Interning Abroad? 6 Must-Know Do’s and Don’ts

Participating in an internship abroad is an amazing way to gain practical experience and bolster your resume, especially for college students and university graduates who are building their career pathways. While gaining relevant experience and developing emotional and cultural intelligence is exciting, the process can also feel a little overwhelming.

To help you prepare and avoid common pitfalls while interning abroad, we’ve put together a list of common do’s and don’ts:

✅ Do

✅ 1. 🗓️ Plan Ahead and Research Thoroughly

“Before you arrive, aim to deepen your understanding of the local culture and workplace norms. Familiarizing yourself with these differences will make the transition smoother.” - Victor Chiokwe, Information Technology internship in Valencia, Spain.

Research your internship destination thoroughly, including the local culture, workplace environment, visa requirements, and customs. This preparation helps you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Understanding the professional landscape allows you to adapt more easily, manage expectations, and communicate effectively in your international internship. Researching local tours and attractions also ensures you make the most of your free time, helping you explore efficiently while budgeting your time and finances.

✅ 2. 💪 Be Proactive and Take Initiative

“I realized soon after my arrival that I would be uncomfortable and confused at points, and the best way to approach those situations was with patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn.” - Megan Schmid, Veterinary internships in Valencia, Spain.

In a global internship setting, where instructions may be unclear and systems unfamiliar, taking initiative is essential. Identifying opportunities and contributing beyond your assigned tasks shows dedication. This proactive attitude builds trust with colleagues and supervisors, accelerates learning, and gives you a broader, more hands-on experience. By stepping up, you maximize your time abroad and strengthen your professional reputation.

✅ 3. 🫣 Keep an Open Mind

“Not only did I learn so much about the healthcare system and culture from working within the walls of a hospital, I also learned so much simply by exploring, listening, and observing people and places every day that I was there.” - Fiona Foley, Global Health internships in Argentina.

An open mind is vital when adapting to different cultural and professional environments. Expect to encounter new work styles, social norms, and communication methods. Being receptive and adaptable allows you to handle cultural misunderstandings, build relationships, and turn challenges into valuable learning moments. This mindset enhances your internship abroad and prepares you for global career opportunities.

✅ 4. 🫶 Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

“I enjoyed being pushed outside my comfort zone culturally while getting to work in a comfortable professional environment, growing skills that will benefit me down the road.” - Hannah Terry - Biomedical & Biotechnology in Valencia, Spain.

Growth often begins at the edge of your comfort zone. During an international internship, embracing the unfamiliar develops resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability. Taking on new challenges fosters cross-cultural understanding and broadens your perspective, making you a more confident and capable global professional.

✅ 5. 🎢 Manage Your Expectations

“I came without expectations, but my experience surpassed any expectations I had and surprised me in beautiful ways.” - Barbara Gonzalez Fuentes, GIS & Reserve Management Internship in Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa.

Keeping your expectations in check helps prevent frustration when things don’t go as planned. Interning abroad may involve language barriers, cultural differences, or unexpected work dynamics. Recognize that learning curves are normal. By managing expectations and focusing on growth and adaptability, you’ll gain the most from your international internship experience.

✅ 6. 📝 Communicate Academic Credit Requirements Early

“I chose to pursue academic credit to build my resume and help my aspirations of getting into better schools… The academic credit experience through this program was very eye-opening and gave me the opportunity to reflect and take a deeper look at my growth from an outside perspective.” - Foster Rice, Business Development intern in Madrid, Spain.

Ensuring your internship abroad aligns with academic credit requirements is essential. Universities may have specific guidelines on work hours, documentation, and evaluations. By clarifying this early with your Program Manager and school, you’ll streamline the credit process and maximize both academic and professional benefits from your internship.

🚫 Don’t

🚫 1. 🙋‍♀️ Be afraid to ask questions

“My Program Manager was amazing through and through. All questions and concerns were addressed promptly and always in a friendly, supportive manner.” - Kieran Muller, GIS & Reserve Management - Gondwana in South Africa.

Asking questions helps you clarify expectations and avoid mistakes. In a new environment, especially with cultural or language differences, asking for guidance demonstrates your commitment to learning and helps you build trust and rapport with your team.

🚫 2. 😅 Expect the experience to be easy

“I thought adjusting to the local culture and my role would be quick and easy. Getting used to the city’s lively culture and understanding my job details was a richer experience than I imagined and therefore, it took time.” - Yetunde Ojo, Human Resource Management internship in Valencia, Spain.

An internship abroad is full of challenges—from language barriers to navigating new work expectations. If you expect ease, you may feel discouraged. Embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth. This mindset helps you build resilience and enhances your personal and professional development.

🚫 3. 🧘 Don’t: Neglect your health and mental wellbeing

“A piece of advice that I would give would be to take it easy - as one cannot rush the process of becoming comfortable in a new setting with new people, especially those of a different culture.” - Diana Garcia, Physical Therapy internship, South Africa.

Prioritizing your physical and mental health is crucial. Adjusting to new time zones, diets, or climates can take a toll. Create a routine that includes sleep, healthy meals, and downtime. This helps maintain your focus, prevent burnout, and make the most of your international internship experience.

🚫 4. 🤔 Don’t: Make assumptions

“While I would initially get nervous about my performance as I arrived at my placement each day, I learned that the expectations others had for me were just to learn. To the professors at my internship, progress was more than enough.” - Mila Shearer, Engineering Internship in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Avoid assuming that workplace norms will match those in your home country. Cultural expectations, communication styles, and work ethics vary. Stay curious and open-minded. This will foster better integration and allow you to fully benefit from your experience.

🚫 5. 💬 Assume everyone will speak the same language as you

“The efforts made by staff to communicate in English and learn about my background highlighted a genuine commitment to fostering multicultural understanding. This mutual curiosity and respect created a nurturing environment where I felt valued and understood.” - Rianna Martin, Neonatal Care & Children’s Health Internships in Arusha, Tanzania.

Not everyone will speak English fluently. Being patient and learning basic local phrases helps foster smoother communication and shows respect. This effort enhances cultural immersion and strengthens relationships during your internship abroad.

🚫 6. 🎉 FORGET TO ENJOY YOURSELF!

“Happy, caring, laughing and enjoying myself - at my internship I was able to do all of these things. I was able to show compassion with the patients, laugh with my peers and enjoy myself everyday.” - Mia MacAdam, Psychology internship in Zanzibar.

Enjoying your time abroad is just as important as working hard. Exploring, building relationships, and immersing yourself in local culture prevents burnout and enriches your experience. These moments of joy and discovery are part of what makes an international internship so transformative and memorable!