12 Mar Let’s walk together through the preparation of your international internship
Yes! You have your internship confirmed and now need to prepare for this great adventure. We would like to help you with summing up some things you need to keep in mind.
- Passport:
Make sure your passport is valid, also having in mind that the expiration date needs to be 6 months away from your return ticket date. You can check here to determine whether or not your host country requires a visa.
It is also recommendable to bring a photocopy of your passport in case the passport gets lost or stolen. Of course you can also make a copy once arrived.
- Insurance:
What interns usually oversee is having travel insurance. Be aware that standard policies might not apply since you will be working (and not just being a tourist) and abroad for more consecutive days than allowed by these policies.
Another insurance policy to look into is health insurance. This can be combined with the travel insurance. While you will want to make sure you pack any prescriptions you may need, it’s also important to look into that extra coverage in case something happens while you’re abroad.
- Accommodation:
Having a place to stay when arriving is one of the first things you will want to look into before you leave.
Some interns may have friends in the areas they are visiting they wish to stay with, but many students seek accommodations on their own. It’s important to stay alert to the area you are researching, and don’t pick the first place you see. Find a place that’s right for you and that you feel you will be safe in.
What you can also consider is renting a room for the first two weeks so you can plan house visits during that period and see both the room and surroundings with your own eyes instead of an online advertisement.
- Familiarize yourself with the surroundings:
Most people choosing to intern abroad are picking a location they aren’t all that familiar with, if at all. Before leaving home, be sure to research extensively on the location you have chosen.
Know which areas to stay away from, where the closest grocery stores and hospitals are.
- Familiarize yourself with the company:
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the company you will be working for while abroad.
Not only will you feel more comfortable working for them, but they will be thrilled you took the initiative to get to know the company a little bit better before even starting.
- Familiarize yourself with the culture:
If you are going to be around a culture you are unfamiliar with, it is best to become acquainted with the culture. While this is mostly for your own experience, it can also be beneficial in regards to how you are perceived while abroad.
- Finances:
Consider making a financial plan, since you will be several weeks/months abroad. Make sure to have a credit card since you can use this to make payments, and it includes insurance on your buys (and abuse by others). You might want to bring some extra cash (in local currency) so you already have something to use when arriving (i.e. taxi, bus, first groceries).
- Vaccinations:
The last thing on your mind when you’re preparing for an internship is getting shots, but please make sure that you have the proper vaccinations before leaving for your international experience.
- Packing:
It is important to know what you should be leaving behind and what you should be bringing with. Make sure you pack anything you may need for your internship; you can get in contact with your company to verify their dress code and what extras you will need to bring with you (i.e. formal clothing, laptop).
In addition, be sure to pack a first aid kit. You never know when you may need it, especially if you are travelling by yourself.
- Go in with an open mind:
Preparation and planning is important but don’t forget to go on your trip with an open mind! Your internship abroad will be a life changing experience and enjoy it to the max. It will broaden your horizon to meet new people, learn a language, get to know another (working) culture.
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