Tuesday, October 27, 2009

International Interns

Hola! Aloha! Namaste! Salem! Yia Sou! Bonjour! Jambo! Goedendag, Internees!

As you are aware, internships are important!
And there are plenty opportunities to go around here in the United States.
But there are more...
Look at the map below. Ever see yourself traveling to England? Iceland? Austria?

Internees, I'll tell you what.
There are an estimated 195 countries in the world. That is 195 different places to visit, work and experience!
But you're worried, nervous.
You've never been out of the country.
You can't speak a foreign language.
You don't even know what Haggis is.
NO WORRIES, internees! Here are some helpful tips for interning overseas and websites that can assist you in furthering your work experience abroad!

  • To find an internship, check out StudyAbroad.com. Here they offer featured programs and highlights, as well as a search engine that let's you choose which country you would like to intern.


  • International Internships or Transitions Abroad offers tips on where to look for opportunities, links to these sites and lists International Organizations, such as government, that you may also want to consider interning with.


  • If you'd rather see something in print, your university should offer a study abroad program or office where you can find information by the tons.

Now you have found your dream internship overseas. So what is next?


  1. GET YOUR PASSPORT!


  2. (Enter language here) to English Translation Dictionary - These helpful lil' guys are your bible while you will be interning. You can find these translation dictionaries on Amazon, Half, or at your local Barnes & Noble. They give you every word you will ever need and some even offer full phrases to help you. (There are also electronic ones!)


  3. READ UP! - Google your little heart out, about your country! What are some do's and don't's in the city? What is polite and impolite? What cities are close by? Don't be afraid to be ahead of the game! MapQuest has international maps, which would be excellent to look at before you go. ASK ALICE TIP: Find the closest McDonald's. Remember, they are everywhere. Just in case.


  4. Home Sweet Home - If you are not staying on a university campus, continue corresponding with the host family you will be staying with. Learn about what they like or don't like, get to know them and let them get to know you. Host families, if you do not know, are families that open their homes to students who are studying abroad. Rather than paying for a hotel, you are able to stay in their homes with their family. Consider it your international home, away from home.


  5. You PACK IT UP. - What will the weather be, what season is it? Will you need electronics? Can you bring your computer? Are you able to bring more than one bag? Can you buy school supplies there? What's the currency exchange?! Keep these questions in mind while you are packing. A great organizational tip is to make a LIST. And trust me, one list, is never enough.

Still struggling and need more advice on how to prepare? Amherst College gives a great summary of what to expect and how to prepare for an overseas internship. Also, the amount of knowledge and advice at Intern Abroad can help you, not only find an international internship, but will assist you while you are abroad!

Internee! Are you still not convinced? You know internships are AWESOME but you're skeptical on the whole overseas, different country thing? Life Changing Travel has a great article on how an overseas internship can boost your career prospects and also the benefits of an international internship.

So, internee, as per Stephen Stills' song "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes", WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?
Plus, a little information never hurt anyone! Check out international internships!

Gelukkig interneren! Interner heureux! Glucklicher absolviert ein prakikt! Interning feliz! Or just, happy interning!!

Love, Alice

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