Going abroad for an internship can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, but it's normal to feel a little nervous or intimidated about the process, especially if it's your first time. I know I certainly did when I decided to go abroad for my first internship. I had so many questions and concerns: What if I can't find a place to live? What if I don't understand the language or customs? What if I don't fit in or make any friends?
But despite my nerves, I knew that going abroad for an internship was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I wanted to gain valuable work experience in my field, improve my language skills, immerse myself in a new culture, and learn about the world in a way that simply wasn't possible by staying at home. So, I took a deep breath and started the process of preparing for my trip.
One of the things that made my journey abroad for an internship much easier and actually stress-free was going with island internships (that's also why I'm sharing my experiences now). It makes me wonder why other options don't offer this, but I did not have to apply for any position or do any job interview, Island Internships just guaranteed me an amazing internship at a beach resort that fits my preferences and study program perfectly after 1 consultation call with them. It's surprising how easy it was. Afterwards I got to meet my host company without the worries of having to prove myself because it was already guaranteed.
The team of Island Internships also provided me with all the info and resources I needed to prepare for my trip, including helping me find a place to live that actually ended up saving me money, guiding me through the process of getting my visa, and connecting me with language classes and cultural resources to help me feel more comfortable in my new surroundings.
When I first arrived at my internship on the island, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. But the team at island internships & the host company immediately made me feel welcome and supported. They checked in with me regularly to make sure I was adjusting well and offered advice and assistance whenever I needed it
One of the things I appreciated most about the program was the effort they made to connect me with other interns and local groups. I was able to make new friends and fully immerse myself in the culture. I remember trying new foods, joining local events and groups, and becoming really good friends with my neighbour's (some of them were also island interns). I spent hours chatting with them about their lives and culture, and it was such a rich and rewarding experience.
But the biggest challenge for me was stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new things. I was so used to my familiar surroundings and routine back home, so it was intimidating to be somewhere completely unfamiliar. However, I made an effort to be open to new experiences and it paid off. I took a weekend trip to a nearby island that was very local and didn't have many tourists. It was outside my comfort zone, but it ended up being one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my trip.
During my internship, I worked hard and took on additional responsibilities whenever I could. I made an effort to network with my colleagues and learn as much as possible. I also took advantage of any opportunities that came my way, whether it was a company event or a chance to work on a special project. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and I learned so much about myself and my career goals.
Looking back on my time abroad for an internship, I am so grateful for the opportunity and the experiences it provided. I gained valuable work experience in my field, improved my language skills, immersed myself in a new culture, and learned about the world in a way that simply wasn't possible by staying at home. It was a truly transformative experience, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
If you are considering to go abroad for an internship, I highly recommend doing it. It's a chance to gain valuable work experience, improve your language skills, immerse yourself in a new culture, and learn about the world in a way that simply isn't possible by staying at home.
If going abroad also seems intimidating at first (especially if it's your first time like me lol) or if you just want to make your life easy, I recommend going with Island Internships. I personally couldn't have done it without them at least.
Or let me put it this way: When I look back at it, I would not have wanted to do it all by myself if finding the perfect internship & preparing for travel can be this easy.
Going abroad for an internship is a big decision and it's important to feel confident and prepared. That's where Island Internships comes in. We have a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you find the right internship abroad. We take the time to understand your goals and preferences, and we work with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a smooth and successful experience.
Whether you're looking for an internship in a specific industry, or you're not sure where to start, with 300+ host companies and 750+ positions we'll find an internship for you that fits your needs and interests perfectly.
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