Internship or Study Abroad Program: Which Should You Choose?
When it’s time to start planning your next summer, you’ll probably face this tough choice: internship or study abroad program? Unfortunately, finding the answer may not be that simple. For decades, taking a semester overseas was the easiest option for students. Now, however, the scenario has changed.
There are so many opportunities to live an international experience—and they’re not exclusively for students. Young professionals can also apply for numerous programs and reap the benefits of an overseas experience. With so many options, you may feel a bit torn on which would be right for you. In this article, we bring some insights to the table to help you make the best decision!
The Benefits of an International Experience
Whether you’re doing an internship, volunteering, or participating in a study abroad program, having an international experience has several advantages for your future career. Apart from learning a new skill, language, and a new work/study methodology, it will also bring you extra powerful benefits. Studying abroad will help you:
- Gain cultural sensitivity and awareness;
- Develop problem-solving skills;
- Evolve your social skills;
- Boost your confidence;
- Create a global network.
From the moment your flight takes off until the moment you land back home, an international experience brings you amazing discoveries at every turn.
Internship or Study Abroad Program? The Great Question!
There is no right or wrong answer to the question above, however, it’s important to understand the benefits of each experience.
Internship
Getting yourself immersed in a new culture is a great challenge, especially when you’re in a work environment. When taking an internship abroad, you’ll have the chance to understand the day to day life of the country you chose. Some of the other benefits are:
- Learning new skills of a specific industry by performing your job duties;
- Learning how to work in a different cultural environment;
- Adding an international work experience to your CV;
- Experiencing the country from a professional perspective.
These are just a few of the benefits of taking an internship abroad. Each experience is different, and you should prepare yourself to make the best of it!
Study Abroad Program
Taking a semester overseas is a life-changing experience. Discovering a new study methodology and exploring a new place and culture will massively enhance your educational/professional background. When you enroll in a study abroad program, you can expect to:
- Study with students from all over the world;
- Learn from new teachers with a different perspective and methodology;
- Gain independence and self-confidence;
- Have a lot of fun!
A study abroad program is a great option if you’ve never had an international experience. It’s an amazing opportunity to start exploring the world!
The Best of Both Worlds
As we said before, there are no right or wrong answers. We’re also here to tell you that there are some amazing new possibilities that bring the best of both worlds to one experience.
If you’re looking for an international experience, you should consider applying for programs that offer theoretical knowledge but also give you the chance to learn by doing. This is the optimal opportunity for students and young professionals that are ambitious and know their capabilities.
No matter which field you’re wanting to learn more about, you should definitely look for these hybrid programs.
The European Innovation Academy is one of the opportunities for those of you wanting to develop entrepreneurial skills in an international environment. Join more than 600 participants from 80 different countries and take the challenge to turn a business idea into a reality in only three weeks. Work with other young entrepreneurs to find solutions to the world’s biggest problems and make a real difference on our planet.
