too. With the best international internships under your belt, you’ll definitely have some extra international skills to flaunt compared to the average Joe Schmoe homebody, who missed the globalization memo. Companies and corporations nowadays function at a multinational level on a daily basis, so having a workforce that understands business practices and culture differences in other countries has become an invaluable asset. Collect some professional know-how alongside the cross-cultural understanding that only comes with immersion through living abroad.
Whether you’re dreaming of interning with animals on a South African wildlife reserve or working at a top-tier resort on one of Mexico’s romantic, sandy beaches, there’s an internship out there for you. All you need to get started is a target industry, dream destination, and a passport. Not sure where in the world to start looking? We’ve narrowed down a list of our top internship abroad destinations to get that inspiration burning and help you find a placement ASAP.
1. South Africa Penguins and lions and beaches — oh my! South Africa is a country of contrast and rich diversity stemming from its long, controversial history of colonialism and its unique geographic location at the tip of Africa. Being the continent’s first country to ever host a FIFA World Cup in 2010 and also known as Africa’s financial capital gives this nation of almost 50 million people lots to be proud of.
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Internships in South Africa are as diverse as the nation’s multi-ethnic population, with opportunities available in a wide variety of industries in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
2. England Ah, the classic and beloved England. The origin of some of our most loved books, music groups, and that dreamy accent of which we can’t seem to get enough. There’s a reason (plenty of reasons, actually) why masses of eager students fly across the Pond to intern abroad in England, making it consistently top the charts for popular international internship destinations. In today’s day and age, England houses an immensely diverse population and society in which Chicken Tikka Masala is a national dish alongside the classic fish and chips. With an extensive economy encompassing large multinational firms, such as Unilever and BP, there are plenty of internships in England to choose from. While most internships are centered in London, there are also opportunities for the slightly more adventurous in places across the country like Manchester or Birmingham.
3. Argentina ¡Che! Picture yourself interning in an office tucked away in a nostalgic Parisian-resembling alleyway with sultry Tango accordion tunes floating through the open window from down below. Argentina has been shaped by centuries of European immigration and influence, giving way to the common saying that Argentines descended from ship, and creating this cultural melting pot of the South. In fact, European immigrants have left behind such a deep-seated imprint on Argentina’s language, food, architecture, and culture that you might be left questioning whether you are still in Latin America or accidently got on a plane to Italy. Apart from 10 p.m. dinners with your coworkers, beef empanadas, and street tango performances, there are tons of more reasons why you should intern abroad in Argentina this year.
4. Australia You probably won’t be interning as a crocodile wrestling assistant in the Land Down Under, but this massive continent-country sure has plenty to offer to students wanting to intern abroad. The majority of Australia’s population is crowded around the coastline, due to the fact that the country’s interior is largely uninhabitable desert, rainforests, or has uncomfortable conditions that no ordinary person would want to brave. Australians are often teased for being descendants of exiled British prisoners (there’s truth in that!), but in fact the people who call Australia home today have origins tracing back to all over the world. In such an international crowd, you’ll make a great addition to the globally-minded organizations and business scattered throughout the country’s colorful terrain.
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5. Mexico
9. Cuba
What better way to gain professional experience abroad than through an internship in paradise? Once home to the sophisticated Mayan and Aztec civilizations, Mexico boasts some of the world’s best beaches, imposing canyons, and unworldly ruins of the bygone civilizations. The capital, Mexico City, is one of the world’s largest megacities and an important economic hub in Latin America. There is no other city in the world with more Spanish speakers! Arising from a unique blend of Mesoamerican and Spanish influences, Mexican culture is as flavorful and savory as its food. Mexico might be the United States’ next door neighbor and seem all too familiar, but by interning abroad in Mexico you’ll find a whole different side to this country that will blow any expectations away.
Imagine yourself interning abroad in Cuba, where you’ll be throw back in time walking through the streets of Havana, lined with classic cars and colonial architecture reminiscent of a lost era. This flamboyant nation is a crossroad of native, European, and African influences, which have given rise to a vibrant music scene and a succulent cuisine. When the United States’ embargo against Cuba was loosened in 2015, Americans were once again allowed to set foot on the largest island in the Caribbean for missionary work and educational purposes. As a newly emerging destination to intern abroad, Cuba is the perfect way to explore the unknown and gain professional experience in a country your friends and family have never been to.
6. Ireland
Hone your inner frontiersman and delve into the vast northern wilderness with an internship in Canada this year. This impressively huge landmass is the world’s second largest country, but only houses about a half percent of the global population, mostly clustered along the warmer latitudes of the U.S.-Canada border. Although the friendly Canadians still share a Queen with the Brits, their society today more closely reflects the United States’ and strong French influences remain imprinted in Quebec. This peaceful nation has a highly developed economy and social systems in which Canadians enjoy a comfortable quality of life and a multiethnic society. Ecologically responsible, sustainable, big on human rights, and just straight up good looking, what’s not to like? Grab your beaver hat and wool socks, and intern abroad in Canada!
Ever wondered what the redheaded leprechauns are hiding on the other side of the rainbow? If you guessed a pot of gold, you’re pretty close. Within Ireland’s lush, green borders lie heaps of internship opportunities that will help propel your international career, while you enjoy the company of some of the friendliest people in the world. Before jumping on the next flight to Ireland thinking you’ll just find a pattern of sheep, fields, and pubs, try recalibrating your view of Irish culture at home through Irish top-notch films and media. Much of what we know of the Emerald Isle has been strongly influenced by Hollywood’s typecasting, but since the 1950s the country has managed to remove itself from a dominant agrarian-based economy. Ireland was bestowed with the nickname “Celtic Tiger” due to its economic prosperity and is now one of the wealthiest countries in Europe.
10. Canada 7. Israel
8. Singapore
A young nation that rose from the ashes of World War II, Israel has only been around for less than 100 years, and after decades of turmoil with its neighbors, has blossomed into a prosperous developed country. In the only full democracy in the Middle East, Israelis boast a crazy high level of education (about half the population holds a college degree!) and a deliciously healthy diet that may be partially responsible for the long lifespans. Israel holds a deep importance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam because of the various sacred sites scattered throughout the country, contributing to its religious diversity and an ancient history dating well before the emergence of the country. By interning abroad in Israel, you’ll experience the unexpected and come away with a fresh, new perspective on your target industry and the “Holy Land.”
Chewing gum here might get you into a sticky situation (it’s illegal), but completing an internship in Singapore is completely recommended. The “Lion City” is one of the few city-states in the world, the other two being Monaco and Vatican City. Numerous interesting and surprising tidbits about Singapore make it one of the world’s most colorful, diverse gems in the world and a symbol of modernity. Once a British colony, this multicultural island has since been busy building a highly developed country with an exceptional quality of life and physically expanding. Growing vertically has its limits, so Singapore has gradually increased its land area by about 25 percent over the past few decades through land reclamation projects. The next thing due to grow is your resume after you complete a gratifying and valuable internship where East meets West in this brilliantly futuristic city!
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Find internships abroad all around the world.
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top rated intern abroad organizations by The GoAbroad Writing Team
Work | Travel | Live “The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men.” -George Eliot “For every two minutes of glamour, there are eight hours of hard work.” - Jessica Savitch
“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” - Colin Powell
“Believe you can and you're half way there.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Making the decision to go abroad can be one
of the biggest decisions of your life, so, why shouldn’t you choose the best of the best in meaningful travel? Online reviews are becoming increasingly important across all industries, and travel is not excluded. That’s why we value participant reviews immensely, as a way to verify our partners, get valuable feedback about program experiences, and most importantly (today) highlight exceptional organizations and programs. Before you even decide how you want to go abroad, check out these top rated organizations and programs. These are the “Best of the Best” in terms of participant reviews and ratings, so we’ve basically done your trip planning for you.
“Thank you to The Intern Group for an incredible experience in New York City! From the application process through to my internship and living in New York City - 5 stars! It was more than a dream.” - Mia, The Intern Group Alum
“Mente was great at always being there for whatever you need...They were always helping and it never felt like they were doing a routine. They take the time to accommodate your requests and they were always great at making sure you were having a good time.” - Shaun, Mente Argentina Alum
“My experience with VAC and in Cape Town was wonderful. The VAC staff is so friendly and supportive, while Cape Town itself is the most beautiful and interesting city. After this experience, I can easily see myself coming back and staying for years.” - Tressa, VA Corps Alum
“An invaluable experience that I couldn’t recommend highly enough to others wanting to get into the guiding industry. Thank you to the trainers, staff and everyone involved who has helped to inspire within me a great passion for the African bush, and for putting me in a position to worth in it.” -Alex, GVI Alum
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“I had the most amazing summer interning in London with Global Experiences! I got to work at a law firm and certainly had a professional experience that would not have been possible without Global Experience's facilitation, especially not domestically, given that I'm an undergraduate student.” - Sami, GE Alum
“I loved every minute of my internship in Barcelona and the traveling I was able to do on the weekends. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a unique experience.” - Sasha, CISabroad Alum “The memories I have from this trip will last a lifetime and the cultural experience I gained will be so useful. I can't thank or praise IES enough for giving me such an amazing experience and going out of their way to make sure all their students have the best time.” - Stephanie, IES Internships Alum
“I spent 8 weeks of my summer interning through Stint and I absolutely loved it! I wanted to learn and gain research experience, while having time to travel and sightsee abroad, and Stint provided the opportunity to do all of that!” - Kelsey, Stint Ireland Alum
“If you're looking to travel, gain a lot of hands on career practice, and overall life experience, this is a great program. Happy I decided to travel with Adelante.” - Nadja, Adelante Abroad Alum There are so many great organizations and intern abroad programs to choose from that it can seem a little overwhelming at first, but if you start your search with this list, you’re sure to find the right fit. If you’re still feeling a little lost, an online advisor can help match you with a few stellar programs!
How to pick the right program abroad for you by Megan Lee
“Costa Rica has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imaged, I now understand more about different cultures and the importance of giving back to the world. I loved every single minute of my time with Maximo and with my internship...”
In the 1990s and prior, there were fat, thick
catalogs for international programs. In the 2000s, there were online directories and digital program catalogs, such as GoAbroad.com. And now, there’s MyGoAbroad, your best mate when it comes to picking the perfect international program for you.
- Sarah, Maximo Nivel Alum
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While advisors are helpful and word-of-mouth recommendations are important (not to mention it’s really fun to snag free swag at campus fairs!), until now, there hasn’t been a place to store allllllll of the programs you are considering while sifting through your options. Enter MyGoAbroad!
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With thousands (literally thousands! *gulp*) of international program options out there, it can be overwhelming to find a program that fits all that you’re looking for. Whether you want to find a study abroad program, find volunteer opportunities abroad, find internships abroad, or are wondering how to find teaching jobs abroad, you're in luck. Here’s how to pick the right program abroad for you, without wanting to rip your hair out and without stress of not understanding your choices.
1. Make a Profile Use Facebook, your Google account, or your email address to get your MyGoAbroad profile started. You can opt to beautify it now (fill out those questions and upload a purdy photo) or later (you’re very busy and important, after all). Skip this step if you are eager to get started on your international program hunt.
2. Request Program Matches Let us do your homework for you! It doesn’t hurt, and you’ll receive a fully-customized shortlist of programs to jumpstart your research and give you an idea of what options are out there. From your dashboard, click on “Request Program Matches,” fill out our online inquiry form, and our team of matchmakers, also known as online advisors, will help you find the international programs you’ll want to swipe right for.
3. Use GoAbroad.com & Start Searchin’ Get the full scoop on how to use GoAbroad’s many functions with this handy-dandy infographic. Choosing to intern abroad. This is more than your standard semester abroad. From one month to year long programs, you want international workplace experience, professional skill development, and cultural immersion. Your resume never looked better!
You’ll need to start really nailing down your personal goals for wherever you choose and however long you choose to intern abroad. Oh yeah— you need to decide how long you’ll be abroad, whether it’s just for summer or winter break, an entire semester, or the whole academic year. Pro Tip: You don’t have to bookmark only one kind of intern abroad program; perhaps you’re considering finance internships in China as well as fall semester fashion business internships in France. Don’t limit yourself! Choose a place! Much like picking your favorite ice cream (*cough* Talenti *cough*), it can be a formidable challenge to take that list of 200+ amazing countries and zero-in on a destination to call “home” for the duration of your meaningful travels. On GoAbroad, the indecisive will appreciate filtering by “Region” instead of a specific country. Feel free to peruse options in multiple countries or corners or continents; the world is your search-engine oyster! Laser focus with sub-filters. Now’s not the time to compromise. Be picky when deciding what international programs options will make the best fit for your time abroad. Do you want to intern in a specific field, or volunteer in a particular effort? Do you only have two weeks to spare? Our sub-filters will navigate the noise to pinpoint legitimate program options for YOU to find programs abroad.
4. Click SAVE! Once you’ve read reviews and interviews and have a clearer idea of the type of experience you want, it’s time to bookmark and save program options. Once you go back to your MyGoAbroad account, all of these top picks will magically appear in your dashboard for quick and easy future reference.
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Pro Tip: You can also save articles and inspiration from GoAbroad.com to your dashboard! Bookmark how-to lists or helpful resources to come back to later. We especially love our Scholarships Article database!
5. Now COMPARE Saving a bunch of international programs doesn’t really do you too much good if you’re not going to compare them limb for limb. From your Dashboard, click the “Programs” tab in the left hand column, then the “COMPARE PROGRAMS” button in the upper right hand corner. You can compare up to three programs side by side, a nice feature when you’re wondering how to find study abroad programs, for instance! Be sure to note inclusions, locations, projected costs, and overall feedback from past participants. Like Harry Potter and Voldemort, keep pitting program options against each other until you find three to five programs that feel like a perfect fit (Hint: this will be your go-to list for next few steps).
6. Email Your Interest to Providers Try to include a variety of program providers when selecting international program options. Ask for different price quotes, what makes their experience “different” or the “best,” and what common complaints are from previous participants (that’s a juicy, but worthwhile question).
Do some respond immediately to your inquiries instead of taking 24-48 hours? Are you garnering a more personal connection with one over the other? Follow your intuitions as you shift from the “window shopping” phase to more brass-tacks.
7. Double Check that ALL of Your Travel Stars Align Be thorough in your research, committing to crossing off the T’s and dotting the I’s as you go. Do you need university credit and can you fo’sho get it? Do you need a significant upfront deposit and do you have the resources to cover it? Other important checkmarks should include travel insurance, ability to secure a visa/passport, if health insurance will be an issue, the costs of flights, etc.
8. Sign Up for an Intern Abroad Program & Dive Right In! You’ve done the legwork, you’ve outlined your goals, you’ve finally narrowed it down to the single program that is the best fit for your needs and hopes. Congrats! Now get the heck outta here and have a great time traveling abroad!
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Are unpaid internships abroad actually worth it?
11. Login to MyGoAbroad NOW to Start Planning Your Next Adventure It happens when we least expect it: that travel bug grabs hold of hearts and doesn’t let go. It’s no surprise that you’re already gunning for another trip with passport in tow. Your trusty friends at GoAbroad are ready to help you start the process over for your next grand adventure.
Now’s not just the time to travel. Now’s the time to travel meaningfully. 9. Have a Kick*** Resume You’re basically hired and you didn’t even apply yet. That’s because you come back from abroad with a competitive skills set that puts you far beyond the pack; it’s just up to you to communicate the value of your international experience to potential employers. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
There’s never been a better time to travel abroad. From your computer chair, the world of international programs is at your fingertips; it’s up to you find the one program that suits you so you can move forward and accomplish your travel goals.
The question is, are unpaid internships for
international students worth it? Yes! No...maybe?
10. Pay it Forward & Leave a Review
The true answer is: it depends. Everyone’s situation is unique, but there are a few stars that need to align in order to justify unpaid internships abroad, and conversely other factors that tend to become deal-breakers. In order to decide if a particular international internship is a step in the right direction for your own job journey, cross-check your personal situation against our list of “worth it” and “not-so-worth-it” criteria.
Remember how helpful those reviews were as you were gathering information about which program was going to be the most beneficial to you and the experience you were looking for? Those reviews didn’t come from nowhere; they came straight from the horse’s mouth (aka program alumni and past participants - no offense!). The great news is you have a horse’s mouth now. Be sure to pay it forward and provide feedback to the organization who ran your trip. Leave a Review here! If you want to take it a step further, help future travelers (and get hashtag FAMOUS) by completing an interview. They look great and are incredibly helpful for would-be travelers.
by Laura Jelich
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Unpaid internships abroad are worth it if... While the unpaid aspect can be a bit of a bummer, it most definitely doesn’t have to be a nix-worthy factor when choosing an internship abroad. There are so many pros to interning abroad that this seemingly difficult dilemma doesn’t have to be a toughy, especially if you find yourself in any of these so-worth-it situations.
1. You Don’t Need the Money This means you are not a college graduate fresh out of school with loads of student debt, rent, grocery, insurance, and life bills to pay. If you are, in fact, in this exact situation, then you may need to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Recognize that participating in an unpaid internship will not only not pay the bills, but it will actually add to your unchecked pile of debt already accumulating. Unfortunately, the reality may be that the timing for this opportunity is just not the best.
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However, if you have your finances reasonably under control, a job that doesn’t necessarily pay may be exactly what you are looking for. Maybe you are blessed enough to come from a family with parents more than able (and willing) to chip-in. Maybe you have the ability to fundraise sufficiently, recently inherited a large sum of money, earned a scholarship, or are simply a hard-working money-saving-master with a bank account to back your endeavor. If you have funds available to you and the right opportunity presents itself, maybe a better question to ask yourself is, why not?? If your priorities lie further along the experience end of the spectrum, then you won’t find a much better opportunity than venturing abroad to learn from professionals with new and challenging perspectives that will allow for your own personal growth and networking.
2. You Can Earn College Credit The total jackpot is when you can kill three birds with one stone (not literally though, please) and knockout college credit, career experience, and an adventure abroad all in one! If you are still in school and your university offers the chance to replace class time with working hours overseas, take it. Obviously, however, you need to ensure that the company you will be working for actually is willing to, and adequately does, meet the requirements for earning college credit. It is worth noting that because you are paying for your college tuition during this time, you will ultimately be paying (not just not getting paid) for your internship. So, make sure it is a position that will provide relevant experience and adequate resume boosting power.
3. You Need the Experience It’s no secret that the job market nowadays is tough. Getting a job requires experience, but experience only comes from working the field. It is quite the conundrum, literally. Luckily, many companies offer the experience fresh professionals so desperately need while mutually benefiting by being compensated with free labor! It stinks (and can be controversial) to have to work for free, but it has practically become the expected norm. If you haven’t already completed the internship route and need the experience to break into your chosen field, an international internship can actually set you above and beyond your competing peers by providing that ever-so-desirable global edge. International status alone, however, won’t cut the cake, it is the improving of skills and hands-on learning that will really help get you hired when the time comes.
4. The Internship Itself is WORTH IT Say you’ve dreamed of working for the World Wildlife Foundation since the day you saw a commercial for saving tigers when you were five years old and an unpaid intern position becomes available, or you want to break into an especially niche and closed field of work that hires more off who you know than what you know. Even if the timing or wages aren’t ideal, if you have the chance to pursue a career-altering once-in-a-lifetime dream international internship, you can (and probably should) still take it. If you are pursuing an unpaid international internship in the hopes of obtaining a competitive full-time paid position, just be sure the effort you put in matches your high expectations!
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5. Your Internship Provider has Rave Reviews If past interns have been satisfied with their international work experience, paid or not, then it’s a good sign that you too will find tangible value and benefits from interning abroad sans salary. Before you sign off on a program provider, be sure sure to read reviews, compare options, and choose the internship program that best suits your professional (and fun!) goals.
Unpaid internships abroad are probably not worth it if... While the international internship itself is sure to be beneficial, there are inevitably a few instances when the time, effort, and money invested outweigh the pros of the experience. The following situations outline a few scenarios where an unpaid international internship may just not be worth it:
1. There is a Paid Internship Available If there is a just-as-good paid internship available to you, take that instead. International experience cannot be overrated, and if your goal is to work abroad or in a position you can only gain access to by interning abroad, then obviously the two internship opportunities aren’t equal are they? But, if you simply wish to travel and there is a paid internship available that is just as relevant to your life as the unpaid international one, opt for the former. Make the money, save up, and travel on your own time. There are several reasons why this will be the better course, generally speaking. Oftentimes, paid internships are with presumably better companies because they can afford to pay their interns and care to invest in their future. Likewise, they will often be more competitive, since the prospect pool will not be limited to only those who can afford the pay sacrifice.
In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that those who participated in paid internships had a higher percentage of job offers and higher median salaries upon being hired. Although the numbers in part may reflect the fact that paid internships are often available in more prestigious, higher-paying industries, it also suggests that paid internships prove more beneficial in getting hired and compensated in the long run.
2. The Internship Itself isn’t Worth It International internships are undoubtedly offer incredibly meaningful travel opportunities, but if the only reason you plan to pursue one is to justify a trip abroad, you may want to think again. The internship part of an international internship should be the priority, not the international part. The fact that an unpaid internship is abroad is, in fact, a GINORMOUS perk, but shouldn’t be the only qualifying factor in your checklist of internship criteria. If the actual work involved is not directly beneficial to your career and life, it is probably not going to be worth it, but definitely work to find one that is.
3. You’re Actually Just Trying to Escape the Reach of Your Needy Boo ...Or overprotective mom, un-fun adult responsibilities, or pesky messy roommates. Basically, similar to the above bullet, if you are motivated by any number of non-realistic, non-relevant, moot motives, probably just stay home and face them instead. If it is a job you hate and dread going to everyday that motivates you, on the other hand, looking into new career prospects is not a bad idea. Just be sure you are making your decisions for a longer-term, logical process in mind, and not as the result of a hasty, frustrated need.
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9 non-work related things to consider before accepting an internship
4. You Have Strong Ethical Concerns Because there is such an emphasis on experience, in turn forcing young professionals to have to take what they can get, arguments have been made that unpaid internships hurt the economy by allowing companies to fill positions for free that would otherwise employ local professionals seeking work. This is, however, a rare exception to the rule. Unpaid internships have long since become the norm, and international internships are extremely commonplace, so the vast majority of opportunities are legitimate and should arouse no concerns. If for some reason you uncover any shady business that causes you to seriously question the ethics of the internship at hand, don’t be afraid to pay heed to red flags.
So, is it worth it for you? The only thing left to do is a little introspection. Where do you stand financially? What are your motives for pursuing this internship? What will you get out of the experience?
by Matt Arnerich
We all get it. Everyone wants to find paid internships abroad, but it’s not always a possibility. No argument stands a chance against the benefits of an unpaid internships for those in a position to take advantage of what it has to offer. So if your only hesitation is apprehension, fear not! If a realistic opportunity to intern abroad presents itself, there’s really nothing left to do but count your blessings and pack your bags.
We all know that before you accept that dream
international internship, there’s a whole range of factors that you need to consider. A lot of them have to do with the ins and outs of the internship offer itself. What are the working conditions like in the new country? What are your rights? Will you enjoy the work and what will you learn? Will I get paid? The list goes on…
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However, don’t make the mistake of only reading the fine print of that email contract. You also need to reflect and consider on things like where you’re going, what the business culture is like, how you integrate yourself in your new place of work, how likely you are to win intern of the year. These are important factors, too! So before you book your flight tickets and change your Facebook location, consider…
1. Are you where the action is? We’ve all been there. You book a phenomenally well priced ticket to an exciting holiday destination, only to arrive and find out why your plane ticket was so reasonably priced. It turns out that the “capital city” airport you’re landing in is very far away from the airport. This same buffoonery can be true of your international internship. It may seem like you’re being offered the dream job in a fantastic city, but do your research. Find out where the buzzing parts of your new city are and make sure that your office isn’t a four hour drive away on the very outskirts.
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Either you’ll be caught miles away from all the action, or you’ll be staring a long commute in the face every morning and evening (another go at the Harry Potter series, anyone?). On the other hand…
2. Do you want to be where all the action is? Many people choose an internship abroad to feel all the feels of a different city. But equally, you might be looking to move away from the noise of a big city in exchange for a more laid back, serene lifestyle. Again, it’s time to sit down and do some research. Try and get a feel for your new home by checking out what kind of events there are. Is it more super club or jazz bar? What do people do all day? Can you get down main streets easily on a Friday night? If the answer’s yes, then you’re probably in for a much more relaxed vibe.
Consider whether you want to truly challenge yourself and put yourself out of your comfort zone.
Different cultures mean different attitudes toward work. Consider whether the country you’ll be interning abroad in has certain different work expectations (such as dress, attitude, or compliance) that are present not just at your new company, but also across many industries there, too. You might be surprised by what you find out. Some cities can have certain subtleties to their working culture that you might not have considered, particularly when it comes to the work-life balance and certain attributes expected of their employees.
If you want quick access to your favorite snacks from home and immediate circles comprised of friends that are also international, stick to a major city or a culturally similar country.
For instance, interns in China will know to not let their boss lose face, and those with internships in Italy know to dress their best every day. Punctuality, in places like Germany and Japan, is taken very seriously, whereas Amsterdam generally operates on a four day work week.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more hardcore (and are willing to give up your precious Cadbury bars for a few months), then you should opt to fully immerse yourself in a new and totally different, totally whack, totally awesome foreign culture.
3. What’s the visa situation?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to retain some of your creature comforts from home. Generally, places in Europe (particularly the UK), Australia, and New Zealand will give you the opportunity to experience a new city and different cultures, while still giving you your fill of home life (read: Starbucks).
Don’t forget to consider whether you’ll be able to travel after you’ve completed your internship, whether you can extend the visa, or if you can change employers during your time abroad. Should you enter on a tourist or business visa? How long is it valid for? I’m sure you’ve had enough of visa talk already, so we’ll leave that there.
If you choose to look further afield, particularly throughout Asia, Africa, or Latin America, you’ll be experiencing something slightly more alien. Don’t worry, you won’t be TOTALLY in the boonies. Almost everywhere nowadays has connected expat communities, and of course, this wonderful tool called the internet.
Try and get into contact with past interns if possible, as well as scour reviews of programs for hints and to make sure you cover all your bases (aka. avoid regret!).
6. What’s the general work-culture?
5. Is this company part of a network I want to be part of? When you accept a job offer for an internship abroad through a provider like Volunteer Adventure Corps, CAPA, or the Intern Group, you might not have considered the world of connections you are adopting. Do some digging into their social media profiles, read their reviews, and peruse their websites to get a feel for how engaged their alumni are. Happy past participants = strong network = increased likelihood of your international internship benefiting you in years to come. Internship program providers with a strong online community amongst their alumni means you’ll be able to use your provider’s connections to get a leg up in future job op’s (or who knows, to find a couch to crash on when you’re visiting Sydney). Know that your internship is part of a bigger career-development puzzle, and you can start setting yourself up for success NOW by choosing a well-established internship program.
4. Do you want a home away from home? One really important thing to consider before you decide to accept an international internship offer is the extent to which you want to be distanced from your life at home.
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Once you know what the general culture of work is, ask yourself: is this a work culture you feel you can not only survive, but thrive in? If in your research you find the business culture of your internship destination is very hierarchical, and you struggle with listening to authority, then you might be doomed before you start.
7. Is the location conducive to travel? One of the great things about living in a new country is that you get the opportunity to visit the entire country, not just the new city in which you’re living. Use your weekends wisely and you’ll be able to visit all sorts of amazing places, you know, the kind that tourists leave regretting not visiting. If you’re looking for internships in England, for example, the public travel networks are extensive, but can be costly if you don’t choose wisely. If you’re interning in Cape Town, don’t expect to make quick bus trips to Jo-burg.
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If traveling is a subsidiary goal of your international internship (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be), you may consider signing up for a program in a bigger or more-connected city. You can make plans for international travel to nearby countries either during or after your internship. It may come to be that you can’t find an internship offer in your dream country (
