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Types of International Internships
Before you apply for an international internship, it is vital that you have a clear understanding of the different types of international internships. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and some may be a better fit for your particular situation. Thus you will want to consider which one will best help you accomplish your long-term educational and career goals.
Study Abroad Internships
The first kind of international program are study abroad internships. These are usually coupled with an academic semester study abroad curriculum and can offer you the chance to learn about how another culture studies as well as how it does business. You will be placed in a position with a local business or organization, while at the same time taking academic courses that are credited for your degree.
The main benefit of this sort of internship is the ability to keep moving forward academically even as you are working. However, some find taking classes and working while adjusting to a foreign culture, particularly if the primary language of communication is not English, can be overwhelming. If this will be your first trip abroad, you may want to think very carefully before signing up for such a program. However, if you are a seasoned international traveler and are confident that you can hit the ground running, you may decide that such a program will make the most of your investment of time and travel money.
Volunteer Internship Programs
Another type of international internship is the volunteer internship. Rather than working with a for-profit business or a government organization, you will be working with groups of disadvantaged people, helping them pull themselves out of poverty.
However, you should not confuse it with strictly volunteering. A volunteer internship program usually places you in a program that relates directly to your field of concentration so that you will be using the skills you have been learning in the classroom. In addition, there will generally be some kind of academic component or discussion sessions by which you will have an opportunity to reflect upon how your hands-on work has both improved your skills and changed your perspectives of life and your place in society.
One example of this kind of volunteer program is Cross Cultural Solutions, which is a nonprofit organization that can place you on project sites in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and even Africa for duration of 3-12 weeks. You can choose a program that focuses on one of three major areas: education, health or social services. During the program, you get to work with their staff to discuss your learning goals from the program.
Direct Internships With International Organizations
Getting a direct internship from an international organization is similar to having one with a local organization. However, this kind of internship is usually the most difficult to identify because they are seldom part of a formal program. However, if you are looking for an economical international internship, then this option may be the way for you to go, since many of them will help pay your travel and lodging expenses, although they generally do not pay a wage.
Internship Programs and Exchanges
This kind of program is quite similar to a study abroad program; by the way it is conducted. The main difference however, is that your experience will be focused on hands-on work rather than the classroom. This kind of internship is usually managed by an international organization. It would typically require some kind of local participation with the exchange organization that maybe related to a specific field.
For people who find the prospect of searching for an international internship daunting, there are organizations that offer services such as placements abroad for internship positions, accommodation, and even cultural activities. However, most of these program providers charge a fee for the services they offer.
One example of an international internship exchange program would be The International Association for the Exchanges of Students with Technical Experience (IAESTE). This is an international organization that coordinates practical training exchange programs for local chapter members of more over 90 countries worldwide. However, to become a candidate for internship, you will need to be an active member of the local organization.
Now you know the different types of international internships, you can decide which one will work best for your particular situation. You may want to talk with a trusted advisor who has experience counseling people going on international internships in your field. You may also want to talk with people who have gone on international internships in the region you are considering.
