Young professionals from all around the world are looking for experience in their future career fields. Regardless of your grades or degree, most companies prefer to hire applicants with previous experience in the field, which means an international internship is perfect for getting your foot in the door of a career. There are many benefits of internships, especially one abroad. You’ll be able to boost your CV and build a network while experiencing a new city.
So why get all of that abroad when you could do a domestic internship and get a similar experience?
Doing an internship in your home country would certainly be easier. You wouldn’t have to worry about visa processes, buying an international flight, or navigating the workplace and making new friends in a foreign language.
But... we imagine you've stumbled upon this blog post because there’s a part of you that wants to explore: to travel, immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and meet people from all over the world. These are just some of the benefits of international internships. An internship abroad is your opportunity to do all this while gaining valuable work experience.
Here are the top 9 benefits of internships abroad and why you should take the plunge on interning abroad:
Living in a major international city like London, Madrid, or Hong Kong will enable you to not only meet locals but also fellow expats who, like you, have left their home countries to live abroad. As a young professional, there is nothing better than having connections in your industry. Whether you’re a current student or a recent graduate, the people you meet during your internship will be key contacts for your career. If you hope to move abroad permanently, they become even more essential. Through your colleagues and friends, you will form a global network of contacts that will be valuable to you personally and professionally, whether you need somewhere to stay or an introduction to another professional. This worldwide network will be beneficial as you seek a career in your given field – no matter where you choose to go next.
Being bilingual is an extremely desirable skill. As more and more companies begin to operate internationally, young professionals with foreign language skills will be at the forefront. An international internship is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language, whether you’re a complete beginner or have taken classes before. Completing an internship in a foreign language will significantly develop your language skills. If your goal is to move from being conversational in your second language to speaking fluently, practicing in a workplace environment is essential. Not only will you be practicing your target language in the office, but you will also be presented with a host of real-life situations in which to practice as soon as you step foot out of the office.
When you leave your home country, you’ll be constantly exposed to customs and practices different from what you’re used to. Regardless of how many internships or jobs you’ve had at home, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to navigate a new business culture. Business etiquette differs from country to country, and successful global professionals will be familiar with the ins and outs. You can also prep before you go by using our downloadable workplace culture guides.
This is one of the most obvious benefits of internships abroad. If you love traveling and exploring new places, an internship abroad is a perfect excuse to see more of the world. You’ll not only get to live and be immersed in a new city, you’ll have the opportunity to travel and explore in your free time! But, if you're not much of a traveller, then going abroad will still have major benefits. Getting out of your comfort zone is an extraordinary catalyst for growth. Living internationally in a city with different customs than what you are used to will teach you to be more open-minded, accepting, and patient. When future employers see on your CV that you completed an internship abroad, they will instantly be assured of your adaptability, initiative, ability to see other viewpoints, and willingness to try new things.
In addition to soft skills like communication, leadership, and organization, you’ll also sharpen your industry-specific skills. The best place to apply what you’ve learned in your courses is in the office. After completing an internship, you’ll be able to show future employers that you not only understand the theory but that you have the technical skills to back it up. You never know, you might pick up skills you didn't know you wanted to learn, discover your passion for a new skill, or decide you should be on a different professional path! One of the benefits of an internship abroad is that it will open your mind to more possibilities.
Interpersonal skills are essential to forming good relationships, both in the office and outside of it. One of the top benefits of internships abroad is that they enable you to develop your communication skills in a diverse, cross-cultural setting. The ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures will serve you well throughout your career.
When you begin searching for a full-time position, most employers will ask for references. They want to know that someone else vouches for your abilities and would recommend you. Developing references is a crucial part of any internship. Get to know your supervisors and coworkers, and look for a professional mentor. Keep in mind that every professional experience is an opportunity for a great recommendation in the future!
As an intern abroad, you’ll be surrounded by young professionals who are just as passionate and driven as you. From living together in a new city to overcoming language barriers and exploring your host country, these are the types of experiences that bring people together. You're bound to make life-long friends with these exciting shared experiences.
In today’s competitive job market, many young professionals face a tough paradox. You need to have the experience to get experience. An internship allows you to get your foot in the door and make the job search much easier and more rewarding in the future. You might even catch the eye of other people in your industry and gain a job through that avenue!