30 Oct On-Site vs. Remote International Internships: Which is Right for You?
First of all, kudos to you on deciding to advance your career with an international internship program! Now comes the hard part: do you choose a remote international internship or an on-site program? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice.
The Benefits and Challenges of On-Site International Internships
On-site international internships allow you to get to know a new culture by really immersing yourself in it. Picture yourself enjoying a croissant in a Parisian café or walking along Tokyo’s neon-lit streets! All while you’re gaining hands-on work experience that would look stellar on your resume.
Pros of On-Site International Internships
Cultural immersion
The most apparent benefit is that you’ll get to live and work in a foreign country. You will learn new customs and traditions, improve your intercultural communication skills, and significantly change the way you see the world—in the best way possible, of course.
A stronger network
Working in an actual office environment allows you to build better relationships with your colleagues and other professionals. UCLA Psychology professor Albert Mehrabian’s research on expressing feelings revealed that communication is actually 55% facial expressions, 38% vocal tone, and only 7% actual words!
More networking opportunities
You can also attend industry events and run into colleagues outside your team and usual line of command, both of which are great opportunities to further expand your global network.
Timeless skills
Being in an unfamiliar country with different cultures forces you to step out of your comfort zone, and you won’t believe just how much that can help you become more independent, adaptable, and a better problem solver!
Cons of On-Site International Internships
Travel expenses
Doing an internship abroad means budgeting for flights, accommodation, and visa expenses. You’ll also need to consider your daily meals and an allowance for all the exploring you’ll want to do!
Homesickness
Being away from friends, family, and the familiarity of home for weeks or even months can feel lonely, especially during the adjustment period. Making new friends in a foreign country isn’t the easiest thing to do, either.
Adjusting to a new culture
Adapting to unfamiliar social norms and cultural practices can be challenging at first. Language barriers can also make it difficult to communicate and connect with the locals.
The Ups and Downs of Remote International Internships
Remote international internships give you the chance to gain impressive global work experience without the need for travel. You get to collaborate with diverse team members and learn from their unique perspectives, all while enjoying the comfort of your home (or your local coffee shop)!
Pros of Remote International Internships
Working according to your own schedule
One of the biggest advantages of remote internship programs is the flexibility. Most companies will be open to adapting to your schedule, as long as you’re able to meet your deliverables on time.
Balance between internship, academia, and life
If you can manage your own time, it’ll be easier to balance doing your internship, working on school requirements, and enjoying your personal life. You can schedule school meetings, yoga classes, and even coffee with friends during the weekdays. The freedom!
More cost-effective
Compared to on-site internships, a remote setup can save you those pricey travel expenses. You won’t have to worry about commute costs, either!
Skills relevant to the future of work
Remote work isn’t going away, and completing a remote internship program will show potential employers that you have good motivation and time management skills. You’ll also develop underrated skills such as maintaining focus, setting healthy work boundaries, and effective communication.
Cons of Remote International Internships
Less social interaction
One downside to remote international internships is the potential for isolation. Being miles away from your team means you will miss out on in-person team bonding and that camaraderie that comes from working alongside others.
Networking challenges
Building professional relationships can be more difficult without face-to-face meetings. That remote setup barrier can really limit your opportunities for collaboration and mentorship if not addressed properly.
Technical issues
Reliance on technology means that connectivity and software problems can easily disrupt your workflow and productivity—especially when you’re in the zone!
How to Choose Between an On-Site or Remote International Internship
Deciding between an on-site or remote international internship depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and resources. Here are 5 things you can consider:
-
- Career goals
- Budget
- Visa requirements
- Comfort level
- Learning style
Career goals
If you want to work in an industry that values hands-on experience, an on-site internship may be a better fit. For example, being physically present would be more helpful for healthcare, hospitality, or manufacturing internships. If you’re focusing on more digital fields like marketing or I.T., you can still learn a lot with a remote setup.
Budget
Cost is a major consideration. On-site internships require you to account for travel, housing, and daily expenses in a foreign country. Remote internships, on the other hand, allow you to save on these costs—it’s a more affordable option if you’re on a tight budget.
Comfort level
Ask yourself: do I thrive in an office setting with structured workdays or do I prefer the freedom of remote work? Some people are more productive when they’re physically working alongside their colleagues, and others enjoy the flexibility and comfort of being remote. Consider how you work best and don’t feel pressured by what others are doing.
Visa requirements
If you choose an on-site international internship, you’ll need to navigate visa applications. Visa regulations are different for each country, so research the requirements for the destination you want in advance. This can get complicated, so make sure you’re prepared for it.
On a related note, our international internship programs include taking care of this for you if you enroll with us!
Learning style
If you’re a hands-on learner who prefers working directly with teams, an on-site internship will likely suit you better. But if you’re more comfortable with independent work and self-motivation, remote internships can give you more flexibility in how and when you complete your tasks.
A Few Tips for Choosing the Right Internship
To make your decision easier, here are some practical tips we’d like to share:
Do your research. Explore companies in your preferred destination offering both on-site and remote internships. Check reviews from previous interns to understand the experience you can expect.
Talk to alumni. Reach out to people who have already completed internships in your industry. Their firsthand experiences can give you a lot of insight into what each type of internship offers.
Think about how the internship will benefit your future career. If global networking and cultural immersion are important to your goals, on-site may be the way to go. If you’re looking to develop tech skills and want flexibility, perhaps opt for remote internships.
Final Thoughts
Both on-site and remote international internships offer invaluable opportunities for your personal and professional growth. Your choice will ultimately depend on your goals, budget, and work preferences. If you intentionally consider factors like your career path, comfort level, and learning style, we’re confident that you can make an informed decision!
At Absolute Internship, we offer both on-site and remote international internship programs in plenty of incredible destinations to help you achieve your career goals. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a foreign country or just be comfortable at home, we’re here to guide you toward the perfect, life-changing opportunity.
No Comments