Employers expect university graduates to have spent their university years not only focusing on academics but also gaining valuable social and career-related experiences. Doing an internship abroad provides a great opportunity to prove that you have developed in both of these areas!
1.Gaining a Unique Experience Unlike Many Others
Internships are often considered a requirement by university students, which can sometimes lead to them being undervalued. My biggest piece of advice is to treat your internships seriously and make the most out of them. Interning abroad offers a chance to stand out since it’s still not as common in our country, and it will contribute to developing a creative mindset and thinking differently from others.
2.Improving Your Foreign Language Skills
If you want to improve your English proficiency and practice, interning in a native English-speaking country can give you an advantage. However, if you feel confident in your English skills, you can consider learning another language like Spanish, German, or Japanese to further elevate yourself. Learning a foreign language through a language course can sometimes lead to slow progress or forgotten vocabulary. But interning abroad allows you to immerse yourself in the language, making it easier and faster to learn.
3.Experiencing Different Cultures and Exploring New Places
Interning abroad provides numerous advantages, including understanding the people of the country, mastering their traditions and customs, and grasping their work culture. Interacting with different cultures and exploring new countries will enhance your communication skills, broaden your perspective, and give you a global viewpoint. You may even discover new job fields and think about how they can be implemented in your home country.
4.Becoming a Global Citizen
Programs like Erasmus allow you to make friends not only from the country you’re living in but from many different countries as well. This can help you build a global network, and you might even meet people who can serve as references when applying for jobs. Actively engaging in your internship and showcasing your skills will help you make connections that will be useful when you return home.