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Finding and landing an international internship is both an exciting and overwhelming prospect. We have programs offered through colleges and universities, private groups offering internships selected specifically for their clients, and non-sponsored opportunities or ones we find ourselves.
- Where should I start?
Like with any internship or job, the FIRST step is to think through what you want from the experience. Dr. Mrim Boutla, an expert on international internships, recommends asking three questions:
- What IMPACT do I want to have?
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Start with thinking about what kind of connection you want to make. Helping women entrepreneurs? Distribute medicines? Learn about product development and distribution? Learn the language? Have fun and experience the culture.
- What COMMUNITY do I want to work with or for?
Think further than the country or even the city. Picture the every day setting. Is it an office space in a bustling downtown? A small village working with farmers? Working with one or two people or on a larger team? Though you might not have much control over the final destination, you can make it clear where you would be most comfortable.
- What SKILLS do I want to learn?
For liberal arts students it’s easier to land an internship in marketing, finance, sales and operations. If you are more focused in your studies look for an experience that matches those specific skills. Make a list of them and make sure the potential employer or placement agency knows what they are.
- Where should I look?
Once you have a general idea of what you want, the SECOND step is to set criteria that will help you know where to look.
- Cost
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Your budget will have a big impact on where you can travel and whether you can afford a program vs. going it alone. Other variables are time, visa and travel requirements, housing and health insurance. Managing these details are a big reason why organized programs are attractive.*
Note. If you’re looking for an “international experience” at lower cost, consider working in a diverse neighborhood in one of our larger U.S. cities.
- Nonprofit vs. For Profit?
It’s easier to land an internship in a nonprofit organization than a for-profit one, primarily because of the complications around compliance. An unpaid “volunteer” internship is easier for an organization to offer than one for credit.
- How do I find an international internship?
The THIRD STEP is to start looking. With criteria in hand, search for organizations and locations that fit the criteria set above. If they have internships listed, great, though often listings are posted as protocol after positions are filled. Finally, post what you are looking for specifically to your friends and family and on social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook and even Twitter. Others love to help but only if they know what you need help with.
For more career tips head over to morganjaffe.com.
More from The Intern Lady:
5 Tips for Locking Down A Federal Government Internship
Important Factors When Choosing an Internship
How to Leverage Your Internship
