Why do an internship abroad?
Doing an internship abroad can often be one of the most exciting experiences of a young person’s life. For many, it is their first chance to be truly independent and feel free enough to be themselves. Living in another country is an experience that allows you to learn more about yourself.
An added bonus to doing an internship whilst you are in another country is that it also gives you an invaluable professional experience that will help your CV to stand out in the future. You are effectively getting two amazing personal experiences for the price of one!
In recent times the term ‘Experience Economy’ has been used with increasing regularity. This is the theory that ‘experiences’ are becoming a more and more valuable commodity. People are now judging people not only on the value of their possessions and qualifications, but on the value of their experiences.
Many employers now no longer merely look at an applicant’s academic grades, as employers want to see that people have experience of being in a work environment, of meeting new people and of adapting to new environments and situations. Students showing bravery by making the big decision of moving away from everything that they know and the safety net of their own home is also highly respected by employers.
Doing an internship abroad however, is not just spent partying and relaxing. You have to be professional. You need to make sure that you are ready to work every morning, turning up to work worse for wear is out of the question.
However, this should not be seen as a negative, but instead as a positive. Having the opportunity to do a professional internship allows you to put into practice all that you have studied as well as learning plenty on the job. You will be able to improve your languages skills in a professional environment as well as having the opportunity of learning the trade from seasoned professionals. The benefits that this experience will have both on your CV and for your confidence are infinite.
It is all well and good telling people to just go abroad as if it were the easiest thing in the world, but that’s not true; the world can seem like a big and scary place at times. But doing an internship abroad helps you to develop your confidence and broaden your horizon. Through meeting new people, learning to speak a foreign language and kickstarting your professional career, an internship abroad can be classed as a genuine ‘life changing’ experience.
At the end of the day, who wouldn’t want to spend several months in beautiful places such as Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, the Canary Islands or even the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Many would say that you would be crazy to turn that opportunity down. An internship abroad is a truly unforgettable experience and at the end of it you will have the world in the palm of your hand.
Frequently asked questions about internships abroad :
What are the benefits of an internship abroad?
An internship abroad is a beneficial experience on both a personal and professional level. It will allow you to discover yourself even more, to gain autonomy and to grow. It will also allow you to gain professional experience abroad that will be beneficial in your future.
What are the most popular destinations for students?
The countries that receive the most foreign students during Erasmus stays are: Spain, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.