5 Important Points to Understanding Internships Abroad

By Marc Cappelletti

For all interns out there who are fearful of fax machines and tired of dealing with stubborn copiers, I have good news: the American internship model is slowly changing. However, the change isn't necessarily occurring within American borders.

No longer lying dormant in the cubicles of US businesses, the concept of experiential learning through unpaid labor has begun to stretch its limbs and is now touching the shores of Europe, Australia, and beyond. And just as the Aussies and Europeans have their own flare for fashion, food, and entertainment, a touch has been sprinkled upon the internship model as well.

These 5 Points offer an unobstructed view of the most crucial and questioned aspects of interning abroad - Placement Variety, Increased Responsibilities, Qualifications, Paying for an Unpaid Internship, and Post Internship Rewards - and will have you one step closer to improving your professional prospects and personal development.

1. Placement Variety
Many students believe that only certain, basic jobs are available abroad, that they should stay in the US to have access to a greater variety. Quite the contrary.

By going through an agency, work can be found specifically for you in almost any field of study. So instead of settling for something you don't necessarily care about in the States, interning abroad can give you the opportunity to concentrate in the field and even a specific segment of a field that you've been dying to break into - not to mention experience a completely unique culture and new way of life.

"Upon my graduation from college, I, like so many others before me, had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be," says Katy, a journalism intern in Florence. "I love being able to say that I was a contributing writer for an Italian magazine. How cool is that?"

Interns regularly engage in graphic design programs and marketing positions, while others have assisted owners of hand crafted jewelry and specialty stores. Some have even helped to manage model bookings for various agencies. International opportunities also exist in the fashion industry, radio broadcasting, marine biology, psychology, and countless other fields.

If you're like Katy and are unsure as to what your passion really is or even if you are completely focused on one industry, chances are you can find an opportunity for experience in the wide variety of internships abroad.

2. Increased Responsibilities
Gucci. Microsoft. Nike. These are some highly visible household names. And while internships for such high profile companies can look great on your resume, it's important to remember that sometimes with such large companies, you'll be performing practically invisible, household tasks. With each internship, the ability to back up the company name with hands on experience is what will really make your resume shine.

On the flip side, smaller companies do not have the resources to allow for narrow job focus and therefore each employee must generally understand each facet of the company and be able to lend a hand wherever and whenever needed. Surprisingly to some, working for smaller businesses is incredibly valuable for interns, as it enables them to branch out and learn about the business from all angles.

Take Ashley for example. While embarking on a marketing internship in Rome, she was able, along with her core responsibility of helping the company redefine their marketing strategy, to participate in graphic design projects, photography initiatives, product development, new product rollout, and inventory control. She even modeled some of the jewelry for a photoshoot in Villa Borghese.

3. Qualifications
Like anything else, the key to internships abroad is experience. Stronger placements are given to students who have studied the industry in which the company operates, or who have obtained marketing, finance, or similar training that transcends industrial borders.

Bringing it one step further - direct experience carries more weight than academic awareness of a market. Interns who have worked in the industry for a year or two, or who even may have only worked for a summer with a similar company, place themselves in an excellent position to earn a higher level internship abroad.

Foreign language competence also plays a part in internships abroad and most opportunities in non-English speaking countries will require a strong grasp of the language. The better you can speak the company's native language, the more interesting, valuable, and rewarding the internship will be. It's usually best to seek out programs that combine language training with the internship component, ensuring that you'll get the most out of your experience.

Still, don't fret if you have little experience in a certain position or industry you're hoping to break in to. Internships abroad are a great place to start and carry a great deal of weight when you return to your home country to begin your job search. Just remember that while the tasks of an intern coincide with language proficiency and experience in the industry, a strong work ethic, an open mind and tenacity also go a long way.

4. Paying for an Unpaid Internship
Internships abroad are not free; and because of visa restrictions, they aren't really paid either. But before you walk away altogether, I'd like to give you a sense of what you're paying for and show you why internships abroad are 100% worth it.

Barring personal connections with companies abroad, international internships are nearly impossible to find on your own. The majority of interns choose to go through agencies with international placement partners. This generally offers the best customer service and coordination, as scheduling your program with a US coordinator is much easier than going through international channels (think time zones, language barriers, etc...).

The valuable services and components included with reputable programs include predeparture preparation and information, language lessons, internship coordination and search, interview assistance, on the ground support, and accommodations. Consider also that most international internship programs with language training cost considerably less than University run opportunities - just be sure to look into credit transfers ahead of time.

The real compensation for the experience - emotional gratification, personal development, and differentiation in the global marketplace - is covered just a few pixels below, in Post Internship Rewards.

5. Post Internship Rewards
If "wanderlust" is your middle name and you're heart is set on working and living abroad, starting as an intern can be a great way to show your skills and make the connections you need. And you'll need a lot of connections.

While being asked to stay on as a full time employee happens less often than we would all like, it does happen in certain instances. This is where a persevering mindset comes into play. Hands down, interns who treat their time abroad as a professional experience instead of a vacation are much more likely to increase chances of full time retention.

Even if you aren't retained by your company abroad, please don't think for one second that your experience was a wash, as most interns don't even realize its full effect until they return home. Remember Ashley from the section on Increased Responsibilities? She wasn't retained by her "not so well known" company in Italy, but was able to parlay her unique experiences into a full time job working for Italian Vogue Magazine in New York City. That's the power of internships abroad.

The Final Word
Internships abroad aren't easy. There's no denying it. You'll be living in a new place, meeting new people, taking on new responsibilities, and learning a new language. That's a lot to think about. But never before have internships been so rewarding. Sure, you may have to make copies from time to time and do the things that are generally asked of interns everywhere, but the stepping stones are bigger abroad. With international internships you are able to lay the foundation for an interesting and successful future while making the most of the present. Now that sounds like a plan.

Be sure to read Part II of our Internship Series: How To Score a Great Internship Abroad.

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Marc Cappelletti is a Marketing Manager for Global Experiences, an international educational company specializing in customized internships, language training, and teaching programs abroad.

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