Are you interested in landing an internship? Have you come to realize that this is a great way to gain real life work experience, all while earning your degree? Although it can be difficult to land an internship, it’s good to know that there are thousands of opportunities available to you. This is particularly true if you are open to interning abroad.
This may be a big step in your young life, but it’s one that more students are taking advantage of. Not only does an internship abroad allow you to see a different side of the world, but it could also make you happier. Talk about the best of both worlds! According to a recent survey, traveling can make you happier – and that is something that every student is interested in.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the many ways traveling can make you happier:
It’s Exciting to Plan a Trip
It doesn’t matter if you are taking your first international trip or you have done this in the past, nothing changes the fact that the planning process can be exciting.
In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your trip, you’ll have a lot on your plate. From packing to booking your travel arrangements, there is no denying the fact that you will be busy.
Even so, the excitement that builds up to the day you take off is like none other.
See New Things
Forget about the cities and countries you will have the opportunity to visit in the future. Anytime you have the chance to see new things, it’s sure to put a smile on your face and some pep in your step. Before you leave for your internship, make a list of places you want to see while you are there. You may not have the opportunity to see them all, but at least you’ll have a list that can keep you on track.
For example, if you are interning in London, there are plenty of sights to see and things to do. People are happier when they are taking in new experiences. This will never be a problem when interning abroad. There is always something new for you to see.
Meet New People
In addition to the sights and sounds of your surroundings, an internship abroad gives you the chance to meet new people.
It all starts with your coworkers, but you don’t want to stop there. You can visit some of the many local hotspots, which provides the opportunity to meet people who are more familiar with the area.
Although your safety should always be the top priority, make it a habit to meet as many new people as you can. Some of these people will enter and exit your life quickly, but others may stick around forever.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to forge relationships with people who may be able to help you secure a permanent position in the country in the future. Some people intern abroad, just to find that they want to move to the area after they graduate. It’s nice to have connections that can help you out at that time.
A New Perspective on the Future
When you stay in your local area, you never give yourself the opportunity to learn more about the rest of the world. This doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be happy, but you may always wonder what else is out there.
When you intern abroad, you will gain a new perspective on the future. This will open your eyes, showing you that what you experience at home is only one side of the world.
There is nothing more exciting than thinking about the future, now that you have a different perspective.
After interning abroad, you may find that your personal and career goals are no longer the same. Your new perspective could change the path that you want to follow in the years to come (especially after you earn your degree).
Leave Your Problems at Home
Let’s face it: the “same old, same old” as a college student can begin to drag you down. At some point, you may feel the need to leave your problems behind and see what else the world has to offer. Rather than take time away from school, you can kill two birds with one stone by obtaining an internship abroad.
When it finally comes time to leave for your internship, leave your personal baggage behind. You have the opportunity for a fresh start, and you want to take full advantage.
Yes, it can be disappointing when your internship ends and you have to return home, but while you are gone you should really enjoy yourself.
Tips for a Happier Internship Abroad Experience
Landing an internship is easier said than done, but there are tips you can follow to make this happen when the time comes. Once you land your internship abroad, it’s time to prepare for the day when you’ll finally leave home.
Here are some of the many tips you can follow to improve your experience:
Keep an Open Mind
If you truly want to have fun while you travel, you need to keep an open mind.
You’ll be presented with many opportunities, and you should think long and hard before you turn them down.
Remember, traveling abroad is all about trying new things and making yourself happy. With an open mind, it’s much easier to get more out of this experience.
Stay in Touch with Family and Friends
When you leave your home base for an internship abroad, there’s a good chance you won’t see your family and friends for an extended period of time.
It’s only natural to miss the people you love. Fortunately, with today’s technology, you can stay in touch with these people while you are gone.
From instant messaging to video chat, there are ways to keep in contact. This is something that can help you have a more enjoyable experience.
Keep a Journal
It doesn’t matter if you do this with pen and paper or online, keeping a journal of your experience is a great way to add another layer of excitement to your trip.
Even better, when you finally return home, you can read through your journal as to relive the many great moments that you experienced.
Get Your Job Done
Yes, you are excited about being in a new place. And yes, you want to explore as often as possible. Just make sure you remember why you are there: To do an important job.
Your internship is the reason why you are able to travel abroad. This is why you should devote as much time as necessary to doing a good job for your employer.
Tip: When you choose an internship in a field that you enjoy, you never have to worry about it feeling like work. Instead, you’ll be excited about every day you spend on the job.
Make the most of your free time
As noted above, you need to do whatever it takes to impress your employer. You want to prove that they made the right decision in bringing you on as an intern.
When you have spare time, such as before or after work, you should take full advantage.
Sure, there may be days when you want to do nothing more than lounge around, but don’t waste too much time. You are in a new country, and there is a lot to see. Even if you don’t venture far from your new home base, it’s safe to say that you can find something unique to experience.
Conclusion
Success with an internship abroad means something different to everyone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to point yourself in the right direction.
There is nothing better than the thought of combining a great learning experience with traveling abroad. When you bring both of these things together, you’ll find yourself enjoying every minute of every day.
Traveling can definitely make you happier, so an internship abroad may be something to consider. Once you have the details in order, all that is left is to wait for your departure date to arrive. It will be here before you know it!
Do you have any experience with an internship abroad? What advice would you share with other students? Discuss your personal experience in the comment section below. You never know when something you say will help somebody else reach his or her goals!
