5 Powerful Tips On Getting An Internship Abroad

In today’s global business setting, an internship abroad is not just a great way to gain valuable work experience but also a unique opportunity to increase your IQ and global network.

Getting an internship abroad can be downright daunting. For anyone looking to secure one, these tips will get you going on the path of success.

Streamline Your Internship Search

Choosing the right internship can help kick-start a fulfilling international career. Therefore, deciding where you want to work and what you would like to gain from an internship is a significant first step.

Researching your target area to uncover any language barrier as well as learning about social customs and their impact on workplace practices is crucial, when choosing where to intern.

Also, visa requirements differ depending on your nationality and the country in which you desire placement. So, ascertaining what these requirements entail and which you can successfully apply for, is vital.

Consider The Options Available

There are several ways to go about getting an internship abroad.
One option is to use reputable recruitment agencies, which for a fee, would find an internship for you. This is no doubt, the easiest but most expensive path to choose.

Job boards on LinkedIn and Twitter are also great places for finding internships abroad. Several companies place internship postings on these social media sites.

If you have already obtained a bachelor’s degree, joining the local wing of AIESEC in your country is just right for you. This is because AIESEC would not only organize an internship abroad but also provide you with a mentor who will help make your internship a memorable experience.

Reaching out to family, friends and members of your university alumni who work overseas, is yet another option. They can provide information on unadvertised internship vacancies.

Apply Right

Finding your dream internship is a mere starting point. What you do after determines if you’ll make the cut or not.

The second step is writing a CV/résumé tailored to meet the standards of the company you’re planning to intern at. Take note of important differences such as the no. of pages of resume that is acceptable, educational information required and what personal information to include.

Ace Your Interview

You have submitted your CV and landed an interview? Great! If your internship locale is a great distance from where you currently live, an online platform such as Skype, is most certainly to be used to conduct your interview.
How do you ace an online interview? Research the company, formulate answers to expected interview questions and write out a few questions you would like to ask.

On the day of your interview, choose a quiet space with good internet connection, dress to impress and speak in a conversational tone.

Research Funding Alternatives

For some potential interns, the greatest obstacle to interning abroad is funding, as the competition for paid internship is stiff. Researching organizations such as, Go Overseas, StudySearch etc., that grant scholarships for interns and applying ahead of time can help lessen the financial burden of an internship abroad.
The value of an internship abroad cannot be overemphasized. Your work experience in an international setting places you miles above your counterparts in your chosen career and can serve as an entry point for eventually working abroad.