Taking a Gap Year before pursuing a university degree is a popular option for students from all over the world. For those hoping to travel, gain experience and grow personally before starting college, a gap year is a fantastic option. One of the best things to do on a gap year is to intern abroad. The opportunity to learn about other cultures and strengthen your professional profile is one that will make you an excellent candidate for top programs and future positions. The best places to go on a Gap Year are those that will allow you to explore, learn and grow. If you’re looking to learn a useful new language, consider an internship in Asia or South America.
Dublin, Ireland is one of the best places to go on a gap year. The friendly, family atmosphere makes it an excellent place to gain international exposure. Dublin is the proud home of many corporate giants, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Facebook and eBay, to name a few. Because of this large tech community, Dublin is often called the “Silicon Valley of Europe.” With historic cobbled streets, lots of live music and lush green landscapes, Ireland provides the warmest possible welcome for international interns.
Hong Kong is a truly unique destination for your Gap Year. This magical city is the height of modernity, with an impressive skyline and futuristic technology. However, Hong Kong was also built from ancient Chinese civilization, and so it is a cradle of culture, heritage and history. It is also home to some of the world’s most respected financial institutions, making it the ideal place to launch an international career early on. Interns in Hong Kong can sample delicious food from all around the world, while being immersed in a rich and colorful culture in this enchanting city.
There is no better destination for a gap year internship than Shanghai. No matter your interests, there are endless opportunities for you in mainland China. Of course, it also presents a fantastic opportunity to learn one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, and gain a sense of the business culture in an important economy.
Set between the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Santiago, Chile is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. However, those things that make it perfect for vacations also make it an ideal place for a Gap Year. Santiago is undoubtedly a leading Latin American city, but has a definitive western vibe, making it easy for visitors to transition to life in South America. When considering where to go for a Gap Year, Chile should be at the top of your list. From the majestic glaciers of Patagonia in the south, to the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, in the north, as well as hot springs, beaches and the statues of Easter Island, Chile truly has it all. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an adventure!
Medellin, Colombia is our number one destination for Gap Years interning abroad. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellin has an outstanding, humidity-free climate with an average temperature of 25 degrees celsius, all year round. The city is in a lush, green valley, surrounded by equally beautiful scenery. Colombians are known for being some of the most welcoming and friendly people in the world, and speak clear, slow Spanish, making it the perfect place to pick up a second language. Even outside of Medellin, Colombia has it all. Interns can enjoy glistening white beaches, buzzing cities and colorful Caribbean towns.
Photos:
1. Courtesy of The Intern Group2. Courtesy of The Intern Group
3. Easter Island, by Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0