By: Janie Kilby
There are few experiences more transformative than stepping outside your comfort zone, and interning abroad does just that, in the best possible way. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar cities, adapting to different work cultures, or simply ordering lunch in another language, the personal and professional growth you gain is unbeatable. As someone who’s taken the leap and completed an international internship, I can tell you that it is not just a resume booster, it’s a life experience that challenges and empowers you in the best possible way.
Why Intern Abroad?
For most students, internships are about gaining hands-on experience and making professional connections. Interning abroad offers all that, plus the bonus of cultural immersion. It’s one thing to work in your desired field, it’s another to do it while also learning how that field operates in a completely different part of the world. You wake up to new sounds, new languages, and new rhythms. You adapt, and through that adaptation, you grow
The Challenges are Real.
Of course, it’s not all Instagrammable sunsets and perfect cappuccinos. Interning abroad can be isolating at times, and the culture shock is very real. But each obstacle becomes part of your story. The moments that test your flexibility, humility, and openness. By the time you return home, you’ll not only have professional experience, but also a collection of stories that show you can handle just about anything.
Final Thoughts.
Interning abroad isn’t just about gaining experience in your field, it’s about experiencing life through a different lens. It’s about becoming adaptable, curious, globally aware, and more confident in your ability to navigate the unknown. So if you’re considering it, I encourage you to take the leap. The world is much bigger, and closer, than you think.
