The objective of an internship is to learn. An internship abroad offers the unique opportunity to combine this ‘on-the-job’ learning with the experiential learning of travelling, assimilating into a different culture and making connections with new colleagues and friends. Here are five ways in which interning abroad will positively affect you:
You Will Meet a Diverse Group of People
Travelling provides the opportunity to explore different ways of life, and meet people who have had a varied range of experiences. You will likely meet people from all over the world during your internship. Not only does this mean you will have a long list of countries to visit in the future, it also means you get to encounter different attitudes towards business, money and relationships, helping you improve your approach to these areas of life.
You Will Have the Opportunity to Network
Several of these people will be your colleagues. Considering that business now takes place on an international playing field, making connections within your field and exploring the ways that they practice your discipline, is highly valuable and could open up exciting career possibilities.
You Will Set Yourself Apart to Employers
Alongside the benefits of expanding your networking circle, the experience of an internship abroad can make you stand out to employers in an increasingly saturated graduate labor market. The experience of an internship abroad demonstrates your adaptability, communication skills and ability to solve problems and overcome cultural and language barriers.
You will Grow as a Person
From learning a new bus schedule to finding supermarket brands that you like, moving abroad means starting from scratch. This is especially true if you don’t speak the language at first. The challenge of adapting to a new culture will help you grow independence and confidence. These are skills that will not only set you apart to employers but will also be helpful in all areas of your life and will affect you positively for years to come.
You Will Have Fun
Travelling is fun; having the opportunity to make new friends, sample local cuisine and try new sports are some of the things to enjoy about living abroad. Whether you find yourself hiking the Inca trail, lion-spotting in the Serengeti, or wandering around the Jardin du Luxenbourg, you will come home with invaluable memories and lots of stories to tell!
by Megan Brickley
Discussion4 Comments
Is it open to International students studying in Canada as well?
yes, international students can also take internships abroad
What are the steps to finding an internship position abroad?
This article really emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of interning abroad from professional growth to personal enrichment. It is inspiring to consider how such an experience can shape ones perspective and future opportunities.
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