More and more people are studying abroad during their college years, but another good option for students is interning abroad! Through programs like Global Experiences (which is an affiliate program of Towson University for all of my fellow Tigers), you get the best of both worlds: being abroad and getting real work experience while you do it. From someone who is currently interning in Dublin through GE and having the time of her life, here are ten reasons to consider an internship in a foreign country!
10. You can do it on your own schedule.
Whether it's a during the fall or spring semester or even the summer, there are so many options available for locations and timing.
9. Meeting new people.
Instead of traveling with people just within your university, you'll have the opportunity to meet people from all over. (Turns out that few things bond people faster than being lost in a foreign country together).
8. Becoming immersed in a foreign country's work culture.
Part of what makes my experience so interesting is seeing the difference between the work culture in the United States and what it's like here in Ireland. And it's cool to say that I worked at an Irish company, but nbd, right?
7. Hands on experience in your field.
Whether you are getting your degree in communications, computer science, or hospitality, there is something for everyone. You'll see what it's like to be a full-time intern in a foreign company (and not to mention, interning abroad looks really impressive on resumes).
6. Increased interaction with locals.
Since you're working for a company based in your study abroad location, it goes without saying that you'll be talking and interacting with more locals. It's a great way of finding out fun things to do, making friends all over the globe, and getting to hear more awesome accents.
5. Still being able to travel and take trips.
Even though you're a full-time intern, you'll still have your weekends free and will still be able to take the occasional day trip. If that means going to one of those "must see" things in your country or taking a two-day trip to another place (or both), don't think that being an intern means that you won't be able to fully enjoy your time.
4. Increased independence.
Whether it's figuring your way out through public transportation, taking a trip to someplace new, or just getting up every day to go to work, interning abroad is a great way to push yourself to grow and try new things.
3. Networking.
Between the company that you work for, the company that you're traveling through, and all of the various people on your trip and the locals that you will meet, you develop a huge and expansive network for your professional life.
2. Living in another country.
Aside from the work culture, it's exciting to live in a new place. Even finding a grocery store or a movie theatre can feel like the coolest thing in the world! Between hanging out with locals, touristing around, and making a new city feel like home, there's nothing better than settling into day-to-day life in a foreign country.
1. Having great stories to tell when you come home.
Worried about FOMO? Don't be. Interning abroad is the best decision that I could have made and its benefits will last for a lifetime.
And if this list doesn't sell you on it, then you should talk to me... because I will.
