How do you know if you will like an internship abroad?

It has become an incredible trend that we are traveling more and more. It used to be special to do an internship abroad, but nowadays it has become surprisingly common. Many are going abroad to gain more life and professional experience. If you do not, you might also have a disadvantage when applying for a job. But is being away from home something for you, would a foreign company suit you, or how do you find an internship in Latin America?

Is an internship abroad something you truly like?

From the first moment the thoughts go through your mind to do an internship abroad and the moment you step on the plane, there is a huge gap. There is a lot of work that goes into the preparation of which you only feel the result when you discover the culture in another country. Before you start thinking about this, first think if this is really something that you want. It remains a big step despite being it your 1st or 3rd time going abroad. It is important that you are fully aware of the choice, so that you are mentally ready, but that you are also familiar with how you are expected to behave within a company. A lot of work experience or knowledge will not be necessary, but you will need to know how to behave professionally.

Stay with what you enjoy doing

Whether you want to become a fashion designer, animal carer or the next Marc Zuckerberg, an internship will give you an idea of how the theory you have learned in the books works in practice. Consider what you like and what you would see yourself doing at the moment. Not in the future. Now. No one becomes a professional from one day to the next. Almost everyone ‘rolls into it’. If you discover what you like right now, it is better to find out now if this is really your thing than if you are working towards something and later notice that this is not something for you. Do not be tempted by how prestigious an internship could be or how well it pays. If it does not suit you then it is not worth your time. Make a list of which disciplines you would like to test, which responsibilities you would like to have or which skills you would like to develop. This may sound like something a teacher would say, but it is well worth the 10 minutes.

What is my destination?

Once you have decided that you want to go for it, of course, your destination is the first thing you will think of. Would you like to go home sometime or that friends and family can visit you, then staying in Europe is easier. Or do you want to go to the other side of the world to discover a completely different culture? Every country is different and everywhere you will have an amazing time. Think about what you are looking for in a country. Have you ever been on a holiday that you really liked and would you like to learn more about the country and relive the beautiful culture? Would you like to learn a specific language? Are you looking for the biggest culture shock

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How do I find an internship company?

There are many different ways to find an internship abroad. You can ask friends who have been on an internship before, ask your school if they have received vacancies, search the internet or you can use the platform of Tellanto. Tellanto connects students with companies in Latin America completely free of charge. Companies have registered and posted vacancies for you to apply for. To find an internship you can go to to read the different job descriptions and apply. Tellanto does not charge you and is completely free.

Corporate culture

What the company does is very important, but certainly do not underestimate the culture within the company. This will determine to a large extent how much fun your experience will be. If you are very entrepreneurial but proactivity is not appreciated or if you are introverted in a busy environment then this may not be the place for you. Check out their website, visit their LinkedIn page, read reviews on Glassdoor and ask for it during a job interview.

Conclusion

Think first before you take action. What do I like and where do I see myself living abroad. If the internship is more important for you than the country or city, then start with making a list of industries, markets and companies you would like to work in. Make your list smaller until you got yourself a few options left. This should leave you with enough destinations to chose from. Now do the same with your destinations. At the end you’ll have all your preferences written down. Does this still interest you? It’s a big step so think carefully. If you feel confident, then go for it!