How to Apply For a Summer Internship Abroad

College students today are increasingly looking for internships abroad during the summertime, and for good reasons. In addition to the essential benefits of an internship, immersing yourself in a new culture can create experiences that last a lifetime.  

A simple search on Google can yield tons of information on how you can apply for an internship abroad. But TRG is here to help you and to save you time. So, read on to learn how you can confidently work in the country of your dream. 

Infographic: 6 benefits of an internship

3 ways to apply for a summer internship abroad 

International internships are a great addition to your CV. Furthermore, you can put your knowledge into practice, expand your worldview, and shape your career path. 

There are several ways to go about landing your desired internship. You can either apply via a program provider (a job agency of some sort), via the school you are attending or apply directly to the company with the position you want.

1. Apply via an internship placement provider 

Even in the internet age, applying for internships, particularly those abroad, can be overwhelming. Seeking professional help from an internship agency, therefore, is a great way to start your internship journey. 

An internship placement agency provides a wide array of services for you to choose from. They offer quality information by matching your skills and knowledge with a suitable internship, negotiate the contract on your behalf, help you to look for accommodation, and assist you to get used to the new environment and many more. 

Certainly, applying through a placement provider comes with a cost, but the results are worth it. At TRG International, we collaborate with StudySEA and InternVietnam, who have brought us many rounds of excellent interns for our teams. 

2. Apply via your university 

You would be surprised how many companies offer internship opportunities through partnerships with universities as a way to ensure a steady stream of quality talents. Conversely, universities can take advantage of these internship programs to boost their students’ employability. 

Your university probably has a similar connection with several businesses. They may even regularly organise global internships through their study abroad office or connect with a company that does. 

You can also turn to the network of alumni at school. There may be an alumnus who is currently working in your favourite country. He/ She may also know a company that has a history of hosting international internships. 

Universities have an abundance of great resources, be sure to make use of them. 

3. Apply to a company directly  

Nothing is wrong with being active and confident enough to snatch the job when opportunity strikes. This do-it-yourself route often requires more effort; on the bright side, you will acquire useful experience for future job search and application. 

It certainly is tempting to apply for multinational corporations that have offices worldwide, but smaller companies are also worth considering. You will have a higher chance of acceptance with SMEs, and they can also give you more attention during your internship. 

Read more: The 5 soft skills recruiters look for in candidates 

What to consider when applying for an internship abroad? 

Where do you want to go? 

The first step is certainly searching for the types of internship you desire based on your field of knowledge or a specific region/ country you always want to visit. 

Working and travelling overseas sometimes means you just have to trust your guts as there are a lot of unknown factors. If you decide to entrust in a program provider, double-check a few critical things below: 

• How long has the program been running? 
• How many alumni do they have? 
• Can you talk to a previous intern to grasp a general overview of the program and the company? 
• Will there be housing offered? 
• Will there be any type of support or emergency contact? 

What comes after the intern period ends is also worth paying attention to. There is no guarantee that the employer will offer you a full-time position, or you might end up taking an entirely different career path. Going back home and resume your “normal” life before might also need some readjustments, particularly when you feel a bit lost after the internship. 

What is your budget? 

Finance can be a great challenge when interning abroad. International travel can cost you a considerable amount of money, but it is not entirely unfeasible. While internships, in general, do not offer paid benefits, a few companies still offer their interns some monetary values, healthcare, and other perks. 

There are financial aids and scholarships for international internships. Be sure to thoroughly check all of the prerequisites before you apply. Some students also turn to crowdfunding, take out a loan, or ask for support from relatives. 

It is an undeniable truth that international travelling is a huge investment, but the benefits and results you get are extraordinary. 

Are you ready to apply? 

Preparing your CV with little to no work experience can be daunting. Submitting your application and waiting for the result can be nerve-wracking. But there are things you can do to help ease the process. 

Don’t skimp on your cover letter, but exaggerating your abilities does not make you the top choice in the eye of the employer either. 

Ensure your CV and cover letter reflects the position you are aiming for. Use clear, concise language and clearly state your goals. 

Depending on the position and the company, there might be additional requirements you need to fulfil. 

For example, at TRG International, it is compulsory for every candidate (both interns and full-time staff) to undertake a psychometric assessment, which typically takes around 45 minutes. The results from the assessment help us to determine your “fit” to the role that you are competing for as well as help us to design a development plan tailored to you. 

Learn more: Internship opportunities at TRG International

Pack your bag & Enjoy 

Congrats! You have received an offer letter in your email. Before you fly out, make sure you have all of your essentials with you. 

• Travel docs: ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your internship. Do you have your visa or do you have to get one upon arrival? How often do you have to renew your visa? 
• Transportation: do a quick research of how you will get from the airport to your accommodation and how you will get around town during the first couple of days. Public transportation in some cities may not be as smooth as your home country, but they may have ride-sharing services similar to Uber, which you can take advantage of. 
• Health check: make sure you prepare all possible medication to your specific physical condition, such as allergies, asthma, migraine, diabetes, etc. Also, double-check if you need to take some vaccines before entering a foreign country.
• Luggage: pack accordingly to the local weather and customs. You may want to pack only shorts and tank tops when visiting Asian countries, but there will be instances where it requires you to dress appropriately outside the office.

If you are reading this article, TRG will tell you a secret! We have lots of internship positions available. And to save you more time, below is the link to our internship page. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we understand but be sure to keep in touch!