10 brilliant benefits of doing an internship abroad

Getting hands-on work experience in your field can be a real stepping stone into getting your first job. And if you’re going do it, then why not do it overseas?

But here’s the big old question – are internships abroad actually worth it? We know that interning abroad comes at a price. Even with paid internships, there are still the flights, accommodation and set-up costs to consider. However, if you have the funds or support to make it happen, interning overseas can be a great investment in your future.

For future employers, it shows you have the confidence and drive to take on new challenges and adapt to different cultural environments – all while getting a shedload of work experience that might not have been accessible to you in your own country. Here are 10 reasons why interning abroad can benefit your future and your career.

Gain extensive work experience and learn new skills for professional development

Ok, so let’s start with the obvious one. Internships in general give you the opportunity to get real hands-on experience within your chosen field – which can be essential for nailing that first job post-college, school or uni, and gain academic credits too. You’ll also get invaluable exposure to different work practices and business cultures – and will get the opportunity to learn from leaders in your field, outside of a lecture theatre.

This will in turn help you to further your cross-communication skills, improve your overall skillset and can basically help you to become more employable.

Enhance your resume and improve your future career prospects

After a summer of interning abroad, you’ll then be able to put exactly what you’ve learned from your time away onto your CV or resume – which could then put you to the front of the pack when it comes to job applications.

In a highly-competitive job market when there are sometimes hundreds of applicants applying for one job, showing that you have gone above and beyond and added to your skillset – in a different country no less - will really make you stand out from the crowd. Skills such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to take on challenges – which all can be gained by interning abroad – are invaluable to many employers. Plus, you’ll be able to bag yourself an employee reference too – often vital for when you’re starting a new role.

Gain independence and really grow as a person

Heading overseas for a summer of interning can really help get you out of your comfort zone – which in turn can make you gain significant independence and really grow as a person. Think about it – you’re in an entirely new place, so will have to really put yourself out there, adapt and become resilient. And even though this may sometimes prove challenging, it will most likely be incredibly rewarding in the end.

Immerse yourself in an entirely different culture and way of life

No country is the same, and that’s the beauty of travelling. You get to completely immerse yourself in an entirely different culture, meet diverse people from all walks of life, try new cuisines and discover a whole range of different things in the new place you’re living.

If anything, interning abroad will actually give you insight into a brand new culture even more, as you’ll be working with people day in and day out who are from the actual country in which you’re interning. They’ll be able to give you top tips and insights into where you’ll unearth local restaurants, bars, cafés, and other sites of interest which are well off the tourist trail. No doubt you’ll become an expert of where you’re based in no time!

Gain an understanding of entirely different perspectives to yours

Another major advantage of travelling to different countries and immersing yourself in a completely different culture is the chance to meet a whole range of different people – many of whom will have a completely different outlook on life to you. By integrating yourself into a new culture and chatting with a range of different people, you’ll get the chance to discover new things, expand your horizons, understand different points of view, and learn something completely new. These perspectives and humility will stay with you forever – long after your internship abroad ends.

Travel to new places

Now this has to be one of the biggest draws of interning abroad. You’re in a new place and have the evenings and weekends off, so can really make the most of it. If you’re in Europe, then Ryan Air or Easy Jet can get you to the continent for as cheap as £30 return. Think the islands of Greece, the pastas and pizzas of Italy, and the techno clubs of Berlin.

Alternatively, if you’re Stateside, then you’ve got everything from bustling metropolises (NYC enters the chat), beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping national parks, and every landscape in-between. Plus – the Caribbean, Central America and Canada are in easy reach.

Improve or work on your language skills

Keeping on the theme of learning something new, internships abroad can also give you the opportunity to improve your language skills. Whether you’re wanting to improve your Queen’s English by moving to Blighty or see if you can order more than just ‘una cervesa, por favor’ in Spain, then an internship abroad could be just the ticket. After all, there’s no better place to learn some new lingo than by being in or nearby the country where they speak it.

Build yourself a network of contacts in your chosen field

Interning abroad can also help you to meet loads of different people from your field or sector of choice, which in turn can help you to build yourself a network of contacts, including local mentors and business professionals too. This could be invaluable for when you’re trying to get your foot in the door of the (often scary) working world. Just remember – it pays to put yourself out there!

Build deep personal connections and make new friends

As well as meeting ‘work people’, an internship abroad will also give you the chance to foster relationships with your fellow interns, many of whom will no doubt be a similar age as you. You may make friends for life – I certainly have from internships – and if you’re on the same wavelength, it means you’ve got some more people to throw some shapes on a dancefloor with, climb to the nearest viewpoint with or discover a local art gallery with.

The point is – you’ll get to enjoy many different experiences with like-minded people – and that surely must be a bonus, right?

Work in a range of different industries which you might not find back home

Another solid reason for hopping on a plane and interning abroad is the fact that you can work in a range of different industries that you wouldn’t find back home. Whether that’s working in fashion, tech, media, finance or something completely different, you could get the chance to work in some of the best locations in the world for your chosen field. Which ultimately will look hella good on your CV.

Sign off

So, if you need any more reasons to consider interning abroad as part of your summer, semester abroad or year out – visit our international internship page to see where you could go.