3 minute read
Internships abroad: A valuable
Internships abroad
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Doing an internship abroad is a unique way to learn a new language or culture. So it’s no surprise that more and more students are choosing to do this. However, the coronavirus pandemic means you can’t assume you can arrange such an internship. So, how do you approach this? And what kinds of things do you need to take into account? Pascalle Manderveld, internship coordinator at Zuyd’s Oriental Languages and Communications study programme, ensures you are completely up-to-date.
Every year Pascalle guides students in their search for their graduation internship at companies both at home and abroad. This search actually starts from the third academic year.
Interested in a grant?
The VSBfonds offers socially engaged students the opportunity to apply for a grant. Grants are made available every year to Bachelor's or Master’s degree students who graduate at a Dutch university of applied sciences or university. The grant can’t be used for internships. VSBfonds grants are capped at €10,000. Further information can be found at www.vsbfonds.nl.
Go for an international experience
During the orientation phase, students decide for themselves whether they want to stay in the Netherlands, or go abroad. But where to exactly? Pascalle responded: ‘Where you can and are permitted to do your internship depends on the study programme requirements. For the Oriental Languages and Communication (OTC) study programme, the intercultural and language component of Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic certainly plays an important role. But that doesn’t mean that you can only gain international experience by doing an internship abroad. There are so many opportunities. For instance, a number of students following a language specialism in Chinese have chosen to do an internship at a large logistics company in Venlo. They did, however, go on a business trip to China.’
Nevertheless, Pascalle does recommend choosing an internship abroad if you get the chance. ‘Such an internship really offers added value and can help you stand out from the rest, both on your CV and on the labour market. However, the pandemic means you can’t assume you can arrange this so easily.’
Internships during a pandemic
Internships are different now because of the pandemic. ‘In the early days of the coronavirus crisis, we still had students on internships in Japan, Dubai, or Egypt. However, it quickly became clear that not everyone could stay abroad. We remained in close contact with our students and offered them the opportunity to complete their internships online. Some students, however, decided to put their study and internship on hold for a while, because they really wanted to complete their final internship abroad, which is understandable.’
If you’re still looking for an international internship, it’s no longer a certainty that you can actually go abroad for it. ‘Fortunately however, the number of opportunities is increasing, including online. For instance, almost all of the current fourth-year Oriental Languages and Communications students have found internships with an international focus, but located in the Netherlands. Most students are working partly at home and partly at the internship provider’s location. Unfortunately, as the coronavirus regulations keep changing students also need to be really flexible. Luckily, Zuyd can facilitate a lot online.’
Important to know
If you do want to do your internship abroad, you’ll need to take certain things into account. Pascalle responded: ‘Read about and immerse yourself in the culture and customs; each country has its own local habits, norms, and values. You’re plunged into a culture that’s not your own so you need to be well-prepared for this. Also consider your financial situation because you can’t always rely on getting an internship allowance. Are any grants available? Do you need a visa? Is it achievable? And what about accommodation?’
