{"id":37674,"date":"2025-03-31T06:14:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T06:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37674"},"modified":"2025-03-31T06:15:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T06:15:07","slug":"what-to-expect-from-your-first-internship-abroad-and-how-to-prepare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-from-your-first-internship-abroad-and-how-to-prepare\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect from Your First Internship Abroad (And How to Prepare!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-from-your-first-internship-abroad-and-how-to-prepare\/#10_things_to_expect_in_your_first_internship_abroad\" >10 things to expect in your first internship abroad<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-from-your-first-internship-abroad-and-how-to-prepare\/#How_to_get_started_on_your_internship_abroad\" >How to get started on your internship abroad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Picture yourself in a fashion internship in Paris during <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fhcm.paris\/en\/paris-fashion-week\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paris Fashion Week<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Or completing a finance internship in Singapore, a leading global business hub. Perhaps you\u2019re passionate about impacting change and want a sustainability internship in Stockholm\u2014winner of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/commission\/presscorner\/detail\/en\/ip_10_491\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first ever Green Capital award<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by the European Union.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wherever you prefer, an internship abroad is more than just a shiny add-on to your resume (though that alone is a huge plus!). It\u2019s a chance for you to experience what it\u2019s actually like in the industry, expand your network, and immerse yourself in a new country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if it\u2019s your first time interning abroad, you might be wondering: What should you expect? And how can you prepare?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_things_to_expect_in_your_first_internship_abroad\"><\/span><b>10 things to expect in your first internship abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This list will walk you through the top 10 things you need to expect, and what you can do to not get caught off-guard.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Getting lost<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public transportation systems, unfamiliar streets, and language barriers can make going around the city challenging. No matter how much you prepare, getting lost just can\u2019t be helped sometimes. But don\u2019t stress\u2014it can actually be a great way to get to know your surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your map handy, memorize landmarks, and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. Over time, you\u2019ll become more confident, and soon, you\u2019ll find yourself exploring hidden gems!<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Language barriers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In non-English-speaking countries, simple tasks like ordering food or asking for directions are harder. Even if your internship is in an English-speaking workplace, you may need to adjust to accents, slang, and jargon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you, learn common words and phrases before your internship. Use apps like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.duolingo.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duolingo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pay attention to what people usually say, and don\u2019t be afraid to make mistakes. Locals appreciate the effort!<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Unfamiliar food<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trying new food is one of the most exciting parts of living abroad, but it can take some adjustment. You might miss home-cooked meals every now and then or struggle with foreign flavors, but that doesn\u2019t mean you stop exploring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key is to stay open-minded. Food is a huge part of culture, and embracing it will only make your experience more special. Start with dishes that feel familiar then branch out from there. If you have dietary restrictions, research alternatives.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cultural differences<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every country has its own social norms and workplace etiquette. Greetings, meetings, and office culture may be different from what you grew up with. Even dress codes and lunch breaks may vary. (If you\u2019re opting for an internship in Stockholm, get ready for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/visitsweden.com\/what-to-do\/food-drink\/swedish-kitchen\/all-about-swedish-fika\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fika<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Observe, ask questions, and stay open to different ways of doing things. Cultural differences may feel overwhelming at first, but they\u2019ll make you more adaptable and globally aware in the long run.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>A different approach to work-life balance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some countries, long hours may be acceptable, but in others, work-life balance is a high priority. For example, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/econreview.studentorg.berkeley.edu\/live-to-work-or-work-to-live-work-culture-in-the-u-s-versus-europe\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">European Union requires four weeks of paid vacation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in its member countries, while the U.S. does not have any laws requiring paid time off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, it\u2019s an adjustment, but it\u2019s also a chance for you to experience new work styles. Observe what your teammates practice, and join them or find a balance that works for all.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Daily microchallenges<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small tasks that seemed easy back home like grocery shopping or taking the bus can feel overwhelming in a new country. But these challenges\u2014different currencies, unfamiliar processes\u2014are all part of the intern abroad experience!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of getting frustrated, have a curious mindset. Celebrate small wins, even if it\u2019s just ordering coffee in the local language. This can help boost your confidence. Say it with us: the more you overcome, the better you become.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>A learning curve<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interning abroad means adapting to different work expectations, industry practices, and communication styles among others. Things may be different from what you\u2019re used to, so give yourself space to make mistakes\u2014they\u2019re part of the learning process, after all. (That doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t do your best, though!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a growth mindset. Accept feedback, be proactive, and don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions. Every challenge will contribute to your professional development, and make you a more skilled and adaptable employee.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Networking opportunities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An internship helps you build a network, but an internship <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abroad<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> connects you with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The people you meet during your internship could become your mentors, workmates (again), and even friends for life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So make the most of it\u2014attend company events, chat with your teammates, befriend fellow interns. Who knows what unique opportunities these relationships can bring you in the future?<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Homesickness<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how exciting your experience is, there will be moments when you miss the familiarity of home. Special occasions, holidays, or even small reminders of home can trigger feelings of homesickness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to cope is by staying connected with your loved ones. Keep busy, go on adventures, and make new friends. Over time, your new environment may also start to feel like home!<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Personal growth<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By the end of your internship, you\u2019ll likely notice a big change in yourself. You\u2019ll have adapted to the local culture, gained real-world experience in your industry and developed invaluable skills, and overcome many, many challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pat yourself on the back. Celebrate. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> did this. You grew, and that growth isn\u2019t just professional\u2014it\u2019s personal. No matter where you go next, what you learn from your internship abroad will no doubt play a role in your future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_started_on_your_internship_abroad\"><\/span><b>How to get started on your internship abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your first <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship abroad program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will hugely shape your future career and personal growth. Whether you\u2019re interested in a fashion internship in Paris, a finance internship in Singapore, or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/stockholm-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sustainability internship in Stockholm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we\u2019ve got you covered. (We have more exciting industries and incredible destinations, too!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the first step toward a life-changing experience. You won\u2019t regret it. Apply today and start your international internship journey with us!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Picture yourself in a fashion internship in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. Or completing a finance internship in Singapore, a leading global business hub. Perhaps you\u2019re passionate about impacting change&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[127,1099,1098],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-internship-abroad","tag-internship-abroad-2025","tag-internship-abroad-program"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37674","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37674"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37674\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37674"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}