How to Get an Internship While Studying Abroad

22 December 2024

Studying abroad is one of the most enriching experiences you’ll ever have. You’re not just learning from textbooks, but the world around you. Now, imagine adding an internship to that mix—a perfect combo of education and real-world experience. It’s like putting a cherry on top of an already fabulous sundae. But how do you land an internship while studying in a foreign country? That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today.

Whether you're looking to boost your resume, gain hands-on experience, or make some extra cash, an internship abroad is a golden opportunity. Let's break down the steps to get one while balancing your studies (and maybe even some weekend adventures). Ready? Let’s go.

Why an Internship While Studying Abroad?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to secure one, let’s talk about why you’d want an internship in the first place.

- Real-World Experience: You’ll gain practical knowledge that complement your studies. It’s one thing to learn theory in a classroom, but applying it in a professional environment is next-level learning.

- Networking Opportunities: Interning abroad exposes you to professionals who can be instrumental in your career. You never know—your internship supervisor might just be your future employer.

- Boost Your Resume: An international internship gives your resume that extra "wow" factor. Employers love to see global experience. It shows adaptability, initiative, and cross-cultural communication skills.

- Cultural Immersion: Interning allows you to experience the local work culture, which is often very different from what you’re used to. You’ll learn how to navigate a new environment, adapt to different work ethics, and maybe even pick up a few local phrases.

- Potential Income: In some countries, internships are paid. It’s a win-win—you get valuable experience and a little bit of spending money for your weekend trips.

Now that you’re sold on the idea (or at least a little curious), let’s talk strategy.

Step 1: Start Planning Early

The earlier you start planning, the better. Ideally, you should begin looking for internships before you even leave for your study abroad experience. Why? Well, because it gives you enough time to research, apply, and secure a position before you’re overwhelmed with classes and adjusting to a new country.

Things to Consider:

- Visa Requirements: Some countries have strict rules about foreign students working, even if it’s just an internship. Make sure your visa allows you to intern. If not, you might need to apply for a work permit.

- University Guidelines: Your school might have specific regulations about interning while studying abroad. Some programs may offer internship placements or have partnerships with local companies. Others might require you to get approval before you can start working.

- Time Commitment: Juggling an internship and full-time studies is no joke. Make sure you understand how many hours you’ll need to dedicate to the internship and whether you can balance it with your academic workload.

Step 2: Leverage University Resources

Your university is a treasure trove of resources—they just might not always shout about it. Most study abroad programs have a career services department or a similar office dedicated to helping students land internships or jobs. They’re there for a reason, so don’t hesitate to use them.

Where to Look:

- Career Services: They often have connections with local companies and can help you tailor your resume to stand out in a different country.

- Professors and Advisors: They might know of internship opportunities or have connections in your field of study.

- Study Abroad Office: This department may have a list of companies that have hired students in the past, or they might offer internship placements as part of the program.

Step 3: Use Online Internship Platforms

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding internships abroad. Loads of websites are specifically designed to help students find internships, both paid and unpaid, all over the world. Here are some platforms worth checking out:

Top Internship Websites:

- LinkedIn: It’s more than just a social networking site for professionals. Use the job search feature to look for internships in specific countries. Plus, building a strong profile can help you stand out to potential employers.

- GoAbroad: This site offers a variety of internship opportunities for students studying abroad. You can filter by country, field, and even duration.

- Internships.com: This platform allows you to search for internships globally. It also offers resources like resume-building tips and interview advice.

- Indeed: While it’s mostly known for job searching, Indeed also lists international internships. Just be sure to filter your search by location.

- Glassdoor: Like Indeed, Glassdoor also offers internship listings globally. Plus, you can read company reviews from other interns to get an idea of what the experience will be like.

- Internship Placement Programs: Some companies and organizations specialize in placing students in internships abroad. While these often come with a price tag, they can save you time and hassle. Examples include CIEE, IES Abroad, and AIFS.

Step 4: Start Networking

You've probably heard the saying, "It’s not what you know, but who you know," and it couldn’t be truer when it comes to landing an internship. Networking is crucial, especially in a foreign country where you may not have as many connections.

Networking Tips:

- Attend Local Events: Whether it’s a career fair, a local conference, or even a casual meet-up, putting yourself out there is essential. These events are a great way to meet professionals in your field.

- Use LinkedIn: Don’t just passively scroll—engage! Connect with professionals in your chosen country, like their posts, and even reach out with a thoughtful message if you’re interested in their work.

- Join Student Associations: Many universities have student associations or clubs that are tied to your field of study. These groups often have connections with local companies and can potentially link you to internship opportunities.

- Talk to Fellow Students: Your peers might already have internships or know of companies looking for candidates. Word of mouth is powerful, so don’t shy away from asking around.

Step 5: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

A generic resume and cover letter aren’t going to cut it for international internships. You need to tailor your application to the specific country and company you’re applying to. Pay attention to cultural differences in the way you present yourself.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Application:

- Research the Company: Show that you understand their values, mission, and what they’re looking for in an intern.

- Highlight Relevant Skills: Be specific about the skills you’ve acquired through your studies or previous internships and how they apply to the position.

- Address Cultural Differences: If possible, demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn about the local culture. Employers want to see that you’ll fit into their work environment.

- Get a Local Perspective: If you can, have a local review your resume and cover letter. They can help you adjust the language to better fit the country’s job application norms.

Step 6: Ace the Interview

Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview. Now it’s time to shine. Interviews for internships abroad can be slightly different from what you’re used to back home, especially if they’re conducted in another language or via video call.

Interview Tips:

- Do Your Homework: Research the company’s history, mission, and any recent news. This will help you answer questions like, "Why do you want to work for us?"

- Practice Common Questions: Standard questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” will still come up, but be ready for culturally specific questions too.

- Show Enthusiasm: Employers want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity, so let your passion for the role and the company shine through.

- Prepare for Cultural Differences: Some cultures may value modesty in an interview, while others encourage candidates to talk about their achievements. Know what’s expected in the country you’re applying to.

Step 7: Consider Interning Remotely

If finding a local internship seems too challenging, there’s always the option to intern remotely. Many companies are now offering remote internships, especially after the rise of virtual work during the pandemic. This could be a perfect option if you’re struggling to find something in your host country or if your visa doesn’t allow you to work.

Step 8: Don’t Give Up

Getting an internship while studying abroad is no easy feat, but if you’re persistent, it’s definitely achievable. You might face rejections along the way, but don’t let that discourage you. Every “no” brings you one step closer to the “yes” you’re waiting for.

Final Thoughts

Securing an internship while studying abroad is more than just a resume booster—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, and gain invaluable skills that will serve you throughout your career. So go ahead, start planning, and take the leap. Who knows? Your dream internship might be just around the corner, waiting for you to seize it.