10 Tips For Preparing For An Internship Abroad

By Victoria Robertson on December 6, 2014

This article is brought to you by Dream Careers, the largest global internship program for college students offering all-inclusive programs in 11 cities worldwide. To learn more about Dream Careers, please visit us at SummerInternships.com.

So you just scored an internship abroad: now what? Lucky for you, I have a few pointers to consider both pre-departure and while you are abroad.

Photo Via: http://culturalvistas.org

1. Passport:

If you don’t already, you will need to apply for a passport and possibly a visa depending on the location you are traveling to. You can check here to determine whether or not your host country requires a visa.

It is also smart to have a photocopy of your passport in a different location than the original in case the passport gets lost or stolen.

2. Insurance:

An important misstep students usually have when preparing for an internship abroad is forgetting to get travel insurance. While it may seem like a waste, travel insurance policies vary, and there may be a policy out there perfect for you so it’s certainly worth looking into.

Another insurance policy to look into is health insurance. While you’ll want to make sure you pack any prescriptions you may need while abroad, it’s also important to look into that extra coverage in case something happens while you’re abroad.

3. Accommodation:

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If your internship isn’t supplying you with a place to stay during the course of your work with them, this will be one of the first things you will want to look into before you leave.

Some students may have friends in the areas they are visiting they wish to stay with, but many students seek accommodations on their own. It’s important to stay alert to the area you are researching, and don’t pick the first place you see. Find a place that’s right for you and that you feel you will be safe in.

Here are some of the best sites out there for your intern abroad accommodation needs.

4. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings:

Most people choosing to intern abroad are picking a location they aren’t all that familiar with, if at all. Before leaving home, be sure to research extensively on the location you have chosen.

Know which areas to stay away from, where the closest grocery stores and hospitals are and even research some key spots you’ll want to visit during your free time. These are all important aspects of your surroundings that you should be at least somewhat familiar with before you leave.

5. Familiarize yourself with the company:

On this same note, it is also extremely important to familiarize yourself with the company you will be working for while abroad. Rather than going to a foreign country to work a foreign job, make these two unknowns as un-foreign as you possibly can.

Not only will you feel more comfortable working for them, but they will be thrilled you took the initiative to get to know the company a little bit better before even starting.

6. Familiarize yourself with the culture:

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If you are going to be around a culture you are unfamiliar with, it’s best to become acquainted with said culture’s customs. While this is mostly for your own experience, it can also be beneficial in regards to how you are perceived while abroad.

When acquainting yourself with a new culture, be aware that there are things the new culture may find offensive that is normal for your culture. For instance, many cultures believe women should be covered up, so if you’re a female and choose to wear a tank top in public while abroad, you could be offending some.

So when in doubt, research your host country’s culture and become familiar with their customs and what they may find offensive.

7. Finances:

If you are going to be working a paid internship, get in contact with the company before leaving to work out how you will be receiving payment. You will want to have this figured out before leaving so you don’t have paychecks sitting around available for others to steal.

Another thing to consider is the exchange rate for your spending money. If you plan on bringing money with you, but your country uses a different currency, it is probably best to exchange with a credit card at an ATM machine at the airport. However, you may want to exchange a small amount of money before even leaving just in case you need some emergency cash.

8. Vaccinations:

The last thing on your mind when you’re preparing for a job is getting shots, but making sure you have the proper vaccinations before leaving for your international experience is very important.

This website will tell you all the information you need in regards to vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.

9. Packing:

When packing for a trip of this magnitude, it’s important to know what you should be leaving behind and what you should be bringing with. The packing essentials vary based on the length of your internship as well as the accommodations you have chosen.

Also, make sure you pack anything you may need for your internship; you can get in contact with your company before leaving to verify any extras you will need to bring with you.

In addition, when packing always be sure to pack a first aid kit. It may sound ridiculous for an internship, but it’s important to be as safe as possible, and you never know when you may need it, especially if you are travelling by yourself.

10. Go in with an open mind:

Photo Via: http://www.gooverseas.com

While you are working abroad, be open to the possibilities that present themselves to you. Don’t stay shut in your apartment during the down time you have: embrace everything your host country has to offer.

While your main focus should be on the work at hand, don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. If the opportunity arises, explore your destination to the fullest: you will be more experienced not only in the work field, but also culturally.

So don’t be nervous to travel abroad: your internship is lucky to have you, and as long as you follow my tips, you’ll get there safe, sound and ready to work.

Looking for a top internship in an exciting city? Enroll in Dream Careers and guarantee yourself an internship and a fun summer in your choice of 11 cities globally. To visit our website, please click here.

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