There is a lot to gain from doing an internship abroad. You will be exposed to new experiences, meet new people and learn new things about yourself and the world around you.
It is an excellent opportunity to explore career choices and lifestyles, strengthen your resume and build new professional experiences. If you have a chance to go abroad for an internship, you should grab it in an instant. Here are a few reasons why:
Enhancing of skills
Demonstrating that you can apply the skills and theory you have learnt while studying will make you stand out in the job market. You will learn what it is like to work in a real business environment, gain industry-specific technical and soft skills — including understanding how to work in teams, networking, setting up your digital workspace, and learning business acumen. Being able to demonstrate real work experience will give you leverage over other candidates when applying for roles, locally and abroad.
Collecting references
Employers will ask for a reference or someone who has seen you in action and can back you up on your skills and experience. Interning abroad provides you with the opportunity to make professional relationships with those who can vouch for you in the future. There is even a possibility that you could turn these relationships into long-term professional mentors, who will help and guide you in your career journey. Your network is key when starting out your career.
Pushes you out of your comfort zone
Interning abroad is a great way to push you out of your comfort zone, meet new people, try new things and broaden your horizons. Whether you are studying, travelling or working abroad, it can be scary moving your life to another part of the world. Undertaking an internship is a great way to embed yourself into the fabric of the local community, as you’re going to meet a group of people at your internship workplace who can help you get to know your new home. From picking up the language to finding new restaurants, or making friends – an internship is so much more than just a work experience. It can help enhance your entire experience abroad.
Learning a new language
With many companies expanding globally, businesses are always on the lookout for candidates with the necessary skills to adapt to foreign countries. To communicate in a different language is one of the best skills to have.
Being in an entirely different country will naturally develop your language skills. The exposure to different cultures, people and nationalities will help you improve your existing skills and pick up new languages. This will also be an excellent opportunity to push beyond your regular limits and communicate from a different point of view.
Creating lifelong friends
When undertaking an experience like interning abroad, you are going to meet so many new people, colleagues, networks and fellow travellers. Being out of your comfort zone and in a new place will force you to make connections and ‘find your tribe’. So often these experiences bond us with people and you will likely make life-long friends with other people who are undertaking a similar journey. Whether it’s working together, living or just socialising, internships are a great way to meet new people.
Final thoughts
International travel is a sensational thing, and to be able to couple this with gaining work experience that will catapult your career is a wonderful opportunity. You will grow personally and professionally, meet new people, learn new skills and most importantly, learn so much about yourself. It also provides you with an opportunity to travel and explore a brand new country — so what are you waiting for, embark on this life-changing adventure.
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