An internship for students abroad is an excellent opportunity not only to put the acquired knowledge into practice, but also to tighten their level of language. Some people think that getting this opportunity is not easy, but it depends on which program you choose.
Advantages and disadvantages
Internships for students abroad have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. What is worth noting of the benefits?
- Work experience abroad is highly appreciated not only among Russian employers, but also in other countries.
- You will increase your level of knowledge of a foreign language.
- Expand your circle of friends and make useful contacts.
- Learn the culture of another country.
- Get the opportunity to earn good money.
But internships for students abroad also have disadvantages:
- cost - of course, it is lower than full training at a foreign university, but still quite expensive (especially if it is a prestigious program);
- adaptation - it is very interesting to get acquainted with the culture of another country, but you will need to try to adapt more quickly to the peculiarities of local life so that this does not affect the quality of your work;
- You will have to work hard to prove yourself well.
Students believe that during the internship abroad they will have a lot of time to walk around the city and enjoy the sights. You will need to not only study the features of life in another country, but also work hard to get good reviews from the employer.
Country selection
Most students choose European countries for internships. One of their advantages is fast flights, which allows you to come home and see family and friends. In each country, a particular direction is best developed, and this also needs to be considered when choosing programs.
- Choosing an internship in Germany, you get the opportunity to work with leading companies in the world. Most often, practice takes place in the following areas: legislation, tourism, art, programming, business, architecture, culture and the environment.
- Italy is known for its achievements in the field of fashion and art. Therefore, there will be able to replenish their luggage of knowledge journalists, workers in the fields of cinema and business, hospitality and tourism, and other creative professions.
- In England, internship is very prestigious. Diplomas and certificates of English educational institutions are considered the standard of quality education. Most often there are internships in business and finance.
- France is an ideal place for students of creative specialties: photographers, fashion designers, writers. Well, and, of course, chefs and pastry chefs should definitely go there to practice.
- Practicing in China is becoming increasingly popular. This country is known for its rapid economic development. China offers quite a few internship options to study innovative technologies in various fields.
- Canada is great for combining work and study. This is an ideal country if you are a student in such areas as hospitality and tourism.
The opportunity to take an internship in one of these countries is a good contribution to your career. Employers appreciate employees who have completed internships abroad and received more recommendations.
Features of practice for medical professionals
There are internships for medical students abroad. Abroad, a doctor is a highly demanded profession, highly paid, but they also make quite high demands on specialists. In Russia, not all hospitals students can work with high-tech equipment. Also, the mentoring program in the modern industry is not very developed: doctors have a lot of work, so there is no way to pay much attention to interns.
The healthcare sector is highly developed in Europe, especially in Germany. Also, some of the best are specialists in Turkey and Israel. The internship of doctors abroad is very much in demand. Medical students will be able to get acquainted with the most modern diagnostic methods and technologies.
Varieties of programs
Internships for students abroad are of the following types:
- free;
- combination with training;
- paid;
- volunteer.
The first option is the most ideal for students. After all, this is not only an opportunity to put one’s knowledge into practice in another country and get acquainted with modern technologies and techniques for free, but also an opportunity to earn. But such programs do not include all specialties, but most of all hotel business and tourism.
Internship and work abroad is also a good option for students. There are such programs in England and Ireland. Students are trained in special courses, and then put the knowledge into practice.
If your specialty is not in demand, you will need to pay for an internship. The advantage of such practices is that they are in most countries, even for rare specialties.
Volunteer programs present a minimum of requirements for candidates. It is only necessary to consider that you can be sent to help not only residents of European countries, but also to the countries of the "third world". Volunteer programs are aimed at improving the quality of life and the environment.
Where the student internship will take place abroad (at the office, company or educational institution) depends on the host country. A variant of summer practice is also popular. This is a good opportunity not only to go to rest in another country, but also to gain work experience and improve the level of language. The program of summer internships of students abroad is not available in all companies and not in all specialties - this must be taken into account when choosing a program.
What are the requirements for candidates
To complete an internship abroad, you must meet the following requirements:
- be not younger than 18 years old and not older than 30;
- own a foreign language at a level not lower than average;
- There should be good academic performance;
- to be active and purposeful;
- be able to pay for an internship.
An additional bonus to the candidate will be his experience in the specialty. The student needs to prepare for the interview, they may also be offered to take a test to determine the level of language proficiency.
Necessary documents for an interview
In addition to meeting the necessary requirements, you also need to provide the following package of documents:
- a resume and a motivation letter in a foreign language explaining why you should take an internship;
- a document confirming your knowledge of the language of the country in which you are traveling;
- recommendations from teachers of your educational institution;
- certificate that you are a student;
- copy of passport.
If the commission decides that you are suitable, you will need to bring the necessary documents for the trip.
Documents for internship abroad
Each internship program abroad has its own list of required documents, which also depends on the country. Most often, you should make a translation into a foreign language of the necessary official papers. You also need to fill out the registration form of the program, provide certificates of criminal record and health status. The student draws up a passport and visa.
Cost
The cost of the internship depends on which program you have chosen and in which country you are taking it. The price also depends on the demand for your specialization. One of the most expensive internships is in Germany and England.
Therefore, most students choose the option of combining practice and work. Remuneration will depend on what company you got a job. So, in Greek travel companies are willing to pay good money to foreign specialists. Compensation in Europe, in comparison with the European one, seems small. But it is worth considering that there are relatively low prices for services and food. Therefore, the student’s income is quite high.
How to find a program
Some universities offer internship programs to their students. There are also companies that help candidates find the most suitable option. They help with paperwork and provide detailed information about the internship. Such companies cooperate either with certain countries or with a large number of them. But before you decide to use such services, check the availability of all necessary documents and certificates.
Paid internships abroad are a great opportunity for students not only to visit another country and expand their horizons, but also to work in leading companies. Employees who have been practicing in another country are in demand on the labor market and can apply for a high-paying position. If the student has proven himself in an internship, the employer can write him a letter of recommendation.
Internship abroad is a good foundation for your career. After all, education is one of the important components of success. Therefore, more and more students travel to other countries to gain invaluable experience not only in work but also in study.