The Best of Both Worlds: Interning While Studying Abroad

Friday, February 5, 2010

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been accepted into your school’s study abroad program or are considering taking the leap. But before you pack up your suitcase, enjoy your last authentic McDonald’s cheeseburger and bid bon voyage to the land of the free and home of Bradley Cooper, consider one last addition to your to-do list: finding an internship. Her Campus writer Gennifer told us in five steps how to land a summer internship, but what if you want to do one while abroad? HC gives you the low-down on how you should go about deciding if an international internship is right for you and if so, how you can truly get the best of both worlds.

Why participate in an internship abroad?

Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues not necessarily found in textbooks.
Cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world.
Ease transition from being a student to entering the workforce.
Increase self-confidence in the workplace and develop an expanded network of associates and professionals.
Have hands-on opportunities to work with equipment and technology that may not be available on campus.
Evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing to full-time employment—a “try before you buy” type experience.
Learning a new language or brushing up on the language skills you already have!
Immersing yourself in an entirely new culture. University of Connecticut Program Specialist Lisa McAdam Donegan says, “When you combine an internship with study abroad you get a much more complete package of educational enhancement. You are able to become more acclimated into the culture and develop deep relationships.”
Connecting with the native residents on both a personal and professional level. Vassar College student, Marie Dugo, studied abroad in London during the Fall 2009 semester. Through interning at Solar Associates, a media arts consultancy that works with artists to help bring their art to the public, Dugo highly recommends an internship while abroad as it enables you to “connect with indigenous residents of the country you are visiting who also happen to share your career interests and have a lot of wisdom to bestow.”

According to the University of Connecticut’s Study Abroad Center, there are three important questions to consider before deciding if an internship while studying abroad is right for you.

Are you willing to put in the time and effort into finding this opportunity and completing the required paperwork (visas, passports, etc.) to make this study abroad dream a reality?
It is important to know that deciding to do an internship abroad takes planning ahead. Not only will finding an internship likely be trickier, but prospective applicants should be prepared to do a little extra work. This may entail taking steps to obtain appropriate visas and work permits, arranging special travel plans, getting a passport, and getting certain immunizations (depending where you are traveling), among others. Your abroad program should tell you specifics such as immunizations that are required, but you can get ahead of the game by applying for a passport here.
Will you be earning academic credit for your internship?

Most internships require that you earn academic credit. If you are able to receive credit, who will be giving you the credit and who will be responsible for evaluating your internship experience? It is also imperative to find out if you need to find a faculty member (whether it is abroad, in the states, or both) who will supervise your experience and can attest to your work. Find out if communication will need to be made with a supervisor at your school in the states and how it will be maintained (via e-mail, telephone, etc.). Contact your school’s study abroad office or look on its website to learn your school’s specific policies.

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About Taylor Trudon

Biography

Taylor Trudon (University of Connecticut ’11) is a Journalism major originally from East Lyme, Connecticut. At UConn, she is Commentary Editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Campus, a Big Sister in the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and is a proud two-time 2009 and 2010 recipient of the New York Women in Communications Scholarship. This year, Taylor is thrilled to launch UConn TOMS Shoes which is an organization that provides shoes to children in need. In the past, she has contributed to CosmoGIRL! Magazine and recently completed a summer internship with Hartford Magazine. When she’s not writing or editing, Taylor can be found reading, watching episodes of The Office, eating apples with peanut butter, or cruising along the Connecticut River on her family’s boat. After college, Taylor aspires to pursue a career in magazine journalism while living in New York City.