Becoming a global citizen will open doors in your career and in life. So why not travel? Taking a leap of faith and investing in an international experience isn’t the easiest decision to make. You’ll always be able to think of excuses not to go abroad. And that’s why we’ve put together responses to all of them:
Why not travel?
EXCUSE #1:
“I want to focus on my career.”
REALITY:
Everyone is trying “get ahead” with internships. That’s why international experience is what will really make you stand out when you’re looking to get a job. An internship abroad through The Intern Group offers young people the opportunity to work at leading firms around the world in cities like Hong Kong, Madrid, Medellín, Melbourne, London and New York City. These competitive internships give young professionals real-world work experience in career fields like Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship and International Business.
EXCUSE #2:
“I’ll be lonely.”
REALITY:
The Intern Group program offers you access to their network of interns in each destination city, so as young professionals abroad, you can become part of an international community. The program plans out social gatherings for participants and events that celebrate the local culture where interns can meet each other and establish friendships. At the office, interns also have the opportunity to socialize with their coworkers while working at their internships.
EXCUSE #3:
“It’s too expensive.”
REALITY:
The Intern Group offers affordable internship programs, which are comparable to tuition prices for a semester of school or a study abroad program. Investing in an international work experience will pay off, as it will open up many professional doors, making you more competitive in the job market.
EXCUSE #4:
“It’s too complicated.”
REALITY:
The Intern Group works very hard to make sure your experience abroad goes smoothly. Part of their service includes finding participants their internship, arranging intern accommodations and planning social gatherings. Click here to learn how the application process and program work.
EXCUSE #5:
“I’m worried about whether or not it’s safe.”
REALITY:
The destination cities are chosen particularly because they are safe and developed global cities. Moreover, intern accommodations are located among the safest neighborhoods in these leading cities.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain
EXCUSE #6:
“What if I don’t like it?”
REALITY:
You’re going to love some things and probably dislike other things about being abroad. That’s because being in a foreign country is uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point. You’ll have a lot of fun, but you’ll also have to work hard and learn how to live outside your comfort zone. That’s what makes it such a worthwhile experience.
EXCUSE #7:
“I don’t have time.”
REALITY:
Even if you feel busy while you’re in your twenties, really the best time to go abroad is while you are young and have fewer responsibilities. Plus, internships abroad can last as little as six weeks, which isn’t that long to set aside for an experience that will forever change your life and career.
EXCUSE #8:
“I don’t know where to go.”
REALITY:
A good way to start is thinking about if you want to go to an English-speaking country or not. The Intern Group provides English-speaking roles in every destination. However, programs in Melbourne, London and New York are great for people who have a good level of English but want to improve it, or native English speakers who aren’t keen on a foreign language experience. If you’re interested in learning or improving a foreign language, programs in Madrid and Medellín, Colombia are great for working on Spanish skills. In Hong Kong, interns can pick up some Cantonese and Mandarin. Other factors to consider when thinking of an internship destination city is climate, cultural interests and travel goals.
EXCUSE #9:
“I’ll miss home too much.”
REALITY:
Missing home can be difficult for some who travel abroad, but part of what makes the experience rewarding is that you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and getting to know a place and culture very far from home. It’s the opportunity to mature and learn how to deal with that sense of longing. Moreover, the excitement of a new country and new friends will definitely distract you from missing home too much. Another thing to consider is that going abroad doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Six weeks away from friends and family is completely manageable – even for homebodies.
EXCUSE #10:
“What if I never want to leave?”
REALITY:
You can always come back! In fact, many people who intern abroad end up spending more time abroad in many different capacities. The truth is that an internship abroad is the perfect opportunity to establish a connection to a foreign country in case you do want to return abroad in the future.
Photo 1. based on should i?, by EladeManu, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Old Globe, by Kenneth Lu, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on Hong Kong at Dusk (SKY/SUNSET) V, by Chi King, CC-by-2.0