How do internships abroad help with finding a job?

According to Mark Shay, founder, president, and CEO of Educational Directories Unlimited, Inc, international internships are a valuable way to get a global education:

A global education doesn't have to come from a classroom; work and service experiences can be rewarding. Even though the majority of international study is accomplished through traditional study abroad, experiential programs are quickly increasing in popularity.

Through experiential programs, students gain an unforgettable and valuable experience. An international experience, especially one using a foreign language, can provide a valuable key point on your resume.

Through an internship abroad program, you get a hands-on opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while learning the business practices associated with that culture. In this increasingly interdependent world, it is more important than ever to be aware of, and know how to deal with, other cultures.

An internship abroad is also a valuable addition to your work history. Employers are starting to look for applicants who demonstrate cross-cultural competence, independence, and highly developed social skills. An internship abroad provides you with all of these qualities in addition to giving you experience within a particular field. Many internships abroad also lead to full-time jobs--an added benefit if you decide that working in another country is something you would like to do.

According to Brigham Young University, international internships afford the following benefits:

• Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that perhaps are not found in textbooks.
• Cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world.
• Increased marketability to employers. On average, only 30% of graduating seniors have job offers before graduation; however, after completing an internship, that figure rises to 58%.
• Ease transition from being a student to entering the workforce.
• Increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals.
• Facilitate a higher starting salary than non-interns. In a recent study, interns received, on average, $2,240 more than non-interns for starting salary.
• Have resumé-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.

In her article, 'Educational and Work Experience of Distinction: College Internships Abroad,' Susan Slobac reinforces the idea of experience outside of the classroom being a valuable addition to a resume and job search. While she concentrates on internships in Australia and New Zealand in her article, the same principles can be applied to most international internship destinations:

The classroom is but one of many places to obtain an education and real life skills. Students can opt for a broader experience by participating in college internship programs. Internships for college graduates and undergraduates alike provide valuable work skills vital in today’s competitive job market. Students can even earn college credit for participation in some programs.

There are several compelling reasons why college internships in the South Pacific are a great choice for students seeking a college experience of distinction.

• Cultural Immersion-An internship abroad in Australia or New Zealand provides more than work experience. It allows students to live and work side by side with locals, providing a unique glimpse into the culture and society. The experience leaves a lasting impression and affects the students’ perspective on the world and their place in it.
• Professional Development-College internships are an excellent option for recent graduates as well as undergraduates. They provide the training needed to succeed in a career, as well as practical experience critical in qualifying for gainful employment.

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Sources:
http://www.jobweb.com/Jobs/intern.aspx?id=254
http://webpub.byu.edu/internships-byu/html/Benefits2.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/educational-and-work-experience-of-distinction-college-internships-abroad-432156.html