When I finished my undergraduate degree I went straight from the lecture hall to searching for jobs. I didn’t really consider the idea of doing an internship and looking back perhaps it would have helped me get a step up on the ladder. Whether you have undertaken a degree in science, art, or one of these international management courses there are many benefits to doing an internship including gaining valuable experience, the chance to develop and refine skills as well as gaining confidence in your chosen field.
If you want to take your internship to another level, you might want to consider interning abroad and enjoy even more benefits. You will be able to work in the field of your choice and receive mentorship and support from professionals, all while being immersed in the traditions, culture, and cuisine of a new city.
Of course, leaving the comforts of your home and moving to a foreign place isn’t an easy choice, but the rewards can help to make the decision much simpler. Here are 5 reasons to do an Internship abroad.
Independence
My last year of University was the first experience I had of really being independent. I moved into a shared house with a friend and had to be responsible for my education, finances and living. Taking on an internship in another country will give you a whole new lesson in independence.
Deciding to go and live and work abroad for something like one of these International Internships in Seoul, for a few months can be a daunting, but exciting, decision. Once you are there and interning on your own it gives you a very real sense of independence and empowerment.
Gain Impressive Experience
Studying abroad is a powerful and transformative experience that on a national scale, very few students actually choose to do. I am not sure I would have had the confidence to join an internship program abroad. Most graduates might think that graduating from a good university and having a degree might make them stand out on their resumes. However, what companies want to see, is the experience you have had.
The majority of students now complete internships during their degrees and having experience working abroad will help to set you apart from the rest of the competition. Showing you can handle working with international colleagues and a language change is, therefore, a very impressive addition to your CV. Companies will like the fact that you are able to adapt to different working environments and work with different types of people and work cultures
Language Skills
I really wish I was better at languages. At school, I learned some French and Spanish but I never really took it any further which is something I now regret. Being able to speak another language is an amazing skill to have whether for travel or for business and where better to learn it than while you’re gaining experience aboard?
Immersing yourself in a country that speaks another language is the fastest and best, way to improve your language skills. If you decide to join an internship program in a non-English speaking country you won’t have any choice but to face the challenge of a language barrier, but you will dramatically increase your fluency within that language.
See the World
Although this might not seem like a direct benefit to your education and career, travel offers loads of great rewards. Experiencing living in another country can change your life. Having global awareness means knowing how social, environmental, and political factors impact the world. You will start to view your own country with new eyes and begin to appreciate its unique beauty. You’ll develop a new level of understanding of your country and its people.
Completing an internship abroad will allow you to see new cultures, beautiful sights, and meet new people. With the number of cheap flights available, there are a plethora of opportunities to travel to different cities and countries on your weekends. Travel gives you a broader perspective on the world, teaches you to be adaptable to new situations, and sets you apart from your peers to give you a leg up in your career path
International Networking
You can never have too many people in your network. During your internship abroad you will make connections with your host employer, other interns, and other leaders within your industry overseas. By the end of your internship, you’ll have met people from all over the world, and this means that you’ll have an extended, global network.
The other significant benefit of having such a global network is the friends you will gain. Working with people from around the world significantly opens up your opportunities to travel and discover new countries. With friends in Paris, Sydney and Berlin, you will have reasons to explore the globe and the chance to see these great cities.
