Start researching your internship options as early as possible to ensure that you meet the application deadline of your chosen internship and that you have ample time to secure the needed visa, if required. If you will need a visa to travel to your internship abroad, be sure to apply for the program and the visa at least three months before you plan to leave.
Decide in which country and even which city, you want to intern in. Keep in mind that if you want to intern in a non-English speaking country, you will likely be required to be able to speak the country’s language.
Consult your university’s study abroad office where you should be able to find organizations that offer intern abroad opportunities. Your study abroad office should also be able to put you in touch with others who have previously interned abroad, so you can get a good idea of what to expect from the entire process, from applying for an internship to traveling abroad and beginning your internship.
Choose an organization that helps place interns in positions abroad. You can find such organizations by doing an online search or by consulting your university’s study abroad office.
Diligently research the organizations you are considering by thoroughly studying the website, by requesting printed materials and by checking the organization’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau.
Talk with former interns of the program or the organization you are considering. Prepare a list of questions, so you can determine whether the intern liked the experience, what advice the participant has for a smooth experience and whether he would intern abroad again if given the chance.
Choose the internship abroad program for which you want to apply and begin the application process. Once you have secured your internship and any necessary visas, you'll be ready to plan your trip abroad.
