Interning vs. Studying Abroad: Which Experience Counts More?

23 Jul Interning vs. Studying Abroad: Which Experience Counts More?

Exploring the world during your high school years can be a game-changer, both for your personal growth and for opening the door to future career opportunities. 

But when it comes to adding that “wow” factor to your resume or college applications, should you study abroad or choose an internship? Both give you the chance to see the world, but they offer very different experiences. 

In this post, we’ll dig into the options so you can find out what might work best for you.

Which is Better: Study or Internship Abroad?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your goals, interests, and timeline. The quick answer to this question is that both can boost your career: a 2011 survey of recruiters found that 60% valued international experience when hiring.

Studying abroad immerses you in a foreign culture while sharpening academic skills—it’s about learning in classrooms, libraries, and beyond. 

On the flip side, internships abroad are boots-on-the-ground experiences where you can build real-world skills while navigating a professional setting.

If your endgame involves career prep, an international internship might tip the scales. But if cultural immersion and academia excite you, studying abroad could be your choice. Either way, you gain an invaluable global perspective. 

The best part? Both experiences show future colleges or employers that you stepped outside your comfort zone, and that’s worth a lot.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad combines academics with cultural immersion, giving you a chance to see the world while earning credits or building skills in your subject of choice. 

Here’s what’s great about it:

1. Broaden Your Cultural Perspective

Every day is a lesson in cultural diversity. Whether you’re sipping green tea at a Tokyo teahouse or soaking in Italy’s art history, you’ll gain a new appreciation for how different—and similar—our world can be. Considering that 71% of hiring managers report hiring team members who live in different countries, this new perspective is a must in the workforce.

2. Build Your Academic Profile

If you’ve got your heart set on competitive colleges, international study shows you’re willing to challenge yourself. Admissions committees love to see applicants who bring unique experiences to their campus. 

Plus, you might get the chance to learn in cutting-edge classrooms, especially if you’re focusing on science, technology, or the arts.

3. Boost Language Skills

Fluency doesn’t happen overnight, but living in a country where the language is constantly spoken gives you a significant edge. Whether you’re ordering meals in Spanish or navigating public transport in Mandarin, you’ll become a more effective communicator.

4. Explore New Interests

Think of studying abroad as an open-ended invitation to try something new. 

Never been skiing? Norway’s slopes await. Interested in art? Paris is your canvas. You’ll walk away with stories, skills, and maybe even new passions you never thought you’d discover.

Benefits of Interning Abroad

Internships may involve less sightseeing, but the hands-on experience can be life-changing. You’re not just observing—you’re contributing. 

Here’s why high school internships abroad are gaining traction:

1. Kickstart Your Career

Internships give you a peek into professional environments. Whether you’re shadowing doctors in a hospital or assisting a tech startup in Berlin, this kind of experience helps you discover what you enjoy—and what you don’t—before you commit to a college major or career path.

2. Grow Your Network

Interning abroad puts you in touch with professionals who can mentor you and guide your career. It’s like LinkedIn, but better. These connections often offer future opportunities, references, or even job offers.

3. Develop Workplace Skills

You’ll learn things like time management, problem-solving, and communication by actually doing them. Employers pay attention to applicants with work experience, and the “international” tag adds a layer of intrigue.

4. Practice Adaptability

When you’re working in a new culture, every day brings an opportunity to adapt and flex your problem-solving skills. Employers value resilience and adaptability, and nothing teaches this better than navigating the unique challenges of an overseas workplace.

Cost Comparison: Study vs. Internship Abroad

At the risk of stating the obvious, money matters when you’re deciding which path to take. Programs for both studying and interning abroad vary widely in price depending on location, duration, and what’s included, but here’s a general breakdown:

Studying Abroad Costs

Studying abroad might require tuition, housing, meals, and travel expenses. Some programs are tied to scholarships, so do your homework to find grants or financial aid options.

Keep in mind that certain locations (like Western Europe or Japan) might be pricier compared to countries in Southeast Asia or Latin America.

Internship Abroad Costs

Internships tend to be less expensive because you’re not registering for courses. Some programs even offer stipends, though this isn’t standard. Housing and travel costs still apply, but you might also save money by working somewhere with a lower cost of living.

It’s worth noting that both options can deliver long-term value, but internships could be more affordable if your main goal is gaining work-ready skills rather than formal study credits.

Where Can You Go in High School Internships Abroad?

The answer? Almost anywhere. Here’s a snapshot of exciting destinations for internships for international high school students:

• Barcelona, Spain: Known for its art, architecture, and innovation, Barcelona is perfect for internships in business, design, or tourism.
• Shanghai, China: This fast-paced city is a hub for finance, tech, and engineering opportunities.
• Stockholm, Sweden: Sustainability initiatives? Check. Exciting startups? Double-check. Stockholm is great for learning about the future of business and eco-tech.
• New York City, USA (for international students): Not everyone thinks of the U.S. for international internships, but it’s a fantastic option, especially for students interested in media, fashion, or finance.

Wherever you land, internships abroad reshape how you see the world—and yourself.

Trust Absolute Internship to Help You Find Your Next Summer Internship Abroad

When it comes to arranging a summer internship abroad, you don’t want to leave things to chance. That’s where Absolute Internship comes in. We specialize in connecting high school students just like you with meaningful international internships in over 30 global destinations.

Yes, these opportunities can be career-focused, but they’re more than that. At Absolute Internship, we make sure your placement aligns perfectly with your personal goals. 

Whether you’re pursuing healthcare, engineering, marketing, or any field in between, the team provides guidance every step of the way—housing, visa advice, and personalized program highlights. This means you can focus on making the most of your adventure, both professionally and personally.

Choosing between studying abroad and an international internship doesn’t have to be daunting. Ask yourself what you want to gain—cultural insights, academic enrichment, professional skills, or all the above—and choose an experience that aligns with your goals. 

Whatever you decide, both journeys promise excitement, growth, and stories you’ll be telling for years. And if an internship calls your name, Absolute Internship will make the planning process a breeze.

Why wait? The world is calling, and your next big adventure is out there waiting for you.