Gain professional experience and cultural understanding with an overseas internship in 2023.
There’s a compelling reason why interning in a foreign country is becoming increasingly common. Gaining appropriate international job experience early in your career will allow you to broaden your professional network, gain exposure to different markets, and improve your flexibility in the workplace.
Finding the right internship requires careful consideration of both your desired outcomes and your current situation. Here are ten top choices for 2023 internship locations. Each can help you become a better communicator across cultures, develop your language abilities, gain experience in a new place, and boost your professional profile.
Foreign internships have several advantages.
Having an international internship on your resume shows that you can work well under pressure and can adapt to various environments, both of which are highly valued by employers. According to a poll of graduates done by the Institute of overseas Education of Students, 93 percent of students who had completed an overseas internship were employed within 6 months of graduating, and 84 percent said they had gained valuable professional experience during their internship.
Interning abroad provides an excellent opportunity to learn about a new culture and expand your social and professional circles. You can test out life in a different country while gaining valuable job experience that will help you in your future profession.
Include your overseas internship on your CV to increase your chances of being hired.
Where should I intern abroad?
Choosing a location for your foreign internship is crucial. After all, it’s a crucial investment of your time and efforts because this location will begin shaping your professional competence, worldwide network, and region of concentration.
How to Choose an Internship Location:
- Avoid becoming emotionally invested in a place that doesn’t take interns with your passport (or makes the visa procedure exceedingly onerous) by making sure that location is one that welcomes international workers.
- If you want to obtain real-world experience in your chosen sector, your internship destination should be in a country where jobs in your industry and specialty are in demand. Move to a place where your field is recognized and thriving.
- If English is the only language you know, it may be difficult to complete an internship in a place where English is not widely spoken. Pick a place where the language barrier isn’t so great that it slows you down.
London, England is the premier location for the global financial industry.
Monthly expenses were between $2,000 and $2,500 (1,750 and 2,200 GBP).
Necessary visas: Most interns from outside the UK and EU will need a Temporary Work (tier-5) visa in order to lawfully intern in London.
When it comes to the creative industries, higher learning, the performing arts, the media, tourism, and international trade, London is unrivaled. Among the internships offered by Go Overseas, those in England were the second most desired in 2021. London also has the highest concentration of higher education institutions in Europe and is the most visited city in the world in terms of international arrivals.
London, being one of the world’s most culturally varied cities with an estimated 270 nationalities and 300 languages spoken, is an ideal location for a wanderlust-filled intern. You’ll be based in England, but you’ll have no trouble making international friends or contributing to an international team.
The Greater London Area is the most populous in all of Europe and a real financial hub. The possibilities for professional growth in businesses big and small are practically limitless in a country with a GDP of roughly a trillion dollars. The absence of a language barrier also makes it simpler for native English speakers to get work.
Further reading: tips-for-study-in-germany-2023
Travelers should visit Shanghai, China.
Anyone planning to intern in China must have a valid Business Visa (F-visa). Submit your application for the visa through the People’s Republic of China Consulate General online.
If you want to immerse yourself in the modern core of one of the world’s richest civilizations as an intern, go no further than Shanghai, one of the world’s fastest-developing cities and China’s largest city.
The tourist industry in Shanghai is the most successful in the world, per the World Travel & tourist Council. The Shanghai Stock Exchange is a major financial hub, ranking third in trading volume and sixth in market value among stock exchanges throughout the world. Shanghai is not only the most costly city in China proper, but also one of the most pricey in all of Asia. Shanghai is a great option for an internship in the travel and hospitality industries.
Over 35 million people call the greater Shanghai area home, making it the most populous urban area in the world. Seeing one of the world’s most important and prosperous cities firsthand is made possible by its massive proportions. The city has one of the world’s most cutting-edge transit networks and a skyline that blends the futuristic with culturally significant landmarks in the Pudong district.
However, many international organizations have their headquarters in Shanghai and provide internship opportunities to English speakers despite the language barrier. Many employers would value you more if you can demonstrate that you can succeed in a bilingual business setting.
Madrid, Spain is ideal for those seeking to become fluent in Spanish.
The typical monthly expense ranges between $1,200 and €1,500.
Necessary visas: Internships in the professional sector require foreign nationals to have either a Student Visa or a Residence Permit. Visit the website of the Spanish Consulate General to find out which visa applies to your situation and to submit an application.
The capital of Spain, Madrid, is known for its wide avenues, beautiful buildings, and priceless artworks. With 17 universities and 30 research facilities, Madrid is also a major financial and educational hub in Europe.
As the country with the second-most intern programs provided by providers on Go Overseas, Spain is a popular destination for those looking to gain international work experience. Also, many people who use Go Overseas choose to travel to Spain. According to Expatica, approximately 15% of Spain’s employment is comprised of international employees, thus these numbers aren’t surprising. After the internship is over, you’ll find it easy to settle in Spain and find work thanks to the country’s liberal visa and taxes policies.
The low prevalence of English throughout Spain makes it an attractive destination for interns who are simultaneously learning Spanish because they will be expected to do work in their second language (although English speakers will find plenty of internship options as well). Although the language barrier will increase the difficulty of your internship, learning the language and culture via immersion will increase its value.
Sydney, Australia is the best place to be if you're in the tech industry.
The typical monthly expense is between $2,000 and $2,500 (around $3,000 and $3,800 AUD).
The Working Holiday Visa Scheme makes it easy for foreign visitors to work legally in Australia for up to a year.
Hundreds of thousands of expatriates have made Australia one of their permanent homes because of the country’s attractive cities. Sydney is the economic hub of Australia, as it is the location of many of the country’s most successful corporations. It is the greatest city in Australia to look for an internship, as it is home to the headquarters of more than 75% of Australia’s banks.
Interning in Australia also has many benefits due to the country’s positive work culture. Casual dress is the norm in most workplaces, and a sense of humor is valued in both formal and informal settings. But don’t confuse a lighthearted atmosphere with laziness. Australians are known for their dedication to their work and their collaborative nature.
Also, you won’t have to worry about a language barrier because so many people in Australia are fluent in English.
Fashion capital of the world: New York, USA
The typical monthly expense is between $3,500 and $2,800.
Necessary visas: Internship visas, also known as J-1 visas, are required for foreign nationals planning to do an internship in New York. Even unpaid internships in the United States require employer sponsorship for this visa because of the way employment is defined there.
New York is often called the “financial capital of the world,” yet the city actually hosts a wide range of businesses. Internship possibilities with world-renowned artists and designers abound in cities with thriving theatrical and music scenes.
An internship that is completed successfully in New York City will look great on any résumé. New York City’s multinational population and fast-paced business climate will test and enrich your professional abilities. Interning in New York also provides unrivaled opportunity to expand your professional network.
Tokyo, Japan, is ideal for factories.
The typical monthly expenditures are around $1,700 (or 248,800 JPY).
Necessary visas: To intern in Japan, you’ll need a general visa that’s good for either one or two years.
Tokyo, the capital of one of the world’s most powerful countries, is a major cultural hub. The Japanese economy is a major player worldwide, particularly in the production of automobiles, electronic goods, and other high-tech products.
An internship in Tokyo will give you access to world-class work experience but will also present significant challenges. Expectations for your job’s quality will be high no matter what field you’re in because of how seriously the Japanese take their work culture.
Tokyo is home to the headquarters of a large number of multinational corporations and diplomatic missions. Minato-ku and Shibuya-ku are popular neighborhoods for foreign residents of Tokyo. While fluency in Japanese is certainly helpful for interns, Tokyo is a truly cosmopolitan city with many chances for English speakers.
Expect to be captivated, delighted, and challenged during your internship in Tokyo, regardless of whether you obtain an internship in English or Japanese.
The City of Arts and Lights: Paris, France
Non-European Union nationals need a visa to enter France, while the country does grant several specialized visas, such as the Student Trainee visa, which enables students to secure an internship or other professional work experience in France. Read up on French visa requirements at the source.
The GDP of France’s capital city, Paris, continues to account for one-third of the country’s total and ranks second in Europe, behind only London, as a prominent hub of fashion, the arts, and science.
The arts and fashion may be what really keep Parisians going, but the city’s economic engine is the service sector. Paris, ideally for French students and culture vultures, is not only a cultural mecca but also a thriving economic center.
Internships in France are tough to find, but knowing the language is a huge plus.
Architecture and style are greatest in Florence, Italy.
Visa requirements: University students can study or intern in Italy with a study or internship training visa. Check the visa requirements and apply on PAeSI.
Florence is a great place to intern abroad due to its inexpensive cost of living and vibrant culture. The city core is walkable and safe for tourists. Italy’s cultural capital is Florence, not Rome.
Florence’s economic development began in the Middle Ages and continues now. While traditional workshops still make leather items, jewelry, and art, Florence is now home to many international enterprises. Florence’s many historic structures fascinate architects and designers.
