5 Ideas on How to Get International Experience Without Studying Abroad

BY SYLVIA KOHL

There are many ways to get international experience even if you can’t afford to study abroad. Doing this is essential if you want to boost your chances of getting a good job. According to some studies, over 80% of employers are actively seeking graduates with international experience in their CV. Luckily, you have plenty of internships and volunteering programs to choose from if going to a university abroad is impossible for you.

How to Get International Experience on Your Resume: 5 Ideas

  1. Get an Unpaid Internship

A variety of colleges, universities, and businesses offer unpaid internships for students of different ages. In the US you can check out the US Department of State Student Internship Program and UCPF Internship Program. If you are interested in other countries, you can simply Google internships offered there. In case you are interested in a particular business, try contacting the company directly to find out if they have programs like this.

An unpaid internship might be easier to get as its requirements are usually lower than paid options. However, it requires a substantial investment. These projects are worth it if you get a tangible benefit from them. This includes college credit or a valuable addition to your CV considering your profession.

  1. Get a Paid Internship

It’s usually harder to get international experience with a paid internship as many people are applying for it. However, the experience is truly invaluable as these programs are offered by reputed businesses, like Deloitte, L’Oreal, etc. There are also major programs that specialize in internships for various fields, like IAESTE Paid Technical Internships.

A paid internship is an excellent way to get actual work experience as well as some money for it. The point of such internship is to improve your professional skills and make an impressive addition to your resume. Therefore, in some cases, you might consider choosing an unpaid program over a paid one. Make your choices depending on the long-term impact of your internship.

  1. Get Short-Term Work Abroad

There are dozens of programs that offer short-term work worldwide, like AuPair. However, you can also find this type of work by directly contracting businesses in your destination country. The primary factor to consider when applying for a short-term job is a visa. Most countries offer 3-month working visas that you can get with the help of the necessary paperwork provided by the employer.

Short-term jobs might be unavailable for some professions, like doctors, engineers, etc. Choose this option if your main goal is to make some money or if there is a business opportunity that will benefit your future.

  1. Teach English Abroad

Teaching English is one of the best ways to get international experience if you want to feel truly accomplished by the end of it. Programs like Hanacore can help you find teaching jobs in your chosen corner of the world and arrange traveling papers.

The main benefit of teaching English abroad is not the fact that it’s an actual job, but the feeling of fulfillment that comes from it. To be able to help others change their lives by expanding their knowledge is a reward in itself.

  1. Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering with the Red Cross or any other humanitarian organization is a fantastic experience for those who seek to rediscover themselves. Volunteering programs vary widely from building houses in African deserts to tending elephants in Asian jungles.

Seek those offers with international volunteering organizations, like Global Vision International or International Volunteer HQ.

Get International Experience and Change Your Future

There are many studies on the benefits of international experience, and although statistics vary, all of them show that it’s extremely valuable. Working and living abroad teaches a person a degree of independence, tenacity, and creativity that life at home can’t. Using one of the many volunteering and internship opportunities to get your international experience is sure to change you in many ways and boost your chances of employment.

Sylvia Kohl is an IT teacher with more than 8 years of professional experience. Her main spheres of interest are e-education and she convinced that learning process doesn’t stop after years in school and university.

 

 

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