Arcadia Australia

In today’s globalized world, more students are choosing to combine their studies with an international internship. It’s a smart move, not only for the workplace experience and cultural immersion, but also for the career-defining skills gained along the way.

Here’s a breakdown of essential skills students may expect to develop while conducting an Internship abroad, as I gained during my own experience living and undertaking an Internship in Mauritius for a year.

1. Cross-Cultural Communication:

One of the most immediate and valuable skills you’ll acquire is the ability to communicate across cultures. Whether you're interning in marketing for a multinational firm or administration tasks in a small not-for-profit organization, understanding cultural nuances is key. Learning how to interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds can help you navigate global business environments, making you more adaptable and culturally aware.

2. Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

Living in a new country, you’ll likely encounter situations that push you outside your comfort zone. From handling unexpected challenges at work to navigating public transportation in a foreign city, students abroad learn how to think on their feet. Stepping out from your normal environment allows you to solve real-world problems, and this experience is invaluable in building resilience and adaptability.

Pro Tip: Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can handle uncertainty and think critically in new environments. Your ability to tackle problems in a different country shows that you're flexible and solution-oriented.

3. Networking and Relationship Building:

Interning abroad is a fantastic opportunity to expand your global network. From classmates to coworkers and mentors, the relationships you form will be invaluable for future opportunities. Building international connections can open doors to new industries, markets, or even future job prospects. Keep your Linkedin profile active and be proactive in your placement, those connections will be a lifetime opportunity.

Networking Tip: Attend local events, conferences, or workshops whenever possible. Current Internship in Sydney student Philip Avallone, had the capacity to attend a conference in Melbourne during his placement. These secondary experiences can help you build relationships that extend beyond your immediate internship exposure.

4. Time Management and Work-Life Balance:

Juggling your academic commitments with an internship can be demanding, but it teaches excellent time management. Balancing coursework with workplace responsibilities pushes you to prioritize tasks and develop strategies to meet deadlines efficiently.

5. Language Proficiency:

In English speaking countries like Australia, you'll likely pick up on local slang, colloquialisms, and workplace ‘jargon’ that can deepen your cultural understanding. This exposure helps you become more comfortable in multilingual settings, which is an advantage in any international career.

6. Global Mindset:

Studying and interning abroad fundamentally shifts how you view the world. You’ll gain a global perspective that is hard to develop in a single-country experience. Exposure to different educational systems, business practices, and societal norms helps you become more open-minded and better equipped to navigate the global workforce. Employers highly value individuals who understand the complexities of international markets and can approach challenges with a global mindset.

7. Confidence and Independence:

Living in a foreign country builds confidence!  You’ll become more self-reliant as you tackle everything from setting up a bank account, sharing an apartment with flatmates from completely different backgrounds to thriving in a new work culture. This independence translates into the workplace, where you'll be better prepared to take initiative, lead projects, and work autonomously.

My Thoughts:

Studying and interning abroad is a lifetime experience. The skills you develop go beyond the classroom or office - they will shape you into a globally-minded, adaptable, and resilient professional. Moreover, empathy is one of the key soft skills that you can gain and develop on a deeper level. This allows you to improve the potential of your placement experience, by collaborating and helping your colleagues, handling constructive criticism or managing delicate situations in a problem-solving mindset. Having empathy could contribute to more positive outcomes that can lead to leadership roles in the future.

Even though the job market is becoming more competitive every day, the combination of international study and work experience provides you a unique edge that will stand out to future employers. I remember arriving home to Barcelona after my Internship experience in Mauritius, and the first thing employers wanted to know was about this experience!

They wanted to know all the details - why I chose Mauritius, what I learned, and how the experience impacted me personally and professionally.

Unlike other countries with a stronger overseas focus, it is not common to venture outside Europe from Spain. So, Mauritius became a unique experience for me that even helped me to become an entrepreneur and have the confidence to live and work now in Australia.

If you’re contemplating taking the leap to go abroad, know that an Internship experience will provide more than just memories—it will provide you with the skills to thrive in your career and beyond.