Reports from the Field

Top 6 Ways To Fund Your Internship Abroad

Top 6 Ways To Fund Your Internship Abroad

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:

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!

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 10 Feb 2020

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

4 Great Internships For People With Families

4 Great Internships For People With Families

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

Cambodia-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

teach English in Prague

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

Education Research Internship in Costa Rica

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

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.

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 10 Feb 2020

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

8 Things To Do During Your Sabbatical Leave

8 Things To Do During Your Sabbatical Leave

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.

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 10 Feb 2020

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

Internship Opportunities for Liberal Arts Majors

Internship Opportunities for Liberal Arts Majors

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

 

Photography-Internship-in-Singapore

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:

Finance Internships

singapore-finance-internship-cover

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:

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:

Art & Design Internships

Art-and-Technology-project-in-Buenos-Aires

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:

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!

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Mikayla Colthirst-Reid
Posted on: 10 Feb 2020

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

How email invitations can help the environment

How Email Invitations Are Helping The Environment

As the whole world is on a clamor for better environmental practices, individuals and industries alike have run to paperless transactions. Rather than printing out paper receipts, correspondence, mail, letters, and other invitations, they’ve now made even more use of the electronic mail. Because more people are also in the digital space a majority of the time, this means that they’re utilizing this form of communication now even more than ever. Plus, it also means that your message will never get missed.

That said, many benefits come along with using email invitations, online invitations, green invites, or whatever other names it comes by. Some of these are the following: 

  1. Less Paper Used, More Customization

Depending on the style of your physical invitation, you may have to use more paper than usual. This is prevalent in wedding invites, for instance. Added pages, laser cut trims, paper flowers, and whatnot. When you come to think of it, although these add to the physical beauty of your invite, that’s another waste of paper. Not just paper, but even money down the drain.

Chances are, after your wedding, a majority of your guests are only going to throw your invites. If you’ve got a hundred guests, imagine all of that wasted paper. Had you opted for a digital or email invitation, this is solved. You can still customize your invitation as much as you’d want to, without using up more paper and other wasteful products.

There are many websites or software today, such as Greenvelope, that you can sign up for, which enables you to make invites that are just as dynamic and beautiful.

  1. Cheap

How does being cheap contribute to the environment? You don’t have to buy physical products. In the creation of invites, note that it’s not only paper that’s being used. There’s glue, cutters, beads, and other products that you may have to purchase, depending on the design of your invite.

Opting to go for email invitations are usually free. The only fee you may have to pay is for signing up on the app that enables you to create your email invite. Other than that, you don’t buy anything else. That means you’re not purchasing any physical product that may not even be recycled at all.

  1. Save On Postage

When you’ve got guests that don’t live nearby, you’re going to have to mail the physical invites to them. Apart from the financial expense that this is going to entail, it also contributes to more fuel usage. Just as is the case in trying to travel sustainably, so is it also that here, you can highlight the negative and wasteful use of fuel. This means that when you mail a letter or hundreds of them, you’re increasing the carbon footprint of your local postage. Here’s how:

  • First, if your invites have to be flown to another place, that means added cargo or baggage on airlines. Yes, you may have only twenty pieces of invites to send. They don’t weigh that much. Plus, the plane is still going to have to leave anyway. But, imagine if all the other event organizers would advocate for email invites. It’s going to work like a domino effect where physical mail is significantly decreased. This can lower the entire cargo load of plane companies. In effect, the strain on the fuel is also reduced.
  • Second, the delivery of your invite from one place to another, even while on the road, still takes up fuel. The delivery man will have to go from one house to another, to send a single piece of mail. In some cases, that may mean a kilometer or more, worth of travel all for one letter. That’s very wasteful on fuel consumption.

With email invites, there’s no consumption of fuel for physical delivery. This is a significant advantage, as do remember, that fuel is one of the most harmful and non-renewable sources in the environment.

  1. Better Management Of Food And Space

 How can a simple thing, such as an invitation, affect the management of food and space for your event? Here’s how.

In your event’s invitation, you’ll have a part for your RSVP. With traditional invitations, it’s very easy to overlook this part. Plus, many also tend to ignore it. Once you’ve sent the invitations out, it can be tough for you to monitor your guests, who are coming, and who is not. It’s troublesome also to have to contact each of them individually, just for an RSVP, when they don’t respond.

With email invitations, you can have a setting for forced RSVP. A deadline can be set, and this notification can also be sent out quickly across all of the addresses that you’ve sent the invite to. To comply with a request for RSVP is effortless and easy to do. Plus, there’s no way for your guests to miss out on it, too.

Because of that, the direct result is this: you’re able to have better management of food and space for your event. As a majority of your guests have complied with the RSVP on email on the deadline set, you’ll know what your headcount is. This means that you don’t have to prepare food and whatnot for so many more guests than is expected. This results in lesser wastage of food.

Along this line, it’s important to note that food wastage hurts the environment. Water and other equipment were used to prepare so much of that food that may only end up thrown away. That also means unnecessary consumption of plants, such as fruits and vegetables, when you could’ve given that to other consumers instead.

As minute as an email invitation may be, it can create that domino effect on your event, as set by the example above.

Conclusion

Global warming is still a big problem. Unfortunately, the business sector is one of the highest contributing factors to the worsening of global warming. Through wasteful practices and activities, the environment suffers. In this case, the event industry is no exception. As events are getting bigger and grander, so also has the clamor for physical invitations that are out-doing one event after another. But, all thanks to the responsible use of technology, a solution has been met.

Email invites are becoming the new “in” thing, because of the many promising benefits that it can give, not just to the pocket but also to the environment. For the reasons mentioned above and so many more, it’s always worth considering email invitations for your next event.

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Jeremy Freedman
Posted on: 10 Feb 2020