Internships are an essential segway into the working world. By doing an internship, you are able to see what elements of your career you feel especially passionate about before committing yourself to a full time job. What better way to add career experience to your belt than by doing an international internship in a foreign country? Not only do you reap the benefits of working in your topic of study, but you also experience living in a new country. The best part is, the world is your playground for international internships. So why exactly do an internship abroad rather than one in your home country? Here are 10 reasons tobuy an international ticket to a new career opportunity.
10 Reasons for doing an international internship
1. International internships stand out on your resume.
When you start applying for jobs, you won’t be the only one in your class interested in working at Google. Doing an international internship distinguishes you automatically from your classmates. Not only do you have work experience, you also have a deeper cultural understanding of business in your host country.
2. International internships do not have a limit on the amount of your time.
Unlike when you study abroad, international internship can be arranged during any point of the year for the duration that is best suited to your schedule. This makes it possible for you to gain international experience even if you have other responsibilities, financial obligations or specific degree schedules that limit the time and resources you can devote to world travel.
3. Immerse yourself in a new country, culture and language.
As an international intern, you will be immersed in your host country on a much deeper level than even a study-abroad program can provide. Being in a work setting in a foreign country provides you with insight into their cultural business practices. You may also benefit from refining your language skills or learning a new language that will make you more marketable when you return home.
4. Gain transferable skills for your resume and future job hunt.
Employers want to hire people that are able to utilize the lessons from previous work experiences and apply them to their current job. As in an international intern, you will be faced with challenges everyday pertaining to communication barriers, creative problem-solving and understanding various points of view from a cultural perspective. By facing these challenges abroad, you will be able to fine tune your transferable skills and sell any employer on your benefits.
5. Receive academic credit.
Many times you can utilize your internship work experience for class credit. Before you leave to your international internship, check with your advisor to see if you are eligible for credit.
6. Meet new people from other countries and expand your global network.
In a book called, “Never Eat Alone”, the author Keith Ferrazzi drills the concept that “your network is your networth”. It is important that as you build your career, regardless of whether it is an international career, you build a circle of mentors, contacts and friends. You never know when you may be able to help them or they may be able to help you.
7. Improve your language skills and maybe even learn a new language.
The languages that you speak are a benefit to you and your future employer. Use your international internship as a vehicle to improve your proficiency. Remember, the world is becoming flatter by the day. Communication is key in your career and knowing various languages makes you more marketable.
8. Jump start your full time job search.
Employers like to hire from within. Through an international internship with a particular company or organization, you will familiarize yourself with their business practices and processes. Often times, employers will hire those people who know their business firsthand.
9. Develop a global perspective and understanding.
You will gain a much broader view of what is happening in the world around you. This will help you to look at new challenges in a different light and solve problems from a different perspective.
10. It’s an experience that you will never forget!
This is the most important part. The people you meet; the foods you eat; the pictures you take; the lessons that you learn; all add to your experience of living and working in a new country.
Here are a variety of international internship opportunities available based on your level of interest.
* Undergraduate Internships
* Graduate Internships
* Post Graduate Internships
* Study Abroad Internships
* Volunteer Internship Programs
* Direct Internships with International Organizations
* Internship Programs and Exchanges
For more information about international internships, go to http://www.goinglobal.com/.
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