There are lots of reasons to choose an international internship program: traveling opportunities, building your industry skills, experiencing another culture…just to name a few. If you’ve got the time and a desire for new experiences, taking an international internship position should seem like a no brainer!

Unfortunately, for many individuals, there is one significant roadblock standing in the way of the international internship experience of a lifetime: finances. That’s right, for many individuals, money (or lack thereof) is the primary reason they don’t pursue opportunities to intern abroad.

Although some internships include a stipend or salary for their participants, there are still costs associated with working abroad that make it difficult to truly profit from an international internship. In fact, most people spend money interning abroad, rather than make money.

First of all, the concept of traveling internationally for an internship implies travel expenses. From plane tickets to accommodation fees, the costs can start to add up quickly. This doesn’t include any additional weekend traveling you might want to do…after all, when you’re working in another country, why not explore a bit?

So what’s a person to do? If you are anything like most intern applicants, you probably aren’t loaded with extra cash to float your lifestyle while you intern abroad.

If you hoping to work as an intern abroad, but you’re looking for a way to fund your internship, here are a few ideas:

1. Scholarships
   Did you know there are a multitude of scholarships available for students who want to intern abroad? Since internships are becoming highly sought after credentials in a job candidate, more and more companies and organizations are willing to invest funds in scholarship programs to help make international internships more accessible.Here are a few internship scholarships that could make your internship dreams a reality:

• Global Nomadic Scholarship
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• Internship Abroad Scholarship Guide

2. Part-Time Job
It might not sound glamorous, but if you need some extra cash to cover living expenses during your internship, a part-time job could do the trick. Taking a part-time job working at a local coffee shop or restaurant will give you a unique cultural perspective. This job could serve as a means for meeting new people, brushing up on your language skills, and truly experiencing the local culture.

3. University Financial Aid
Having a significant percentage of their student population participating in internship programs is a point of pride for more colleges and universities. As a result, many schools offer financial aid to their students who need some assistance covering the cost of their internship. If you are currently enrolled in a college or university, contact your financial aid department and see if you qualify for institutional aid.

4. Take Out A Loan
What’s the traditional way to cover costs for something when you lack the on-hand cash? A good ol’ fashioned loan. If you’ve exhausted your other options, traditional bank loans and, in some cases, educational Stafford loans can be used to cover the expense of interning abroad.

5.Crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing is a fundraising method that is growing in popularity! It is based on the assumption that there are more than likely people you already know (friends, family, colleagues etc.) that believe in the importance of your internship opportunity and would be happy to support you financially if given the chance. Crowdsourcing platforms such as GoFundMe, FundMyTravel, and Kickstarter, make it easy to share your story with others and start collecting funds for your program.

6.Save Money
Last but not least, if you know you want to participate in an international internship, start saving money. This may require taking a look at your current expenses and cutting back on non-essential expenditures. For example, instead of going for that $5 latte today or spending a small fortune on this year’s winter wardrobe, put that money towards your internship costs instead.

Interning abroad comes with expenses, there’s no way around that. However, the costs associated with an international internship shouldn’t deter you from participating in this life-changing and career-altering experience. Check out the list above and use these tips to fund your internship program today!

Internships can be an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to build their resume or gain valuable new skills and experiences.

For many individuals, they participate in an internship program as part of their college educational experience. Perhaps they spend their summer break working as an intern, or they may extend their program by a semester or year in order to fit in an internship.

But guess what? Internships aren’t only for twenty year old college sophomores looking to gain experience before they graduate. For some individuals, it makes sense to take an internship after you’ve already started your career, and perhaps your family as well.

Maybe you’re thinking of a career change and want to gain experience in a different industry.  Perhaps you want to give your family the gift of travel, and an internship abroad provides the financial means to do that.

Whatever the reason you are considering an internship placement, having a family should not prevent you from pursuing this goal.

• “But I can’t take 6 months away from my full time job…we have bills to pay!”
• “I can’t afford to work for free, even if it is a great opportunity! My children rely on my salary.”

Obviously, keeping a roof over your child’s head and food on the table is of the utmost importance! However, those needs don’t have to prevent you from choosing an internship program. If you are looking for an international internship that can accommodate the needs of someone with a family, here are a few you should consider:

Cambodia: TEFL Course and English Teaching

If you think you might want to be a teacher but haven’t obtained a teaching degree yet, this internship is for you! This program starts with a 4 week training in which you will learn the basic skills you will need to teach English in a classroom setting. Following the training you will be given a teaching placement in a local Cambodian school, where you will work for the duration of one school year.

This program offers a paid salary to its participants, a necessity when supporting a family. It also provides flexibility in living accommodations. The program directors will assist you in finding housing that meets your family’s needs.

If you’d like to gain teaching experience and clarify whether or not this is the career for you, Cambodian internship might be the perfect fit.

Czech Republic: TEFL Training and English Teaching

Prague is widely considered one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the world. An internship program in this East European cultural center is an experience unlike any other.

This program provides extensive teacher training followed by a year-long placement in a local school. Teachers will receive a monthly salary and assistance in finding appropriate accommodations for your family.

Another major benefit to interning in Prague is that the city’s low cost of living makes it possible to enjoy the world-renowned food, beer, and social scene. If your family is looking for a European adventure and cultural experience unlike any other, this is one internship program you don’t want to miss.

Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Nature Reserve Volunteer

Taking an entire semester (or in some cases, a full year) for an internship program, particularly if that program is unpaid, can be difficult, if not impossible, for those with families. Luckily, there are some internship programs, such as this Costa Rican internship, that can be worked around your schedule and only require a two-week commitment.

If you’re interested in environmental conservation and the prospect of spending your days in a nature reserve fills you with excitement, this internship may be right for you. When you aren’t assisting teams of conservations or working with visiting student groups, you’ll be able to enjoy hiking on the countless trails or swimming in the pristine mountain rivers.

Guatemala: Medical and Healthcare Project

Another great internship program for those who require a shorter time commitment, this Guatemalan medical internship is a wonderful opportunity to offer your medical knowledge and expertise to help underprivileged communities.

Due to the extreme poverty in Guatemala, there are many towns and villages that do not have regular access to quality medical care.  Interested individuals with a medical background will be matched with a position that best utilizes your specific skills. If you have two weeks this year to make a difference for people in need while simultaneously strengthening your resume, this internship is for you.

International internships uniquely combine job skills training and networking opportunities with once in a lifetime travel experiences. The variety of programs available makes it possible for anyone to participate in an internship. Regardless of your state in life or career position, there are internship opportunities available that can accommodate the needs of your family.

A sabbatical leave is an intentional time away from your usual work in order to focus your time and energy on something different.

If you are lucky enough to work for a company that offers sabbatical leave to its employees, take advantage of it! At some point or another, we all could benefit from a pause in our “regularly scheduled programming” to rest, refresh, and try something new!

Regardless of how much you enjoy your day job, and we certainly hope you do, a sabbatical leave may allow you to refocus your goals and enjoy valuable experiences that aren’t always possible during your normal work schedule.

Now here’s the million-dollar question…what are you going to do with your sabbatical leave?

There’s no “one size fits all” program for sabbatical leave. The way that you spend your time off is entirely up to you! Not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Participate In An Internship ProgramA sabbatical leave is the perfect time to learn something new and develop skills that can help you when you return to your day job. There are internship programs all over the world that are looking for hardworking and enthusiastic individuals to fill their internship spots. If career advancement is part of your future goals, spending your sabbatical learning and working in an internship is an excellent choice.
2. Volunteer In Your Local Community
   If you are looking to make a difference and get involved in your community, volunteering a great option! You don’t have to go far to serve others and make an impact. Regardless of your background (medicine, business, carpentry etc.) there is a need for volunteers with your specific skill set.
3. Travel the World
   Are there places you’ve always wanted to see, but you haven’t had the time? Why not now? A sabbatical leave is a perfect time to take your dream destinations off the bucket list. With advances in technology making plan the trip of a lifetime easier and more affordable than ever before, you might consider traveling for at least a portion of your time off.
4. Start A Side Hustle
   You know that business idea you’ve always had in the back of your mind but haven’t had time to invest in? The one you’ve always been itching to try because you just have a hunch it’ll work? Businesses are like babies…they require a lot of time and attention when they are first started. Sabbatical leave is a great time to start your side hustle because you will have the freedom and time to give your budding business the attention it needs.
5. Spend Time With Loved Ones
   Sabbatical leave is a great time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of normal life and get back to focusing on what is truly important. As you make your plans, considering taking intentional time to spend with friends and family. You won’t regret investing time in your most significant relationships.
6. Try A New Hobby
   You’ve always wanted to learn to paint. Or perhaps for you, it’s woodworking or playing guitar. Having a hobby is a great way to unwind, relax and have some fun. Whether you take a class or watch a series of YouTube videos, this is a great time to pick up a new hobby.
7. Make Time For Goal Setting
   Sabbatical leave is a great time to take a step back and evaluate your life. Where are you now? What are your future goals? Take advantage of the time off to do some soul-searching reflection and planning for the future.
8. Tackle Your To-Do List
   “I’ll get to it later!” We’ve all said it about so many things. Well, it’s later! A sabbatical leave is a perfect opportunity to tackle the projects that you simply don’t have the availability or mental capacity to handle normally. So redo that kitchen and organize your garage! It’s time to start crossing things off the “to-do” list.

If you’ve got a sabbatical leave coming up, take some time to intentionally think about how your time on leave will be best spent. Whether you are learning to play an instrument, taking on an international internship, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, or backpacking through Europe, we hope you find your sabbatical leave to be restorative and enriching.

Internships are becoming commonplace and even expected in fields like engineering or business. If you’re applying for an engineering job and you don’t have internship experience on your resume, you’re likely to raise a few eyebrows.

But did you know that internships are valuable for liberal arts majors as well?

A liberal arts degree provides ample opportunities for individuals to form critical skills such as appreciation of diversity and other cultures, problem-solving and reflective thinking, and an ability to communicate effectively through both writing and speech. These soft skills are essential for work in just about any industry and are highly desirable amongst employers.

In fact, many employers are turning away applicants who may have the necessary technical skills to do the job, if they don’t also possess the soft skills needed for being a reliable and productive member of a team.

The drawback of a liberal arts degree is the lack of hands-on field experience built within the educational program itself. This is where internships come in handy. They provide the opportunity to apply your liberal arts knowledge while gaining important industry skills.

If you are a liberal arts major looking to boost your resume and gain some valuable work experience and networking connections, here are a few internships you should check out:

Media & Journalism Internships

Journalism is an excellent field for those with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for storytelling. These internships provide the opportunity for cultural immersion and expanding your worldview in addition to an education in technical writing and photography skills.

You might be interested in a media or journalism internship if you have a background in writing, photography, videography, and the obvious, journalism. Here are a few excellent international internships you don’t want to miss:

• Singapore: Photography & Journalism Internship
• Costa Rica: Wildlife Photography & Conservation Awareness
• South Korea: Photography & Journalism Internship
• Ghana: Journalism & Media Internship
• Swaziland: Photography & Multimedia Internship
• South Africa: Wildlife Documentary & Film-making Internship

Finance Internships

The world of finance is a challenging and ever-changing industry. It’s a field in which book knowledge is important but hands-on experience is also necessary. If you are hoping to land a job in the financial or economic sector, you won’t regret participating in an internship program.

Finance internships are ideal for those with a background in economics, finance, or accounting. If this sounds right up your alley, check out these international internships:

• Singapore: Finance Internship
• Seoul: Finance Internship
• Bangkok: Finance Internship
• Swaziland: Microfinance Project Internship

Teaching Internships

If you love to travel and other cultures fascinate you, teaching abroad might be for you! The daily work of instructing students and communicating with parents, families, and colleagues, will provide a cultural immersion experience unlike any other. The school day work schedule also allows time for evening adventures and weekend travels.

As many teaching abroad opportunities offer TEFL certification, you are not required to have an education degree to participate. If you’re interested in trying your hand at teaching, here are a few programs you don’t want to miss:

• Cambodia: TEFL Course and English Teaching
• Prague + Czech Republic: TEFL Course and English Teaching
• Costa Rica: TEFL Course and English Teaching
• Cambodia: Teaching on Remote Islands
• Colombia: Volunteer Teaching Project
• Fiji: Teaching & Sports Education

Art & Design Internships

Practice makes perfect, right? As any artist or designer knows, you won’t excel in your field without taking time to practice and refine your craft. Interning abroad is the perfect opportunity to stretch your design muscles. As you explore new lands and experience different cultures, you are sure to be hit with plenty of artistic inspiration.

If you are looking for an internship opportunity to put on your graduate school applications and resumes, or you’re simply looking for the chance to get creative and put your skills to good use, here are a few international internship programs you don’t want to miss:

• Argentina: Art & Technology Project
• Ecuador: Amazonian Arts: Pottery, Jewelry, Weaving, Dance & Music
• Cambodia: Graphic Designer for Children’s Centre
• Brazil: Design & Art Volunteer Program

If you’ve ever thought you couldn’t get an international internship with your liberal arts background, think again. Regardless of your background or field of study, there are internship programs available for everyone!