The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first made its first appearance in the Wuhan, Hubei province of China in late November 2019. Since then, the COVID-19 virus has spread to more than 100 countries across the globe, infecting more than 180,000 people and causing nearly 8,000 deaths worldwide. 

The World Health Organization gave the coronavirus outbreak pandemic status on March 11, 2020. Countries across the globe are taking drastic measures to slow the spread of the virus in order to reduce the number of total infected cases and give hospitals and medical professionals the capacity to handle those in need of care. 

In addition to other efforts, one proactive approach many countries are adopting as a means to reduce the impact of the coronavirus is to implement restrictions on travel internationally, and in some cases, restricting local travel as well. 

If you had plans to travel within the next month, you may want to reconsider your trip. Even if travel is not currently restricted within your country, it’s entirely possible that restrictions could be enacted while you are traveling that could make returning home difficult. Not to mention, you may be exposing yourself and potentially others to the harmful virus.  

However, if you deem traveling necessary, you’ll need to understand the restrictions that may be present within your home country and the country you are traveling to. Not sure how to find that information?

1) Start with reputable sources of information regarding the coronavirus.

With the constant frenzy of information posted on social media, it’s hard to know what sources you can trust. Your best bet is to stick with government agencies or established health organizations.

Most countries and/or regions have a Center for Disease Control or a Public Health Organization that provide reputable and up to date information regarding the spread of the Coronavirus.

Here are some reputable sites with information regarding global travel during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions By Location

• Africa Center For Disease Control
• Australia Government Dept. of Health
• Canada Official Travel Advisory
• China Center for Disease Control
• European Union
• United Kingdom
• United States Center for Disease Control
• World Health Organization

2) Check for updates or restrictions established by public transportation companies.

In addition to governmentally mandated travel bans, transportation companies and travel agencies have established their own policies and restrictions in order to keep employees and the general public safe. Before choosing to travel (whether locally or internationally) check with transportation companies regarding changes or restrictions. These companies include:

• Airlines

• Bus Systems

• Train Stations 

• Rental Car Companies

• Ride Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) 

3) Stay informed.

With the rapid progression of the COVID-19 viral pandemic, every day there are new updates and changes that could impact your ability to travel. In order to make smart decisions that protect yourself and others, it’s important to stay updated and informed about changes, recommendations, or restrictions impacting your country. 

RESOURCES: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

There are few industries that understand and appreciate the value of a good internship like the business world. Although university classes can provide a solid foundation in economic theories or marketing strategies, nothing provides the practical, hands-on skill development like an internship position. 

Internship placements come in all shapes and sizes. You could learn the ins and outs of a large and successful international corporation or get hands on with a startup company. With countless opportunities for internships within your home country, why should you consider interning abroad? 

The answer is simple: experience and marketability. With advances in technology making connection and communication easier than ever before, international business and the impact of the global economy on businesses of all sizes has never been greater! An international business internship will give a deeper understanding of global markets and the ins and outs of your particular industry. This experience and knowledge will be a huge asset when it comes time to apply for jobs. 

As you are considering your options for an internship placement, here are ten international opportunities you don’t want to miss: 

Singapore: Business Development & Marketing

A true center for international business, Singapore offers a wide variety of opportunities for business majors looking to gain some hands on experience. A diverse group of placement opportunities will be distributed amongst the selected interns. You may be placed within a large and robust corporation or a small startup with the energy and excitement of a new challenge.

South Korea: Business Development & Marketing

The East Asian business sector is growing at a rapid pace. Each year, businesses in South Korea take on a more pivotal role in the global economy. Interns selected will receive a high quality internship placement, in which they will have the opportunity to strengthen their industry and interpersonal relationship skills. This internship also offers a unique insight into international business, a highly sought after credential amongst potential employers.

Argentina: Business Internship

If you are seeking an internship that provides unique travel opportunities and cultural immersion in addition to practical business experience, this is the program for you! Argentina is a tourist’s paradise. From learning the beautiful art of the tango, to cheering alongside the locals at a futbol game, there is so much to see and experience within this beautiful country. As an intern, your life and work within Buenos Aires will enable you to experience the local flavor of Latin America in a truly unique way.

Cape Town & Swaziland: Entrepreneur Development

This internship program truly has a spot for everyone! Interns within the program will have the opportunity to work with a program mentor to design a project that fits with their individual skills and interests. If you are interested in marketing, you may support businesses in developing a marketing plan or optimizing their website or social media use. For those who steer towards business development, there are opportunities for offering support or hands on work in human resources. Whatever area of business you find most appealing, this African internship has a place for you.

Thailand: Business Development & Marketing

Welcome to Thailand, a leader in South Asia’s economic community! Internships in Thailand offer the opportunity to work in powerful, international corporations as a meaningful part of the marketing and development team. As an intern, you will gain first hand knowledge and insight into what makes companies successful on a global level.

Peru: Micro-Enterprise Business Support

If you are looking to hone your micro-enterprise business knowledge and skills, it’s time to visit Peru. This internship offers the unique opportunity for one on one mentoring, designed to help you individually strengthen your business and industry skills. In working with your mentor, you will gain valuable knowledge of international business, and will be equipped with valuable leadership skills that are transferable between jobs and industries. This internship will truly put you a step above other applicants when it comes time to look for jobs.

Swaziland: Micro-Finance Internship

If you are looking to make a real impact on the lives of everyday people living in poverty, this internship is for you. Interns in this program will participate in starting microfinance initiatives designed to address social issues such as unemployment. With 63% of the population living below the poverty line, these initiatives are vital for the economy of the country. Additionally, this internship program is dedicated to the needs of the interns themselves. If you have your own passions or interests that you would like to explore, they can be worked into your individual internship program experience.

Ecuador: Social Entrepreneurship Indigenous Cacao Farmers

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Have you ever considered how the delicious sweet treats we all enjoy are produced? In this internship program, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the Cacao farmers in Ecuador who are responsible for the production of chocolate in the international market. Don’t worry…you won’t just be learning about chocolate. You will also gain insight into fair trade policies, social impact marketing and much more. 

Bangkok: Finance Internship

The financial sector in Thailand is growing at a dizzying pace. Interns in this program will be able to stretch their financial muscles through activities such as financial analysis, investment advising, and accounting. This is a challenging internship that will push you to perform at your highest level, and you will leave with strong industry skills, invaluable network connections in Southeast Asia, and a true understanding of international business.

Singapore: Finance Internship

Singapore is a city that promises a wealth of experience of all kinds. A promising economic region, Singapore offers business majors a unique opportunity to learn from professionals in the financial sector. On the weekends, you will never run out of cultural activities. From touring the beautiful landscape of Malaysia to sampling the traditional food of the region, there is always something to experience. 

Internships are an excellent way to boost your resume, make valuable networking connections, and learn the tricks of the trade in your industry. As you make your business internship decisions, don’t forget the added value of interning abroad.

You nailed the interview. The internship placement you’ve been dreaming of is officially yours for the taking…all that’s left to do now is take care of the logistics. From purchasing plane tickets to obtaining any necessary vaccinations needed for travel, there are plenty of things to keep you busy as you prepare for your upcoming adventure. 

One of the most important pieces of planning a successful internship is finding living accommodations during your stay. This may seem like a daunting task. After all, finding housing in your own home town can be tedious enough, the idea of finding living accommodations in an entirely different country can feel downright overwhelming.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together this step by step guide to help you find safe and affordable housing while you intern abroad. 

Step 1: Start Researching Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to find housing during your internship. Depending on the city in which you will be interning, quality housing options may go fast. The earlier you are able to begin researching housing options, the greater chance you will be able to find high quality housing that meets both your location and financial needs.

Step 2: Contact Your Internship Supervisor

Many internship programs offer housing support to their interns. In some cases, housing is provided by the internship program. In other cases, they may be able to provide recommendations or match you with potential host families. Before you try to “figure it out” alone, start by contacting your program supervisor to see if and what support they offer when it comes to housing.

Step 3: Determine Your Housing Budget

If your internship does not provide you with complimentary housing, you’ll need to create a budget for your living expenses. Depending on your program, you may receive a stipend that can be put towards your overall housing expenses. This budget will help you determine what kind of housing options are accessible to you.

In creating your budget, make sure you consider the cost of rent, food, and daily travel expenses to and from your internship.

Step 4: Begin Research Housing Options

There are a variety of different options when it comes to internship housing. Some interns prefer to rent solo apartments while others may enjoy having a roommate. If you’re going to go the roommate route, try connecting with other interns in your program to see if anyone is willing to split housing expenses with you.
There are plenty of helpful websites that regularly list houses and apartments available for short-term rent.  Here are a few good resources to get you started: 

• Airbnb
• Zillow
• Craigslist
• Apartments.com 

Another viable option for internship housing is a homestay. As the name implies, homestays involve staying in the home of a local individual or family. Homestay opportunities allow for a truly immersive cultural experience that you might not find living on your own.

If you are interested in a homestay option, here are a few resources you should check out: 

• Homestay.com 
• Homestay In

Step 5: Beware Of Housing Scams

A common (and justified) fear for many looking for housing abroad, is the potential of being scammed by unscrupulous people taking advantage of unsuspecting and unknowing interns. Here are a few tips for avoiding potential housing scams: 

• Use reputable listing sites (such as the ones mentioned above). 

• Look for housing with positive reviews from previous tenants. 

• Make sure there is a legal contract or lease in place before renting a house or apartment. 
• Avoid housing with unusually high security deposits or unnecessary fees.

Step 6: Make Plans For Your Current Housing 

An important, but often overlooked aspect of securing housing during your internship, is considering what to do with your current housing situation. Whether you are renting an apartment or own your own home, you may want to consider sub leasing or renting your home while you are away in order to avoid having two separate living expenses.If finances are not an obstacle and you’d rather not sublease your current home, you may still need to make arrangements for your mail delivery and potentially lawn care (if you happen to own your home). 

Taking care of the logistical details for your upcoming internship can be an overwhelming (although necessary) process. This step by step guide will help you in your search for quality housing while you intern abroad. Before you know it, you’ll be off on the adventure of a lifetime!