There are so many reasons to intern abroad with if i could… You get the chance to make a difference in the lives of others, meet new people, experience new cultures and explore fabulous destinations and most importantly, gain valuable work experience.
Making the transition from the classroom to your career can be daunting at times. But an international internship can help make the switch easier.
An international internship is a great way of gaining experience in your chosen field and putting your skills into practice, whilst getting a taste of full-time employment. Doing an internship abroad is also a way of proving your ability to work under pressure and to perform under more challenging circumstances.
Your experience abroad will also give you a new, unique perspective by introducing you to different cultures and allowing you to learn from this.
Reasons to intern abroad
To help you take the plunge into an international internship, we’ve listed 6 top reasons to intern abroad with if i could…
1. International experience
Amy Lee, Coordinator for Simon Fraser University Co-Op in Vancouver, Canada says that “local employers value international experience because companies are becoming more international.”
By listing an internship abroad in your resume, you ensure that you stand out amongst your peers. Employers also look out for diversity and interesting work experiences on your resume. They notice time spent interning or volunteering in a third world country and this can add real value to your resume and makes you a more ‘interesting’ and worldly candidate for potential employers.
2. Networking opportunities
By living and working in a different, foreign country, you add valuable contacts to your network. Understanding business culture around the world is a highly valued trait which enhances interpersonal and communication skills.
Other than work colleagues, you also have the opportunity to make new friends from many different countries. You get the chance to learn a new language, develop new skills and make memories while you intern abroad.
3. A new perspective
Moving to a different country will broaden your horizons. During your internship, you will be exposed to some of the social and economic challenges people face. This will undoubtedly change the way you look at the world. You will develop compassion, maturity and a deep appreciation of diversity.
“There is no better way to build your confidence as a social development practitioner than getting involved in community work at the grassroots level. Spending time with a nonprofit or charity in New Delhi, Hanoi, Athens or Cape Town presents a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and into another reality entirely and to truly experience the reality of many people who live in challenging circumstances.
This builds compassion, resilience, problem-solving and empathy. We encourage all our interns who sign up with if i could… that these life-changing experiences will really help shape their careers and change perspectives in a positive, meaningful way,” says Lindy Briginshaw, Director of Development Works Changemakers, and founder of if i could…
4. Weekends and holidays are so much more interesting!
Want to hike up Lion’s Head in the morning and spend the afternoon relaxing on Clifton’s sandy beaches? In Cape Town, you can do just that. Or, if you’re more culturally inclined, New Delhi has a myriad of festivals throughout the year, with temples and monuments just a day trip away.
Fancy a trip to the famous, iconic Taj Mahal and watch the sun set over the Ganges? Or how about enjoying time out in Goa or on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala?
Greece offers stunning warm beaches and cosy, private islands along with the iconic monuments of Athens.
Otherwise, experience Hanoi with its fascinating Asian influence, delicious food and friendly Vietnamese people to experience true diversity and hospitality.
There are so many choices and some amazing travel opportunities and we cannot wait to plan your trip with you! Our team will help with cultural outings and excursions so you can experience a city and get off the beaten track. Let’s work on ticking another country off your bucket list!
5. Making a difference
With internships in Cape Town, Hanoi, Athens and New Delhi, the if i could… programme is your gateway to a meaningful experience abroad.
In addition to experiencing the history and culture of these four beautiful cities you also have the chance to make a difference in the lives of those others.
6. In-country support
We offer an extensive orientation to make sure you are well settled in your new city. We also offer accommodation assistance to help you find your home-away-from-home. Learn a new language with our Xhosa, Vietnamese, Greek or Hindi classes and meet our other interns and experience a new city.
Our applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Find out more about if i could… and apply to intern in 2020. We would love to hear from you!
