A paid internship abroad will look great on your CV, whether you’re about to start university, are in the middle of your studies or have just graduated.
It’s a great way to gain experience, get to know another country’s work culture and even learn a new language. Before you embark on your adventure, you need to consider a few things: when should you go abroad?
How do you decide where to go and for how long? More and more Spanish students are choosing to do an internship abroad, so don’t be left behind and take advantage of this opportunity! To learn more about this, don’t miss this guide.
1. Decide when to do your internship
Before deciding where to do your internship, you should think about when is the best time. Here are three examples that can help you decide:
Before starting college
Once you’ve finished high school, you’ll have two to three months before you start university. An internship abroad is a great way to learn valuable skills before you start your university studies and will make your CV stand out.
Halfway through your studies at university
More than 80% of internship offers published in 2018 require interns to have a degree or to be at least pursuing one.
After starting your university studies, you will be able to offer tangible skills to companies and you will have a clearer idea of the fields that interest you.
After finishing college
Many Spanish students take advantage of the opportunity to do an internship right after finishing their degree. This is a perfect time to take on a challenge and get started in the world of work.
Finding a job straight after finishing your degree can be difficult, so an internship is a great way to take the first step in your professional career.
The best time to do an internship depends on your availability. You probably won’t have much university work to do in the summer months, so you could spend 6-8 weeks abroad.
2. Find the type of internship that suits you best
There are all kinds of internships abroad: for graduates without professional experience, university internships, vocational training internships or training for employment.
They also vary depending on the amount of the grant, whether they are intended for students or graduates or whether they offer language courses to their participants.
Below is a list of paid internships abroad that will enhance your CV and give your career a boost:
- ICEX Scholarships: These ICEX Business Internationalisation Scholarships aim to provide young Spaniards with employment abroad and to establish Spanish companies in the world. Participants will initially receive theoretical training by completing an MBA in International Management and then obtain an internship through the Network of Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassies abroad.
- Fulbright: These are some of the most prestigious scholarships in the world for those who want to work abroad. In addition to internships, you can find work as a teacher, receive financial aid for postgraduate studies or participate in research programs. This is a unique opportunity for those looking to gain international experience.
- Eurodisea: Young people aged 18 to 30 can take part in this exchange programme run by the Assembly of European Regions (ARE) to work in a large number of organisations and companies. It lasts 3 to 7 months and includes language courses in the country to which one decides to move.
- Vulcanus Scholarships: These are aimed at engineering or science students from the European Union who want to discover Japan. In addition to internships in Japanese companies, this type of scholarship includes programs to learn the language or get to know the culture or come into contact with the advanced technologies used in Japanese industry.
- Arquia Scholarships: Architecture students and young graduates can apply for these internships to work in architectural studios throughout Europe.
- Erasmus Mundus Young Entrepreneurs: These scholarships are aimed at new entrepreneurs and people who want to start a business and the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs who run small businesses in other participating countries.
- AIESEC: With this non-profit organization, you can do paid internships in different countries if you are between 18 and 30 years old. The amount of the grant varies depending on the destination country of the internship, which lasts from 2 to 17 months. The selection criteria depend on the sector in which you want to do the internship.
- IAESTE: Student association that arranges internships and placements in companies in various countries to gain valuable work experience abroad.
3. Decide the duration of your international internship
4 weeks
In 2018, a large proportion of Spanish students opted to do internships for at least four weeks. This would be the minimum duration to have time to settle in and meet people, and it does not require you to commit to a long stay abroad.
2 months
If you want to take advantage of Erasmus+ grants to do your internship abroad, the minimum duration is two months.
9 months
According to some studies, it takes around seven months to learn a new language. Therefore, a longer internship is perfect if you want to hone your language skills.
However, for a long-term internship, you will have to plan things better and take a gap year in the middle of your studies or wait until you finish your degree.
4. Decide where to do an internship abroad
Once you’ve decided when to go, it’s time to choose your internship destination. Here are some of the best countries to do your internship:
Germany
Although learning German is not an easy task, it is always very useful and will add a quality plus to your CV. Take advantage of an internship in a German-speaking country to gain valuable language skills for your future. If you don’t feel like learning German, all is not lost.
There are many companies that offer internships in English. On this portal you will find the information you need to find an internship tailored to your needs.
USA
Obtaining a visa for the USA is quite difficult, but interns can benefit from the J1 Visa Program to enter the country. There are many job opportunities in the United States, including those offered by Internship USA.
These types of internships last a maximum of 18 months and are a great option to improve your English and start your career on the right foot. Travelingua will help you both find the internship that best suits your needs and manage the visa required to live in the USA.
China
China is set to become the world’s largest economic power by 2050. Doing a paid internship in this country could give you an edge over others when it comes to finding work in the future, as it will allow you to stand out thanks to the cultural and language skills you can acquire and the network of contacts you establish during your time there.
There are plenty of portals like China Internship Placements that will give you the push you need to take the plunge.
France
France’s labour laws are set up to benefit workers. This means that even interns are legally entitled to a minimum monthly salary of €554.
There you can do internships such as the International Volunteering in Companies (VIE), an international mobility programme for young people aged 18 to 28 from countries in the European Union lasting 6 to 24 months. There are many portals such as Interlink to find internships throughout the country.
5. Prepare your student CV to apply for an internship abroad
A CV is an essential document when applying for an internship abroad, so it’s important to make sure yours is excellent.
First of all, make sure that your CV matches the standard format of the country in question. For example, in Germany it is common for applicants to submit their application in a folder containing the following:
- A detailed CV with a photo.
- References for each job and internship they have completed.
If you need help, contact your university’s careers counseling service: many offer CV review services and are experts in what employers are looking for.Regardless of the country, here are some important tips:
- Make sure your CV is impeccable in terms of spelling and grammar.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to the internship and the corresponding company.
- Stand out from the crowd. Do you love languages, international environments and new experiences? Tell your potential employers about it!
- Prepare your first day of internship in advance.
6. Apply for internships in companies abroad
Have you already decided which company interests you?
We recommend that you follow this simple 6-step process:
- Please check their website to familiarize yourself with the details of their selection process.
- Prepare an appropriate cover letter and CV.
- Please send your CV and cover letter to the appropriate contact.
- If necessary, start preparing for any tests or interviews.
- Attend an interview, either in person or via Skype.
- If all goes well, you will have your internship!
Other useful tips when applying for internships in companies abroad:
- Please take note of the deadlines to avoid losing your internship due to having submitted your application too late.
- Be polite at all times: sending an email in a hurry or in a bad mood is not going to work in your favor.
- Sell yourself: Don’t be afraid to highlight your skills and accomplishments.
7. Interviews for paid internships in companies abroad
After you submit your application documents, the recruiters will likely want to interview you, either in person or via a video call service such as Skype or Zoom.
They will likely ask you questions about yourself and your studies, and also to check that you have informed yourself well about the company and the internship offer in question. But how can you make sure that the interview is a success?
Maintain a professional appearance, even on Skype.
Studies show that first impressions are made within the first seven seconds of meeting someone. Even if your interview is over Skype rather than in person, make sure you wear office-appropriate attire.
Show confidence in yourself.
Speak clearly, make eye contact with the interviewer, and sit up straight. In a recent study, 65% of interviewers agreed that they rejected candidates who didn’t look them in the eye.
Research, inform yourself and take notes.
The most common mistake made by 47% of candidates is not knowing enough about the company. Make a list of its key features and learn them.
8. Prepare before starting your paid internship abroad
You’ve landed your internship, but the preparation doesn’t end there! Now you have to consider three very important aspects:
Finance
Doing a paid internship abroad means you need to be able to manage your finances from another country, and sometimes in a different currency. An online bank account, such as the N26 bank account, will allow you to check your balance from anywhere in the world.
Visas
Depending on where you are going, you may need a visa to do your internship. It is important to plan this well in advance. For example, applying for a US visa can take up to 5 weeks.
Medical coverage
If you’re going somewhere more exotic, you may need to worry about additional medical requirements, such as vaccinations or purchasing more comprehensive health insurance.
Before going abroad to do your paid internship
You’ve opened your bank account , booked your flights and packed your suitcase… now all you need to do is get on the plane and start your internship!
Don’t forget to meet up with your friends and family, since you won’t be seeing them for a while, and make sure you get enough sleep so that you arrive at your destination feeling energized and ready to face new adventures.