Why Intern Abroad
Why Work Abroad
An international internship and you ... what could be a more perfect match?
The benefits of an international internship program impact every part of your life – professionally, academically, and personally. When you intern abroad, you’ll not only gain real-world work experience in an industry you’re passionate about, but you'll also expand your global network, develop valuable skills, and earn on-the-job training that will round out your resume to help you stand out in today’s increasingly globalized and competitive job market.
The Top 4 Benefits of International Internships
Benefit #1: Gain Valuable Work Experience
One of the most coveted benefits of intern abroad programs is receiving on-the-job training in an industry you’re interested in. CIEE Study Abroad offers internship placements across 17+ essential industries including:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
- Business Management and Administration
- Consumer Goods and Retail
- Education and Training
- Finance
- Government and Public Administration
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
- Manufacturing
- Marketing, Sales, and Service
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
The valuable real-world work experience you gain in these industries will teach you cross-cultural work practices, the expectations of various roles within an organization, how different countries and regions operate, and more.
Benefit #2: Expand Your Global Professional Network
When you study and intern abroad, you have the opportunity to connect with people you likely would not have met otherwise, including locals, other students, CIEE staff, and international professionals. Networking and making connections with employers and colleagues around the world will expand your global network, which could lead to future job opportunities, references, and more.
Benefit #3: Enhance Your Resume
International internship programs look fantastic on a resume; trust us on this! Not only does international work experience demonstrate to future employers that you’re highly adaptable, but it also exemplifies the essential skills needed in today’s workforce like:
- Cross-cultural communication
- Problem-solving
- A nuanced global perspective
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Resilience and stress management
- Cultural intelligence
Benefit #4: Gain Confidence and Independence
On a personal level, the best intern abroad programs challenge your independence and push you outside of your comfort zone. At CIEE Study Abroad, our international internships put you in the center of it all: In a new environment where you need to navigate your host city while absorbing information quickly, learning how to adapt and problem-solve, communicating with others who may not speak English, and more.
From your first day abroad until the day you head home, you’ll gain scores of confidence and independence that will be noticeable to those who know you ... and to yourself.
How CIEE International Internships Stack Up
95%
of CIEE alums use the intercultural skills developed abroad in a professional setting
79%
of CIEE alums built skills relevant to their careers
73%
of CIEE alums made progress toward their career goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, international internships are absolutely worth it! Whether you explore international law internships, international business internships, or an international politics internship, gaining real-world work experience in another country helps you:
- Gain global on-the-job training
- Establish a valuable global employer network
- Travel abroad
- Gain cultural experiences
- Earn credits toward your degree
To end your international internship with the most valuable outcome possible, follow these tips:
- Set clear goals for yourself: Define the specific skills, knowledge, and/or career insights you’re interested in gaining abroad
- Seek out networking opportunities: Don’t be shy; introduce yourself to anyone and everyone you meet abroad and make those connections in real-life and on professional social media networking platforms, like LinkedIn, to stay connected
- Seek feedback and constructive criticism: Ask your team abroad for feedback on your work performance and areas for improvement so you can improve your skills
- Document your experience abroad: Whether you keep a journal or share your experience on social media, keep track of your accomplishments and reflect on your challenges, experiences, and time abroad
Study abroad and international internship programs are equally rewarding; one is really no better than the other. Choosing between the two is completely subjective and a personal decision.
On the one hand, study abroad programs are ideal for students seeking fully immersive cultural experiences while exclusively earning credits toward their degrees. On the other hand, international internships are designed for students who want to earn academic credits while gaining practical real-world work experiences in an international business, company, or organization.
To determine the right fit for you, think about your goals and compare our programs!
Your Internship Abroad Journey Starts Here
How to Intern Abroad
Learn how to find the right CIEE international internship program for your academic and professional goals.
Follow the CIEE Application Guidelines
Follow our step-by-step application process and eligibility guidelines to apply to a CIEE internship program and get on your way!
Follow CIEE’s Personal Placement Process
From your pre-placement meeting to your pre-departure orientation, learn every step of our placement process to set yourself up for success.