Thinking about going abroad for an internship? You’re not alone. Thousands of students and young professionals choose to live and intern abroad each year, and for good reason. Traveling internationally isn't just about seeing new places; it's a deeply transformative experience that can shape your personal and professional identity.
Interning abroad will challenge you, empower you, and teach you more about yourself than you ever imagined. Here are the 9 valuable things you’ll learn about yourself when you live and intern abroad:
1. The Difference Between Your Needs and Wants.
Living abroad teaches you to distinguish between what you want and what you need. You may crave the comfort of familiar food, but what your body truly needs is nourishment. Recognizing this difference is essential for growth, especially when you're navigating unfamiliar cultures and environments. It’s not always comfortable, but that’s exactly where the magic happens.
2. How to Stay Calm When You're Out of Your Element.
Interning in a foreign country will inevitably throw you into unexpected situations. But that’s where growth lives. You'll learn to pause, breathe, and adapt with resilience. These are key soft skills that employers love, and you’ll carry them with you for life.
3. How to Be Comfortable Outside Your Comfort Zone.
No one starts fearless. Adventurous people are simply those who’ve faced uncertainty, gotten out of their comfort zone, and come out stronger. Going abroad pushes your boundaries, and in doing so, helps you expand them.
4. What You Truly Like (and Dislike) About Your Profession.
Interning abroad gives you a fresh, global perspective on your chosen career field. You'll discover what aspects of the job energize you and which ones don’t. It’s like a test drive for your future career in an international setting.
5. Where Your Personal Limits Are.
Living abroad will test your physical, emotional, and mental limits. While your comfort zone grows, you’ll also learn when to say “no” and prioritize your well-being. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for long-term success.
6. How to Communicate Without Words.
Don't speak the local language? That’s okay. You’ll quickly become fluent in nonverbal communication from body language to facial expressions. These skills make you more adaptable and effective in cross-cultural and professional settings.
7. What You Truly Appreciate About Home.
Being far from home brings unexpected gratitude. Whether it’s your favorite meal, your pet, or a familiar routine, you'll return home with a new level of appreciation and a more well-rounded worldview.
8. How Capable and Independent You Really Are.
Successfully navigating life and work in a foreign country is no small feat. The confidence you’ll gain from handling challenges abroad will carry over into every part of your life. You’ll feel empowered, independent, and unstoppable.
9. Why Laughing at Yourself Is Essential.
Cultural mix-ups happen. But with a little humility and humor, they become valuable learning experiences. Interning abroad teaches you to laugh at your mistakes and grow from them, making you a more grounded and empathetic person.
Interning abroad isn’t just a travel opportunity: it’s a life-changing experience that boosts your confidence, strengthens your resume, and helps you discover who you really are.
