Reports from the Field

7 Ways To Make The Most of Your Internship Abroad

“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself!”

Matthew Karsten

An international internship is a once in a lifetime experience! Combining travel, valuable field experience, and unique cultural immersion opportunities, an internship abroad truly is something you don’t want to miss out on.

An international internship will likely have a lasting positive impact on your life. From a career perspective, it’s an excellent way to build your resume, add to your list network connections, and gain or refine important industry-related skills. On a personal level, living and working in another culture will challenge you to expand your horizons and see things in new ways.

If you’ve got an international internship coming up, here are a few tips for making the most of your time abroad!

Seek Out A Mentor
The primary purpose of an internship is to learn and grow your career-related skills. One of the best ways to do this by working with a mentor who can provide wisdom and insight as you refine your skills and navigate the company. Many internship programs have mentorship opportunities established. Others may require you to seek out your own personal mentor. Either way, you won’t regret the time you spend working with a mentor.

2. Work Hard
Internships are a great work to learn and refine your craft and an excellent opportunity for networking. However, neither of these objectives can be accomplished without hard work. As you are learning and working in your internship position, seek out opportunities for new projects, ask questions, try new things, and most importantly, put your full effort into all that you do. The truly stand-out interns are not necessarily those with the most raw talent, but those with the work ethic and persistence to achieve success!

3. Learn The Language
If you are planning to intern in a country where the language spoken is different from your own, it can be helpful to learn the language–especially if you plan to be there for an extended period of time. Not only will this make your day to day life in another country simpler, but it will show a vested interest in the local culture and will make it easier for you to form important relationships.

4. Check Out Local Favorites
A huge benefit to choosing an international internship is the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture. A good way to truly “live the life” of the locals is to check out their local hotspots. Ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations for sites you should see and restaurants you should try. Their insights will likely give you a far more authentic picture of the culture and lead you to some truly incredible places, than Google searching “restaurants nearby” would.

5. Travel on The Weekends
If you’ve chosen an international internship, chances are you love to travel! Weekends are a great time for that. Plan some exciting mini-trips or long-weekends that includes a variety of sites and experiences. Ask the locals for suggestions on must-see places. If you are blessed with the opportunity to live in another country, take advantage of the chance to see as much of that country (or perhaps continent) as possible.

6. Keep A Journal
You time working abroad will be filled with memorable experiences. From incredible sight-seeing adventures to invaluable work opportunities, you don’t want to forget the details of this experience. Take a journal with you and use it to record the details of your adventures or the wisdom and advice you receive from your mentors. It will serve as both a record of your trip and an incredible souvenir.

7. Stay In Touch
As stated above, one of the major benefits of an internship is the invaluable opportunity for networking. The contacts you make could be used in the future as professional references, landing you the job of your dreams. Take care to nurture these relationships will working abroad, but also to stay in touch with your mentors and network connections after you go home.

As you prepare for your upcoming internship abroad, use these 7 tips to make the most of this truly life-changing experience!

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 31 Oct 2019

Mikayla is a Global Nomadic contributor of awesome and engaging content to help inform Global Nomads!

How To Know If An Internship Is A Good Fit

If you’ve spent any amount of time searching for internship or volunteer positions, you’ve probably realized that the opportunities available are practically limitless. For some, the countless number of potential internship opportunities is exciting and full of possibility! For others, the sheer volume can feel daunting or overwhelming.

Whether considering different internship or volunteer programs excites you or overwhelms you, at some point in the process, every person needs to answer the important question, “Which internship is right for me?”

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to volunteer or internship positions. The best fit scenario for one person is likely to be very different than the ideal position for another.

As you consider different internship or volunteer opportunities, here are 6 ways to know which internship is a good fit for you!

It aligns with your career goals.
Internships and volunteer positions are excellent resume builders. Potential employers prefer candidates that have some sort of valuable work experience to offer. When choosing the right internship for you, it’s important to consider your career goals and how this position aligns with your future plans.

2. It sparks your passion.
As you consider different internship positions, picture yourself doing the work. How does it make you feel? Does it excite you? Are you interested in the work you’d be doing? A great internship or volunteer position is one you look forward to! If picturing yourself in this position sounds boring, you should look into some different options.

3. It opens doors for possible career advancement.
Internships often lead to more permanent job placements. Many individuals are able to secure positions within the same companies and organizations they’ve interned with. Others use the valuable network connections they’ve acquired through their volunteer or internship programs to get other jobs. As you consider which internship to take, look into options for career advancement. Are there further opportunities for permanent work within this organization? Will the position provide you with contacts that could serve as professional references for job applications?

4. It provides real responsibilities.
Great internships will give you the opportunity to learn and practice new skills. This means you should be doing more than making coffee. In researching internship programs, read the full job description for the positions you are applying for. Choose programs that will allow you to try new things and develop your field related skills.

5. It fits in your schedule.
The time requirements vary for every volunteer or internship position. Some only require a two-week commitment, others may last for a semester or entire year. Choose an internship that works for your schedule. If you have the ability to devote an entire year or semester to an internship, do it! That experience will be invaluable. However, not everyone has that kind of flexibility. If you need a shorter program, look for ones that fit within a summer break.

6. It works within your budget.
Internships vary a lot in terms of cost and compensations. Some internships offer a salary or stipend to their program participants. Others may require you to pay your own travel expenses. Make sure you choose an internship that aligns with your monetary needs. If you can’t afford to work for free, look for an internship that offers a salary.

There are countless internship and volunteer opportunities in every industry. Finding the right fit for you is important for your overall satisfaction with your experience and in the best interest of the program you work with. As you consider your different options, use the 6 factors listed above to guide you in finding your ideal internship or volunteer program!

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 31 Oct 2019

Mikayla is a Global Nomadic contributor of awesome and engaging content to help inform Global Nomads!

How To Stand Out When Applying For Competitive Internships

More and more companies and employers are looking for job candidates with at least one internship experience on their resume. Internships often make the difference between landing your dream job and continuing to job hunt.

In addition to being a game changer in launching your career, internships provide real life work experience that can help to clarify your passions and career aspirations and refine your work related skills.

As internships are increasing in popularity, so is the competition for many internship programs. Much like applying for any job, taking the time to perfect your internship application and make yourself stand out will be worth the effort when it comes to landing your internship position.

Here are a few tips for creating a stand out internship application!

Do Your Research

Before sending your internship application or scheduling an interview, do some research on the company. Learn about the company’s history, their mission and goals. Any information you are able to bring up in an interview shows that you care enough to do some research and know what you are talking about.

2. Create A POWER PACKED Resume
When drafting your resume, the words you use to describe your experience are just as important as the experience itself. Describe your related experience using power words such as delivered, achieved, and impacted. Check out this list of action verbs to boost your resume.

3. Write An Engaging Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion and make a meaningful connection. Write a letter that clearly describes why you are excited for this opportunity and why you believe that you are the best candidate for the position. Do you have any personal experiences with this organization or similar organizations? Use the cover letter to give more detail about what sets you apart from other applicants.

4. Use Your Networking Connections
Employers are more likely to select applicants that come highly endorsed from someone they know. Think about your personal connections…chances are, you know somebody who knows somebody. Ask them to put in a good word for you. With their permission, be sure to mention their name in your application or interview.

5. Collect Quality Reference Letters
Once again, the endorsement of qualified professionals can make you stand out from the crowd. When applying for a competitive internship, it’s a good idea to have 3-4 letters of recommendation from other employers or college professors.

6. Practice Interview
Interviews can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done one. Before your official interview, take some time to prepare. It’s a good idea to prepare answers to common interview questions. If you are a student, reach out to your counselor or career center about setting up mock interview. Practice interviews are a great way to release your nerves and get some good feedback before the official interview.

7. Send A Thank You Card
After attending an interview, write and send a card to your interviewer thanking them for taking the time to consider you for the internship position. This is an excellent way to keep your name in front of their eyes and to show that you are the kind of considerate person they would probably enjoy having as a part of their program.

It’s not easy to land competitive internship spots. These positions are reserved for the individuals who are a cut above the rest. As you prepare to apply for your next internship, consider the tips listed above to make your application stand out from the crowd.

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 02 Oct 2019

Mikayla is a Global Nomadic contributor of awesome and engaging content to help inform Global Nomads!

6 Things to Look For In An Ideal Internship Placement

Participating in an internship program is a common practice among college students and recent grads. Many students take their summer breaks to work in an internship abroad. Others take entire semesters to learn the ins and outs of different companies and industries.

Adding an internship to your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd when it comes time to apply for jobs.

There are internships available in every industry, from business and marketing to teaching or photography. It’s important to consider your options when choosing an internship program.

The ideal internship is one that fits well into your personal and academic life, and aligns with your career goals. Here are 6 things you should consider when choosing an internship program.

A Schedule That Fits Your Life

Every internship program has different requirements regarding the time spent working in the program and when you can begin. Some programs require a commitment of 12 weeks or a year. Others have flexible time frames, allowing you to spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months working in their program.

It’s also important to research when the program is scheduled to begin. Some programs have predetermined start dates. Others allow you to begin whenever is convenient for you.If you are in school or working another job, you’ll want to double check the time requirements and make sure your ideal internship fits with your schedule.

2. Alignment With Your Career Goals
One of the greatest benefits of taking an internship is the impact it can have on your career trajectory. Internships often make the difference in receiving the job offer you are looking for.

In choosing your next internship, think about your long term goals. The programs you apply for should correlate with your career goals. For example, if you are hoping to work in marketing, look for internships within the marketing departments of larger companies. If your goal is to become a doctor, medical internships are a great addition to a med school application.

3. Mentorship Opportunities
As you prepare for your career, having a quality long term mentor is an invaluable resource. A good mentor can teach you new skills, provide you with critical advice, and can serve as an important networking connection as you progress in your career.

As you consider different internships programs, look for opportunities that include mentorship programs. You won’t regret the time you spend working with a career mentor.

4. A Passion Project

Your time is valuable. If you are choosing to spend your time working an internship, it should be something you are excited and passionate about.

As you consider internship programs, look for opportunities to do something in a field you are passionate about. Ask yourself, “Would I be excited to wake up every morning and go to work?” As with anything, you will learn more and be more effective as an intern when you are passionate about the work you are doing.

5. The Chance To Learn New Skills

The purpose of an internship is to learn and refine your skills. It’s a waste of your time and company resources to take an internship doing something you already know how to do.

Instead, look for opportunities that stretch you. Find a program that gives you opportunities to practice or learn skills that you haven’t already mastered. In an ideal internship experience, you’ll come away knowing more than you did when you began.

6. Cost V. Compensation

Each internship is structured differently when it comes to cost v. compensation. Some programs will require you to pay for your own transportation to and from work. If your program is an international internship, you may also have to find and pay for housing.

Other programs will cover your transportation costs. They may also provide meal vouchers and other benefits. Some programs even pay their interns a salary.

Before choosing an internship, evaluate your current financial position. Can you afford an internship that costs you money? Do you need to be compensated financially? Choose an internship that aligns with your current financial situation.

Internships are incredible experiences for personal growth and career advancement, but not all internships are created equally. As you consider the countless internship opportunities available in your field, consider the 6 things above to ensure you are finding the ideal internship for you!