By the mention of ‘international internships’, a lot of students would most likely pass and would rather look for something more familiar and close with the comforts of home. Even though it may sound a bit stressful and would entail a lot of preparation and work, getting an international internship is actually easy, if you know how.
Here are some of the essential things that you should consider and know in applying for an international internship program.
Ask Yourself ‘Why?’
First, you should make it clear to yourself why you would want to have an international internship. Usually, there are two reasons that may pass your mind. One is that you want to live abroad. Two is that you want to gain more work and career-related experience that can help hone you into the best professional you can be.
If your main reason is the first one, then you might want to reconsider getting into such kind of program. If you simply want to live abroad, you can just find working opportunities abroad rather than an internship. Doing this would be cheaper and easier on your part. If the latter is your reason, then you have made the right choice!
Where To Go?
Most internship that has a relation to international careers, most especially those of international organizations, are usually located in the United States. Such programs are frequently located in places where international activity brews up, like New York or Washington DC. Nevertheless, it is usually possible to get an international internship program along with an overseas location.
How Much To Get One?
Getting into an international program can be expensive. However, you can get financial aid to meet your expenses. Also, there are programs that are actually sponsored by your university; getting one can give credit toward your degree.
The expenses can have a varied range. If you’re going to get an unpaid, and non-academic internship, try to consider the living costs. If the expenses are high, this can sum up just about the same value of getting a tuition-charging internship program, minus the benefits of financial aid and credit.
However, the major benefit of getting such kind of program would be the professionally related experience you are going to have and the better prospects for future career positions.
How About Volunteering?
There are also volunteer positions that you can apply for. Most likely, these volunteer programs abroad can provide you board and lodging. This is one option that can make your internship less expensive rather than undergoing an unpaid program.
One good example is the Peace Corps. They do pay well, although you would have to make a two-year commitment with the organization. Additionally, the repayment of your educational loans is usually deferred for the duration of volunteer work. Getting a volunteer position can be your best move if you are interested in pursuing a career related to developing countries.
Most of the time paid international internship programs are very rare. Finding a paid program would be hard for you, unless you are somewhat related to the fields of engineering and business.
These are some of the vital things to consider if you are planning to get an international internship. Although it may sound scary or stressful, a lot of benefits surely await for you.
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