What do you want to experience during a gap year abroad? Great food, adventure, culture, and new friends – why not? How about increased confidence, accelerated independence, fresh learning opportunities and renewed inspiration for your future?
Competition in the workforce is fierce and if you’re not feeling ready to dive into academic or professional commitments right away, a break can be the best time to figure out what kind of career and lifestyle works for you. You’ll never know what lightbulb moments you’ll have abroad – unless you go!
Here’s how international internship abroad can take your life-changing gap year experience to the next level…
Why do an internship during a gap year?
If you’re serious about using your time abroad wisely, then use the time to invest in yourself and personal growth. International internships will distinguish you from being just a regular tourist, allowing you the chance to make local friends and become immersed within a community, all while setting yourself up for better professional outcomes in the future.
Employers always look for relevant work experience, interpersonal skills, and they want to know that as a job candidate, you’re equipped with the focus, cultural intelligence and adaptability that’s necessary within fast-moving, globalized industries. When you’re making gap year travel plans, make sure to include some experiences that will complement your education and add professional global insight to your journey.
Intern Abroad HQ provides flexible and affordable internships in fields such as education, animal welfare, physiotherapy, dentistry, health, conservation, agriculture, micro-finance, hospitality, tourism, NGO support, and more – there’s something on offer for everyone!
What are the benefits of interning abroad?
-
Establish your personal brand and pitch a top-notch resume
Not everyone can decisively put their finger on where their passions, talents, and motivations lie, or see how they can be translated to a rewarding career path. You may have multiple interests that you’d love to explore, but don’t feel ready to lock in further academics or job commitments just yet. Interning during a gap year abroad means you can fulfill your ambition to see more of the world, while exploring your professional identity and personal brand. This will build a unique, relevant professional portfolio, packed with hands-on, meaningful, real-world experiences. -
Grow confidence and self-reliance
You may dream of having adventures overseas, but do you have the courage to lose sight of the shore? It can be daunting to turn travel dreams into realities and handle all the logistics that go with planning international travel. However, there’s nothing quite like experience to build the confidence and initiative that are indispensable in the workplace! The best thing about interning abroad during a gap year is the supportive environments, especially structured to build upon your strengths, skills and independence. -
Develop cultural intelligence and universally-applicable soft skills
Combine your gap year with international internship experiences and you’ll be one culturally intelligent cat! The insight you’ll gain from interning abroad will extend far beyond exposure to a workplace and career path, as you’ll also be challenged by diverse cultural nuances, perspectives and histories. These immersive experiences foster essential “soft skill” development, including capacity-building related to communication, adaptability, work ethics, problem solving, and teamwork. -
Build a global social network
Overseas internships provide brilliant opportunities for bonding with like-minded friends, mentors, and colleagues from all over the world. There’s nothing better than finding common ground with others to bridge cultural and language barriers. Enrich your social life, inspire your ambitions, and share valuable professional support. You’ll never know what kind of fruitful outcomes may come out of the connections you make abroad, and it’s a special advantage not to be underestimated!
How can I secure an international internship?
-
Don’t be afraid to get the ball rolling
Begin by rallying the support you need at home, by talking to trusted friends and family about your intention to travel. This can help you get started and stimulate the first stages of your planning. You´ll need to take some practical steps that will help you achieve your gap year goals – whether this means figuring out a budget or getting someone to watch your dog while you’re away. -
Research the destinations that are calling to you
Do you want to learn a new language? Connect with a different culture? Experience a unique environment? Determining where you want to go and why is a key part of the plan, as this will shape your budget for flights and general living or program expenses. There may even be some bucket-list goals you want to achieve, such as learning to surf or mastering a second language. Begin by browsing our Gap Year Internship Destinations. -
Get expert advice from fellow globe-trotters
Intern Abroad HQ makes it easy for you - expert assistance (from our fellow globe-trotters) is focused on helping you to minimize cost while maximizing quality outcomes for personal and professional development, along with top program support. Flexible year-round start dates, with short to long term internship durations are available (from 2 weeks up to 24 weeks), which means you’ll access the most Affordable Internship Fees.
Can´t decide on a single destination? No worries! Many gap year interns choose to participate on multiple internship programs, across different destinations, to diversify their experience, enhance their exposure to unique placements and build a strong base of references.
Internships in Costa Rica offer start dates available every Monday, minimum durations from just two weeks, and program fees from as little as US$883.
Environment & Conservation / Animal Welfare Internships
- Animal & Veterinary Care
- Environmental Conservation
- Wildlife Conservation
Education & Child Care Internships
- Teaching English / Education
- Special Needs / Childcare
Healthcare Internships
- Health & Medical
Management & Organization Internships
- Microfinance / Women’s Empowerment
Internships in Peru offer super flexible scheduling, with start dates available every Monday and minimum durations from just two weeks. Program fees start from as little as US$520.
Healthcare & Special Needs Internships
- Special Needs Care
- Physician’s Assistant
- Dentistry
- Midwifery
- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Nutrition
Animal Welfare Internships
- Animal Care
Education & Child Care Internships
- Kindergarten
- Youth Development & Education
- Sports & Education
- Language Therapy
Tourism & Hospitality / Management & Organization Internships
- NGO Support
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Eco-Tourism
Internships in Guatemala offer start dates available every Monday, minimum durations from just two weeks, and program fees from as little as US$736.
Environment & Conservation / Animal Welfare Internships
- Animal Care
- Environmental Conservation
- Agriculture
Education & Child Care Internships
- Teaching English / Education
- Special Needs / Childcare
Healthcare & Special Needs Internships
- Physiotherapy
- Health & Medical
Tourism & Hospitality / Management & Organization Internships
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Microfinance
