Last month we discussed the benefits of internships abroad. I'm delighted if you're reading this article and have decided you're interested in pursuing an internship. This month we'll explore some of the issues related to finding such an internship.

University/Organization Placement
One of the first places you may want to consider looking for an international internship is with a university, organization or company that specializes in placements abroad. While there are costs to doing this, it will assure you placement and probably give you access to a broader range of opportunities than you could have found on your own. You will also have a support structure with someone to help answer questions and possibly even help you find housing and settle in at your new job as you begin working with your new boss and co-workers and adjust to a new culture and country.

Another consideration when looking at internship placement services is whether or not your internship program will provide you with college credits and the proper transcripts so you can get credit for your internship. (As with any study abroad experience, you'll need to coordinate with your home institution to make sure the credits will transfer!) Our international internships directory has a wide selection of for-credit and non-credit internship opportunities from a variety of colleges, universities, organizations, and companies.

International Internships for Domestic Companies/Organizations
In addition to these internship providers, you'll want to explore domestic organizations or companies that may be looking for an intern with your qualifications to work abroad for them. Some domestic organizations offer volunteer programs abroad that can help you gain significant work experience. Other companies may offer paid or unpaid positions or a modest stipend to cover travel or living expenses and place you in one of their international offices or research centers. Such opportunities may be posted or you may need to approach organizations that interest you and inquire to learn of their programs or opportunities.

If you do want to try to find an internship on your own, the process will probably be complicated and require significant effort on your part. However, we'll try to cover some of the basics here. First, you're going to need to narrow your focus. Think about what you are trying to accomplish in pursuing an internship abroad and how your previous experience, coursework or research fits into that. Where do you want to be and what type of experience do you hope to gain during your internship? When are you available? Where do you want to go? (This may be less important than what you're doing, but can give you a way to prioritize your searches.) Would certain areas of the world be more beneficial to your long-term plans?

Once you've thought through all of these questions (and probably a few more not mentioned), you need to start doing research. Try to find companies or organizations in your area of interest. Read international newspapers or magazines to see which companies are making headlines and check out local business directories. For large organizations, you'll want to contact the department head of the area that interests you; for small companies, try to contact the general head of the organization. If you're dealing with a large multinational company you'll probably want to contact the international office in your target country rather than the domestic office and even the branch offices within that country.

Internet Searches
Many internship opportunities will be posted online. To start, search through job posting sites as well as using the search engines to find internship openings on company or organization websites that meet your criteria. You'll need to review the internship information carefully to determine if you meet the criteria for application. You'll also need to research standards for international CVs (resumés), cover letters, etc. so that you can send the properly formatted application materials.

After you've found an opportunity and sent a professional looking application, it is important to follow up by telephone and attempt to establish personal contact with a relevant person at the company offering the internship.

What if I find excellent companies that don't have an internship program?
While researching the type of company or organization you want to intern for, you may find that there are a number of excellent companies, but that they don't have an internship program or post internship opportunities. View this as an opportunity! Send an internship proposal summarizing what you would like to do with the company, what skills and background you would bring to the position and all of your contact information and desired terms. Not only does this show initiative, but you may create an opportunity for which there will be far less competition than for established or publicized internship positions. Use any relevant experience or previous coursework to demonstrate to a potential employer that you're already taking steps to pursue a career in their industry or area of specialty. If you haven't selected your courses for the semester or year before you're planning an internship, now is a great time to think about which courses might demonstrate that sort of interest and prepare you for an internship abroad.

Other advice

Start Early
Whether you're researching internships on your own or applying through an organization, try to start as early as possible. If researching on your own, you'll probably need to start at least six to eight months ahead of time. Deadlines for internship placement programs vary so you'll need to find that information when investigating different programs.

Do Your Homework
Obviously there's a wide range of opportunities for internships abroad. If you know what you want, you'll be able to do all the research you need to and weigh the different options according to how well they meet your goals. Enjoy the process.

Find study abroad scholarships for internships.