How (and Why) to Do Both

How do you choose between a study abroad program and an internship abroad? One guarantees college credit, a chance to take your academic classes with locals in an exotic location, and contributes towards graduation requirements. The other offers invaluable experience that will spice up your resume and make you stand out as a job applicant. When it comes to study abroad or intern abroad, how are you supposed to make a decision? With study abroad and internship programs, you don’t have to!

That’s right — you can have study and intern abroad all wrapped up in one package!

Students are constantly needing to adapt to the current state of the economy and the job market. That’s why some providers have begun offering various programs where students can study and intern abroad. Now, students have the opportunity to earn academic credit and participate in tailored internships while studying abroad. They can find placements specific to their academic and professional needs in increasing locations around the world!

How do study abroad internship programs work?

“Should I intern while studying abroad?” you ask? The answer is absolutely. Many providers offer opportunities to add internships to an overseas experience. In some programs with study and intern abroad components, students typically spend a portion of their time abroad in classes, followed by (or in some instances, concurrent with) an internship placement.

Schedules and credits earned vary by program and location — but not to worry! Providers like API have experience with such programs and are present to advise you on the options available. They can help you select the very best of study abroad and internship programs for your career and educational goals. 

What’s the difference between study and intern abroad?

In a traditional study abroad program, students spend a semester, academic year, summer, or short-term session abroad studying a variety of subjects related to their major field of study or program focus. This type of program allows students to earn a similar amount of credits as they would earn had they stayed on their home campuses. The longer their term abroad, the more credits earned.

When it comes to internship vs. study abroad, the differences are important to note.

An international internship is an invaluable opportunity to build your resume with a unique and challenging professional development opportunity. While it is almost commonplace for college students to intern during the summer in the U.S., an internship abroad can serve as a differentiator in the professional environment when it comes time to job hunt after graduation.

When it comes to study abroad vs. internship, both sound great, right? That’s why you should seek out programs from providers, like API, that offer Study + Intern Abroad program options, allowing you to receive college credit!

Why do internships while studying abroad?

What’s more impressive on a resume than a hometown internship? One that you completed abroad, of course! Doing internships while studying abroad allows you to gain job experience and get a taste of what it’s like to work in your chosen field.

It will open you up to new experiences, get you out of your comfort zone, and put you on the path toward a satisfying career. Here are five major reasons why doing a combination of study and intern abroad is the best choice for many students: 

1. Going abroad for your internship shows added initiative

Doing internships while studying abroad will undoubtedly look great on your resume.

As it is, only around 10% of students in the United States study abroad, and an even fewer number add an internship to their experience. Proving that you are capable of keeping up with your academics, working professionally, AND navigating a foreign country all at the same time boosts your resume and your place in the job applicant pool.

You’ll stand out for all the right reasons, as international work experience often indicates maturity, initiative, and the ability to follow through. Future employers are sure to be impressed with the skills you have added to your qualifications — skills that may include a second language.

The research is also there to back up this claim. According to statistics compiled by UC-Merced, 80% of students who spent time abroad (either doing study abroad or an internship) reported that the experience allowed them to better adapt to diverse work environments.

2. Gain skills for the global economy

These days, many employers are disappointed by how unprepared graduates are for the global marketplace. Adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and autonomy are all key skills that students can learn by working abroad, and they’re the most in-demand skills of the global economy.

The Institute of International Education recently surveyed several 21st century employers. All cited intercultural skills, flexibility/adaptability, confidence, and self-awareness as important skills they look for in potential employees.

Large companies often have locations in several countries or make partnerships with international businesses, and someone with the skills and experience gained from interning abroad gain a significant competitive advantage in the job market. An internship abroad allows you to expand these skills as well as foreign language proficiency, cultural awareness, tolerance, and more!

3. Make international connections 

Friends all over the world? Yes please!

Adding an element of employment to your study experience immerses you even further into the culture of your selected country. Often times, study abroad students spend a lot of time with the other members of their program, keeping in a group that is familiar. This is wonderful and a great source of comfort, but it can be difficult to branch out on your own and experience your new home with the locals.

Study abroad and internship programs guarantee that you will meet locals, practice the language, and truly become a part of the community as a student and professional. In addition, expanding your social and professional network opens opportunities for a return in the future.

Even if you’ve never considered moving abroad permanently, having international connections can be very helpful for getting your foot in the door. You never know who might be able to help you get a job or build a business in the future, and in today’s global economy it pays to have some international connections.

4. You have more interesting and unique internship placement options

Some internship abroad providers, like API, work on a very personal basis with students, which means each and every placement is custom and personalized for your career goals. Some study-intern locations have specific focuses in certain areas of study, from journalism, NGOs, and business administration to teaching positions, film studies and medical studies.

While an internship in the States may seem like “a dime a dozen,” an internship abroad immediately provides some uniqueness and personalization to your experience. Plus, the chance to study in your area of interest while also practicing it in a professional setting will prove to be an invaluable learning experience. 

5. An internship abroad could point you in the right direction

Doing internships while studying abroad can provide you with the opportunity to “try out” a career path to make sure it’s the right fit for you. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 75% of college students change their major at least once.

On the flip side, a 2002 survey found that 70% of students who completed an internship abroad reported that their experience ignited an interest in a specific career direction. If your college path requires an internship, going abroad provides the opportunity to make an investment into your future career.

In addition, doing internships while studying abroad gives you the most bang for your buck. Taking classes abroad often costs less than or equal to a semester’s tuition in the United States. Study and internship programs offer academic and professional experience for prices comparable to traditional study abroad programs. So, essentially you get two for the price of one!

Get the best of both worlds...intern while studying abroad!

Get out there and find study abroad and internship programs!

You don’t have to choose between an internship or studying abroad—you can do both! Ultimately, students should choose whichever program option works best for their budget, road to college graduation, professional goals, and location preferences. However, participating in a program that combines study abroad and intern abroad can prove to be a valuable addition to an overseas experience and major talking point on your resume.

Whether you choose an individual internship abroad or pursue internships while studying abroad, an international professional experience can be a life-changing opportunity!

Chat with our FREE Online Advisor and Get Matched with the Right Program for You!

This article was written with support from Academic Programs International (API). API delivers international experiences that inspire learning and enrich students, partners, and communities. API’s portfolio has expanded beyond college study abroad to include international internship programs, volunteer, and international programs for high school and gap year students.

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