Tips Finding Internships Abroad

An internship abroad can help you improve your English, give you experience in your field, and provide a closer look at working life. You like the idea, but you don’t know where to start? We recommend spending seven days on your internship project, taking one step each day. We are not promising that you will have your dream internship in a week, but in that time you should have a clear picture of which programs can help you, where you might find an employer, and how you should apply.

Day 1: Ask Yourself

An internship is a real job. Companies invest time and money in every intern, whether or not they pay them a salary. So think not only about what you want, but also about what you can offer an employer. You can ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I want to achieve? Think about what kind of job experience will help your career.
• What do I have to offer? Make a list of your skills. Be specific, and include personality traits such as “enjoy talking to people.” Think about how these will benefit an employer.
• Where do I want to go? Choose an English-speaking country, or a country where English is widely used for communication. An alternative is to work for an international organization, such as the United Nations or a charity.

Day 2: Ask the Experts

Start your search with organizations that place candidates in internships abroad. Many of these organizations can also offer financial aid.

• The largest student-run organization for global exchange, AIESEC, places students in management, development and technical internships worldwide. Sebastian Ruckes, who works for AIESEC’s German national committee in Bonn, says interns are selected carefully. “We look for people who are really interested in other countries, not just in collecting a letter of reference from a foreign firm.”
• The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) places interns in technical and scientific jobs in other countries.
• ThirdYearAbroad.com is another great example of a brilliant resource for university students looking for internships abroad.

Day 3: Do It Yourself

If you have to find an internship on your own, start looking for contacts in a specific country. You can also collect information on living and working there. You will have to be creative in your search and show a lot of initiave.

• At a cultural institution, such as The British Council which provides a list of language schools offering English plus work experience, as well as addresses of national trade association in the U.K.
• Chambers of commerce may provide an address list of local firms (sometimes for a fee) or other help.
• Embassies and consulates provide details on visas and work permits. Their Websites usually have information sheets to download or links to national or international groups that place interns or offer visa sponsorship.

Day 4: Find a Firm

Today, find out which companies are looking for interns. Look at firms online first, then if possible, in person.

• Open positions can be found on international internship sites such as studyabroad.com or gooverseas.com
• Make use of online job search sites such as Monster or Indeed.
• Make use of the social media platforms – LinkedIn and Twitter are both particularly useful for internship-hunting. Follow and connect with HR/hiring managers, drop them a quick message outlining what you are looking for and ask whether they can help.
• Internship openings can be found directly on company Websites. Find out whether you should apply to the company in your country, or directly to the foreign branch. Candidates may have more success if they first get to know the firm as an intern locally because the firm may then actively help place the candidate in a second internship abroad.
• The personal touch can make a big difference. Make it your goal to meet company employees at a job fair or recruiting event. Be sure to prepare before you go.

Day 5: Phone a Friend

According to a saying, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”  So today is the day to start networking, that is, building up your personal contacts. Remember also that employers ofter prefer candidates who have been recommended by someone they know.

• Tell everyone you can think of that you are looking for an internship abroad. This includes parents, friends, neighbors, and teachers. Ask them whether they know someone in the industry or country where you would like to work.
• Contact those people and ask whether their firms employ interns.
• Look for a club or group that encourages contact between countries. You might also try to make contacts through an online networking site such as LinkedIn.

Day 6: Present Yourself

Now it’s time to think about how to present yourself whether online, in writing, or on the phone.

• What is the best way to apply for an internship? Many companies prefer online applications from candidates. “We rarely accept anything other than electronic mail with attached resumes and cover letter,” says Robert Trzebski, who hires interns at Polyglot, a human resources and recruitment firm in Sydney. Some companies have standard electronic forms to fill out. Make sure you fill out the form exactly as requested.
• Start preparing your cover letter and resume (or CV). As you write, use the style that is standard for that country. If you have visa sponsorship, mention it in your cover letter. Employers will be happy to know they don’t have to deal with this.

Day 7: Plan for Success

Use this day for planning how to make the experience a good one. A successful internship can be the key to a successful career.

• Learn as much as you can about the company. “There is no better way to get to know each other,” says Christine Maria Hermeling, assistant director of human resources marketing at Deutsche Post World Net in Bonn.
• Use the experience to examine your career goals and where you want to see yourself in the future.