How to Score a Great Internship Abroad

By Marc Cappelletti

In last month's newsletter we discussed international internships - the pluses, the drawbacks, and everything else in between. I apologize for putting the cart before the horse as it were and getting you excited about the prospects without having a plan in place, so this week, to make it up to you, we'll cover how to actually get one of those fine internships.

First things first, getting a job is a job in itself. It takes time and effort to find a situation that works best for your personality and needs (location, salary, schedule, etc). With this in mind, securing an internship abroad will take some effort on your part, although understandably not as much as full time employment. Below are just a few points you need to consider when embarking on your internship search.

Can I do this all by myself?
Unless your uncle owns an ad agency in Florence or you have some serious connections Djibouti, finding an internship can be an overwhelmingly frustrating process. Rules, visa regulations, and cultural differences can abruptly halt a seemingly flawless campaign to secure work, even when unpaid. By using an internship agency you will be instantly plugged in to countless contacts cultivated over years and have access to program coordinators and advisers to help find the program that works best for you. When you go through an agency much of the legwork has already been taken care of. That's what they're there for.

How do I find internship providers?
Any internet search for internships abroad or international internships will result in a dearth of results. If you have more of a direct idea as to where you'd like an internship then key in "internships in..." and I guarantee you'll find the results you're looking for.

How do I make sure they are legit?
Most international education organizations have nothing but benevolent intentions, but it's still worth your time to perform a little due diligence. There are basically 3 different ways to check a company's validity and at the same time, gauge their strength in the international marketplace.

Affiliations
Viable companies in operation for any amount of time will have formed relationships with other organizations for travel, insurance, and other purposes related to study abroad. These reputable organizations will also be members of associations, interest groups, various non-profit organizations, and possibly work with universities, whereas less reputable organizations may not have any affiliations at all.
Testimonials
Generally all internship providers will post testimonials from satisfied customers on their websites and in printed materials. While these quotes from participants are valuable and give a personal insight into the experience, they have been purposefully selected by the company to attract more participants. This isn't a bad thing. Not in the least. But it will also help if you can get the contact information of the participants to ask them certain questions yourself, as fraudulent companies could very easily make up the quotes.
Credentials
Many viable US-based organizations will be registered and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbbonline.org). For international organizations, you should check on their website to see which organizations they are linked to. If you're using a directory site to search for internships, some of them have validation criteria or have each listing reviewed by an editor to verify legitimacy. However, it is probably still best to check the program/organization with your study abroad adviser if you have one.

I picked a great company that can get me exactly what I want. Now what do I do?
As I mentioned earlier, going through an agency will greatly reduce your workload in setting up your experience and increase your chances of finding a great internship, but you still have various responsibilities to take care of. Some are small tasks while others can be an ongoing process, like learning a whole new language, for instance.

Visas
Ah, bureaucracy. In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, it is EXTREMELY important that you check with the nearest consulate and internship provider to see what is required for a visa. Depending on the country and length of stay, the status of the visa may be different, and while the internship agency will advise you and provide the proper paperwork, even they can't physically secure the document for you. This can be a challenging process, so be sure to have all of your paperwork in order before walking through the embassy doors.
Language
Anyone who has ever found herself helplessly floundering for directions in Paris will tell you the importance of speaking the native language. This is especially true when embarking on an internship or any extended stay abroad. Be sure to understand the language requirements, if any, which would be required for your desired internship. Some programs require at least a year of language training before joining the internship, and even then further study is generally needed.
Research
Similar to language, knowledge of foreign cultures cannot be imparted; it must be learned in a proactive process. This is interesting stuff! You should set aside blocks of time prior to your trip to read books (Lonely Planet, Rick Steve's, etc.) about the country and city you'll be interning. You may also want to read memoirs or travel books about the location and culture. Rent movies, read online message boards, and listen to music from your destination country. This will help to make your time abroad more enjoyable and will add overall value and meaning to the experience.

How much time will this take?
There are many variables that affect the planning stages of international internships and should be planned for accordingly. Make sure to check with your program provider on this schedule before buying your flight tickets because factors like length of stay and visas can dramatically alter your setup. If you need a visa, you should apply more than 90 days before the start date of the program. If you don't need a visa, then a minimum of 2 months is recommended. Please remember though that these are the minimum requirements, and any additional time spent preparing will only help your situation.

Can I go already???
Ok, ok. By now you should have a solid understanding of internships abroad, the opportunities that exist, and the setup work required prior to take off. The final responsibility to check off your list can be a bit difficult for some, as it is the only intangible item in the group.

The right mindset can make the difference between a frustrating situation and a great experience. It's those that can take an event that's happening today and think of how it will affect them tomorrow that are successful when it comes to these types of experiences. Simply put, don't sweat the small stuff and remember to work hard, be open to new ideas, and have fun.

Now that you have everything checked off your list, you are officially ready for a great international internship experience.

Bon voyage!

Be sure to read last month's article when we discussed Part I of our Internship Series: 5 Points to Understanding Internships 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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