Check List For Deciding a Good Platform

Deciding to intern abroad is a huge step, one that will differentiate you from your peers and broaden your horizons. For many, interning abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a transformative experience. It’s also a lot of time, effort, and money… so how do you pick the right internship program? Here are some of the critical questions you should ask, broken up into Track Record, Transparency and Accountability, and Features.

Transparency and Accountability

What is their internship placement method like?

How do they match you with the right host company and position for you? A quality internship is arguably the most important part of your program, so you’ll want to get as much detail as possible on how they work behind the scenes to ensure a great opportunity for you. If you get an extremely vague answer or it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Do you get to interview with your potential supervisor or is the match confirmed for you without a formal conversation?

You’ll want to get as much information about the company, culture, and role before confirming your internship, and an interview with your supervisor will be the best way to ensure that you are a good fit for the company. If you are matched with a company without that ability to confirm a good match, you may encounter issues or differing expectations when you arrive.

Do they outsource placement matching to other partners?

This is a big deal. Many program providers use other local companies with connections to place you in an internship. While it allows providers to offer many different programs around the world, the accountability and quality of the match can vary dramatically. The third party you’re speaking with may simply be a middleman, and they’ve outsourced the placement to another company in your desired city. You want to make sure that the internship and experience you discuss with the company that has your deposit is able to deliver on their promise and it’s not lost in translation.

Do they have direct relationships with the supervisors at the host companies?

There are huge advantages to going through an organization that has their own employer relationships to monitor and maintain their placements. It ensures a better match, consistent standards on internship quality, quick and easy communication, and direct accountability if there are any issues during the internship.

Do they have their own staff on the ground?

Again, this goes back to accountability and ensuring a great standard of quality. If a program has their own staff on the ground, it ensures a consistent program delivery. Working through partners can create an added risk of inconsistent program quality and a lack of clarity or lag in communication. Also, is the on-ground staff local to the area or flown in just for the program? Having a local expert will prove to be super helpful if you need advice and recommendations or in case of an emergency.

Is a placement in your career field 100% guaranteed?

…Or will you be stuck somewhere that has nothing to do with your career goals? If a company can’t guarantee you an internship in your field of interest, it may not be worth committing. You don’t want to invest time and money into a program only to have to start from the beginning if it doesn’t pan out. The good follow up question is, how can they guarantee it? The answer should go back to their track record.

Will you have your internship confirmed before you arrive on location?

Some providers can ensure your internship well before you take off for your program, with others you may have to wait until you arrive. This can also vary by location where in-person interviews that require language skills commonly take place after arrival in non-English speaking countries. This may also be the case for internships in industries such as fashion, entertainment, or other client-facing, image-based companies.

Will you have a dedicated point of contact?

You’re going to have tons of questions before you travel abroad, and it’s helpful to have a central person who knows you and understands what you’re looking to accomplish while abroad. No one wants to talk through their unique situation again and again, especially if serious issues arise.

What are their health and safety protocols?

Health and safety abroad is something that isn’t fun or particularly interesting to talk about, but it’s incredibly important. You’ll want to ensure the organization you go through has comprehensive systems in place and isn’t winging it as things come up.

Features

What happens during the preparation stage? How do you get information and advice?

The process of preparing for an international program requires responsibility and collaboration from both you and the provider. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of a program can be its pre-departure preparation. How do they send you the materials and information you need: mail, email, webinars, website/web portal? How do you send them your information? Do they include career development coaching such as resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and discussions about your chosen career field and what to expect in your work environment overseas? Are they responsive and timely in answering your questions? An experience abroad can be a huge professional catalyst – if you’re prepared for it.

Does the provider help with the visa process?

For some locations, you’ll need a visa, and some visas can be a time- and labor-intensive process. Most providers will offer visa assistance as navigating a complex process on your own can result in mistakes and the inability to get your visa on time. A good provider should be able to guide you step-by-step through the correct process.

Is housing included? Where is it located, and what is it like?

When you’re not working or exploring abroad, you’ll spend quite a bit of time hanging out in your housing. You’ll want to make sure it’s centrally located, close to public transportation, safe, and has the essential amenities. Keep in mind that common amenities in your home country may not be standard in your host country such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, dishwasher, laundry facilities, etc. Will you have to pay extra for a safety deposit, utilities, linens, laundry, mailbox, gym access, etc.? Ask for a description and location on a map as well as photos to ensure you have the right expectations about what housing is like in another country.

What else is included in the price? Transportation? Language training? Social Events?

There can be sticker shock looking at the cost of an international program but is important to account for all the costs during your life changing the experience. A program may look cheap, but double check to see if these things are included or a la carte.

What happens after the program?

Finding an internship abroad is an incredible experience and a lot to take in. When it ends, what type of evaluation or support is available? There should be some sort of exit orientation and/or survey for you to give your feedback and reflect on your experience as a whole and what it means for your future. Is there follow up from the provider when you return or is there reintegration support available? Getting back to “normal” life at home can be a challenge if you experience reverse culture shock or you feel a lack of direction at the end of your internship program.

Is there an alumni network to tap into after your program?

You’re going to have fun abroad, but the main purpose of an international internship program is to differentiate yourself in a professional capacity from your peers. It’s a nice plus to be able to connect with other alumni who are now working in their fields in the US or overseas. They can relate to your experience, overcoming challenges, and personal growth of living and working abroad; not to mention, they may be able to give you a connection to get hired when you finish your program.

If you’ve made it to the bottom of this list, congratulations! You’re ready to start making an informed decision regarding your international internship program.