The Basics Of Securing An Internship Abroad

By Kylie Exline on July 25, 2016

Having internships throughout your college career is ideal if you want to go further in your desired field, all while earning experience along the way. There is a chance for opportunities to present themselves, which is what we want of course.

You can always intern in your college town, or even in another state, which you totally should. However, you should definitely consider going abroad for intern experience. This way, you are learning more than simply your job; you are learning a culture.

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To start the process of discovering and applying to internships, read the tips below. You want to pay attention.

Build connections.

If you are told any one thing throughout college, it is to not party too hard. Okay, not entirely that, but rather to build your connections. Everything is about who you know, and this in itself is the advice that will get you far in life.

If you have past internship experience, then this would be a great start to see what is available overseas. Think about where you may want to travel, and for how long. Then, brainstorm on who you may know that could potentially know of where you could apply. It never hurts to ask, guys.

You can hit up people you know from class, professors, work, or even your career center. I would definitely advise you to visit the career center. Here you can find great recommendations, websites, and all around solid contacts. It is all about the contacts.

Do your research.

I know this sounds like a pain, but it is absolutely necessary. You want to find out about all of the specifics of the internship, the dates, the cost, and obviously what it is you will be doing the entire time. All vital information.

Even if you are not fully sold on studying abroad, learning more about it is the first step to truly deciding whether you would want to anyway. Keep in mind where you would want to travel, and if you currently have nothing, make a bucket list. Now.

Knowing what you want to do in the future should really assist you in which internships you even want to apply for. It is imperative that you gain common knowledge about what it consists of, because the last thing you want to happen is you accept, and then hate the firsthand experience. But it is okay. Everything is a learning opportunity. Remember that.

Share your experience.

Like mentioned before, it is pivotal that you talk to others and ask for advice when it comes to interning out of the country. When finding one you are remotely interested in, take the chance. If you have had past internships or have participated in clubs/extra-curricular activities, then use that as guidance.

Talk about with others what you have learned, experienced, and hated about it. The more you talk about it, the more it gets out there for people to hear about. Then, you are that much closer to securing your future internship. Nice.

You can share your personal experiences with said internships by creating an e-portfolio, submitting your resume, and even putting up flyers around campus, asking how you should go about interning abroad. Make it a priority.

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Remember to impress.

I am not saying you need to not be yourself, but you are trying to earn something, so you must be on your best behavior, kids. Therefore, be polite and ask the right kind of questions. Plus, it does not hurt to have a smile on your face throughout the process. Really show them that you want this.

This will help you secure an internship because you can never go wrong with being a great candidate. In other words, as long as you do what is expected of you, there should not be too much to worry about. Honesty is the best policy, after all.

Since you will most likely have a few interviews before securing the internship that is abroad, this creates perfect opportunity for you to ask your necessary questions, express your concerns, and really be informed on what to expect. This will also help convince you as to why you should leave the country for such a thing in the first place.

Internships are a crucial part of not only college, but also pursuing your career goals. They offer immense opportunity, network connections, and valuable experience. You should apply to internships abroad because it is heightening your learning, all while providing you with cultural differences.

I would highly recommend this as an option because it provides you with connections, a platform, and really encourages you to perform proper research. Plus, you will be in another country, acclimating to change. If worrying about securing the internship at all, do not, and try to fully be yourself. You cannot go wrong with being yourself — I promise.

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