Besides doing wonders for your CV, an internship abroad can be an extremely enriching experience. Palak Kapadia explores how you can bag one for yourself this summer
An international internship offers an unmatched travel experience, allowing you to lead the dual life of a local employee during the week and be a tourist on the weekends. Interning abroad sets you apart from among stacks of other resumes thanks to your ability to overcome the challenges of living and working in a different culture. So, if you are someone who loves to travel and want to combine it with the opportunity to gain some invaluable professional experience, a number of organizations offer internships abroad for students and recent graduates of all academic backgrounds.
AIESEC
When it comes to international internships, the first name to come to mind is AIESEC. “AIESEC is a global organization with internship opportunities in 124 countries. Working for community development, AIESEC develops your leadership skills, independence and increases your network too” says Archie Vora, a 19-year-old media student and an AIESEC-er.
Am I eligible?
- Age: Under 30 years
- Education: Student or recent graduate
What is the duration?
- Volunteering: 6-8 weeks
- Professional Internship: 3-18 months
Which countries can I go to?
AIESEC has a near-global presence and offers opportunities in 124 countries. That basically means it has every country you can think of, off the top of your head and then some!
What options do I have?
If you are looking for a corporate internship, you can choose from IT, Technical, Engineering and Language education. On the other hand, if you are looking at volunteering, you have Education, Literacy, Eradicating poverty, Sustainable living, Delivering sanitation, Human rights to take your pick from.
What type of opportunity is it?
The internships are paid while the volunteering opportunities aren’t as they are more to do with community service.
Where can I get more information?
Extensive information on the programme is available on the AIESEC website www.aiesec.org.
Alternatively, you can check out the website for India at http://www.aiesec.in/
World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organisation offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO.
Am I eligible?
- Age: at least 20 years at the time of application
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or enrolled in an advanced degree programme (second university degree or higher) or a first degree in public health, medical or social field related to the technical work of WHO or a degree in a management-related or administrative field
Other requirements: Fluency in the working language of the office of assignment (English or French for WHO Headquarters)
What is the duration?
The duration of WHO internships is typically six to 12 weeks. In exceptional cases, internships may be extended up to a maximum of 24 weeks.
Which countries can I go to?
Primarily the internship is for the WHO headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland. However, they do have limited internship openings in regional offices in Africa, Americas, Europe, South-east Asia, etc.
What options do I have?
In a WHO internship, you have the option of Public Health, where you can choose from multiple options such as Women and Child Health, Health Systems and Innovation, HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, etc or Administration, including Finance, HR, IT, Communications, etc.
What type of opportunity is it?
It is a volunteering opportunity and hence is not paid. The cost of travel and accommodation is also the responsibility of the intern.
Where can I get more information?
You can log on to their website http://www.who.int/
employment/internship/en/ for more information and application.
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)
IAESTE is an organization that offers paid internship opportunities to the students of science, engineering and applied arts in over 80 countries. These course-related traineeships are integral in helping students get a competitive edge in the global market
Am I eligible?
- Age: 19-30 years
- Education: IAESTE is open to degree level students in the second year of study or above.
Other requirements: Fluency in English, foreign language skills appreciated.
What is the duration?
Majority of the internships take place for 8-12 weeks in the summer but longer-term placements are available throughout the year.
Which countries can I go to?
IAESTE offers internships in 80 countries including USA, Australia, UK, Spain, Germany, France, Canada and many more
What options do I have?
Several options under the broad categories of science, engineering & technology and applied arts
What type of opportunity is it?
IAESTE offers paid internship opportunities.
Where can I get more information?
Detailed information is available on their website http://www.iaeste.org/
Choosing the right internship is a very important decision which can be very rewarding both personally and in terms of future prospects. So take the right call and we wish you all the luck!
