Internships abroad: an option for everyone?
Over the past two or three decades, tens of thousands of young people have chosen to do internships abroad. A professional rite of passage that bears fruit, with the vast majority of international interns finding a job within six months of returning. However, we still need to encourage a more diverse group of young people to pursue international internships.
23 June 2025 · 1 min read
As the great philosopher Michel de Montaigne wrote in his Essays, "Journeys educate the youth". And he was not the only one: in the 16th century, the 'Grand Tour' – journeys across Europe on horse-back – were already the preferred training for young aristocrats. Since then, we've ditched the horses and embraced plane tickets and Interrail (Mother Earth won't be thanking us), and our wanderlust has taken on a new dimension. We can now explore the world through a wide range of international volunteering and internship opportunities. Whether in the tropical heat or the polar freeze, in a Chinese metropolis or the Romanian countryside, the possibilities are endless. From China to Chile, from Canada to South Africa, you can go almost anywhere (as long as it's reasonably safe, of course).
With programmes organised by various universities, organisations and government bodies, it's easier than ever to follow your dreams abroad. Whether you're a young graduate, a student, already in work, or unemployed, there is only two requirements for an international internship: an open mind and a desire to learn. Don't worry about the paperwork – most universities and organisations offer assistance with visa applications and other formalities.. Many programmes offer stipends, reimbursement of travel expenses and accommodation. In many cases, reciprocal agreements with the NHS mean you won't have to buy additional health insurance. Compared to paying for your own travel, it's highway robbery!
As far as the work itself is concerned, there's something for everyone. Be a librarian in Madagascar, a farmer in Romania, an automotive engineer in China, an industrial development specialist in Morocco, a cultural liaison in Bolivia or a graphic designer in Burkina Faso... It's hard not to find the right job among the thousands of offers listed every year.
It's a win-win
Still afraid to take the plunge? For those who have been through the process – generally lasting between six months and two years – the experience has been life-changing. According to a survey by the NewGen Talent Centre, 9 out of 10 young people participated in an international internship or volunteering mission found a job within six months of returning, and half work for the same company. It's anything but a one-off experience, then.
This success story is all down to confidence: as many as two out of three international interns report that they reached a higher level of responsibility than they would in a similar post in the UK. This is further proof that no one is a prophet in their own country, and of how much we can grow through travel. That is, we can be revealed to ourselves, as Montaigne would say.
Three out of four respondents also believe that their internship or volunteer placement furthered their career. It helped them become more independent, improve their ability to adapt to different cultures and ways of working, learn languages, and develop their professional agility.
Post-Covid
From coverage for testing and treatment costs to increased psychological support, certain measures born of the Covid pandemic should undoubtedly be made permanent. One possibility is for HR departments to have a dedicated contact person for each type of placement, rather than having one person manage all programmes – without necessarily understanding the specificities of each.
In addition, in the event of an outbreak of an epidemic in your destination country or a sudden freeze in diplomatic relations, there is no risk of your placement being cancelled. In many cases, you can start work while still in the UK, travelling to your destination when it is safe to do so.
Freedom of movement after all?
Over the coming years, the biggest challenge will be: can we provide enough placements for everyone? On paper, there is nothing to limit the number of young people who can go abroad. As for recruitment, the more advanced your degree the better, as many applicants already have their master's. But things could evolve in the right direction, in particular thanks to government assistance provided to these programmes, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Don't exactly have the best CV? Not interested in a working for a big corporation? Don't give up. A quarter of placements are the result of unsolicited applications. And for some years now, these schemes have been targeting small and medium-size companies. So, when do you leave?
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