Increase Your Chances of an International Internship Today!

Joining the ranks of the international working community is something that can be started before leaving your home country. Luckily school just started and it’s the perfect time to begin preparing for an international internship. Being an expatriate quite often encompasses having a curiosity for international topics such as politics, culture or language. Bearing that in mind, this semester increase your chances of scoring an international internship by exploring those curiosities and adding them to your resume. Multi-national companies are always looking for people that have an affinity to an international life and working culture.

These 7 suggestions are the perfect ways to jump start your marketability on the international scene this semester.

1. Get a passport.
As basic as having a passport may sound, only 34% of Americans have a passport. If you are planning to do an international internship, begin preparing the most important document in order to travel abroad. Getting a passport can take anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks. Visit your local courthouse to get a hard copy of the paperwork or simply process online at the United States Immigration Support.
Bonus: The earlier you do this, the less you have to worry about it. Plus if you need a special visa for your internship program, you will already be half-way there by having a passport.

2. Join an international club at school.
This is a great way to start exposing yourself to an international community while still at home. Because of the international membership of these clubs, it is the closest assimilation of being an expatriate. This will help to broaden your cultural perspective as well as to expose you to new ways of thinking.
Bonus: Network with internationally minded individuals who may have connections abroad.

3. Seek out someone who has already done either an international internship or had an international career.
The best way to learn about an international internship or career is through the power of asking questions. Use your schools’ career office resources to identify which professors, alumni or outside professionals would be good to have an informational interview with. The benefit of doing an informational interview is the ability to have a one-on-one session with someone who may be a gatekeeper for an international internship opportunity.
Bonus: Building your international network before leaving for your internship.

4. Determine which country and companies have the best suited internships for your area of study.
Choosing the right country and company for you international internship is integral for a good experience abroad. Start conducting your research now about where you would like to live and work. Remember to factor in the work and cultural differences in your assessment of an international internship. Depending on the company or program, the deadlines are dated 6 months ahead. It would be wise to start planning now in order to give yourself the best opportunity possible.
Bonus: Knowing what you want earlier than later increases your chances of getting the internship you really want. Who wouldn’t want to work and surf in Sydney?

5. Start learning a new language or increasing your proficiency in a given language.
Your most powerful asset while living abroad is your ability to communicate in the language of the host country. While certainly not necessary, it is a great way to navigate the country as a more seasoned temporary resident.
Bonus: Most multi-national companies look more favorably on individuals who speak more than one language. It adds to your international marketability.

6. Visit the international center for more information about programs offered through your school.
You know that building that you are not quite sure who goes in it but you always see people coming out of it and it says “International Center”? That’s where you need to go this semester. The staff is always willing to help point you in the right direction for an international internship.
Bonus: The staff has hindsight over the programs and internship opportunities that would give you the best experience.

7. Connect with international professionals through sites like LinkedIn, InterNations.org or Expatica.
Your online network is just as valuable as your offline network. Use these social networking sites to build connections with professionals in multi-national companies that interest you. Not only are the connections valuable, but you can also start building your international professional credibility to a wider range of people.
Bonus: By focusing on building your international marketability through your language skills, international clubs and other activities, you increase your likelihoodof being chosen as an international internship candidate.

Creating your international personal brand helps you get one step close to the international internship or career of your dreams. These are just some ways to begin that process. Experiencing working abroad is a truly enlightening adventure. Gaining momentum before your time abroad makes it that much more exciting. Get started today!