Internships are a great way to add to your CV and learn new skills, but going abroad for an internship can offer even more. So if an internship in a new country is something you are currently considering, then you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to find out why an internship abroad might be the perfect option for you…
What is an internship?
What is an internship? And what can it offer you? An internship is a bit more than just work experience, it’s an official program created by businesses designed to train graduates in their chosen career. An internship could be full time or part time and is usually for a set amount of time, often around 12 months. They can also be either paid or unpaid. Interns are usually studying for a degree or have recently graduated.
Internships have grown in popularity in recently years and now it seems most companies will offer some sort of internship program. This is because the benefits for both the business and individual are huge. The main positives for employers are as follows…
- Reduced recruitment costs
- Low cost labour
- Reduced training costs
- Support for existing employees
- Learn new approaches from an intern
- Positive publicity
Here are 10 reasons to consider an internship aboard…
1. Gain professional experience
The main benefit of an internship is to gain valuable work experience in your chosen field. This kind of hands on experience cannot be compared to what you have learned in the classroom. You will see what goes on day to day, as well as gaining skills that will help you to progress in your career such as professionalism, time keeping and multi tasking.
2. Build your confidence
An internship will undoubtedly help you to gain more confidence, not only in your job but on a personal level too. You will gain experience of working with new colleagues in a team, attending meetings and dealing with clients.
3. Explore a new country
Of course the main aim of an internship is to gain work experience, but being able to explore a whole new country at the same time is an amazing opportunity. International Internships Seoul will allow you to explore this city of contrasts, where modern architecture rubs shoulders with ancient temples.
4. Learn a new language
An internship abroad could help you to learn a whole new language, or develop what you already know. This is very useful to have in every day life, but even better when it comes to your career as you’ll be able to confidently communicate with clients outside the UK.
5. Understand different cultures
Different countries and cultures have different ways of doing things, and the same goes for in the workplace. Learning how people work will most definitely help you later down the line in your career. It isn’t enough to only communicate with those within your own company.
6. Build your CV
There are often hundreds of candidates applying for one job so you need to make sure that your CV stands out. Experience is great, so an internship will help to set you apart from the rest. But, lots of people do internships now so it isn’t always enough. Doing your internship abroad will really give you that edge over other applicants.
7. Make global contacts
During your internship you will meet and work with lots of different people, these new contacts will be invaluable as you progress through your career.
8. Explore your chosen career
An internship allows you to really dive into your chosen career path and see what it’s like day to day. The benefit of exploring your career in a new country is that you will get to experience different ways of doing things. This will help you later down the line in your career, whether it’s trying to get the job done in a more efficient way, or trying to understand the way a client works.
9. Earn money
Some internships can be unpaid but the majority are paid, so you can earn money whilst learning new skills and exploring a new country. With internships aboard it is possible for your accommodation to be included in your benefits package. This is definitely something worth asking about or negotiating to get the most out of your time abroad.
10. Have fun!
Most importantly of all, an internship abroad should be fun! You’ll meet new people, experience new things and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a truly life changing experience.
I hope that this article has helped you to understand the benefits of internships abroad, they really do have so much to offer. Please leave any questions in the comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for reading.
