Staying Motivated Abroad: 7 Secrets for Interns

13 Aug Staying Motivated Abroad: 7 Secrets for Interns

You’re in a brand-new country, surrounded by sights, sounds, and people completely out of your usual routine. You’re balancing the challenges of your internship, adjusting to cultural differences, and finding your footing socially. It’s exciting. 

But it’s also overwhelming. 

Interning abroad is a life-changing adventure, but staying motivated and engaged requires intention. Whether you’re battling bouts of homesickness or struggling to keep your energy up, there are ways to stay focused and take care of yourself. 

Here are seven secrets to keeping that spark alive while you make the most of your time abroad. 

How Do You Stay Motivated During an Internship Abroad?

Here are some tips for staying motivated abroad: 

1. Start with a Clear Vision

Getting lost in the day-to-day grind is easy unless you know why you’re doing what you’re doing. This is your anchor, your reason for being here. 

Write down what you want to get out of this internship. Is it professional growth? Networking opportunities? Learning how to operate in a global environment? 

Then, break your goals into specific, bite-sized tasks. For example, if one goal is “Improve my communication skills,” then one task might be practicing public speaking in your team meetings. 

Reflect on your goals weekly. Set aside 10 minutes every Sunday (or whatever day works) to check in. Are you on track? Do you need to adjust?  

2. Build a Routine That Works for You

A predictable routine helps you find stability, even in the midst of a whirlwind experience. Think of it as your compass: it keeps your days from feeling scattered. 

Start your morning with a ritual. Whether it’s a quick workout, journaling, or just sipping coffee while planning your day, a steady morning habit can set a positive tone. 

Then, plan your time in manageable chunks. Balance your work hours, exploration time, and actual downtime. (Your brain needs a breather too!) 

Be sure also to stick to consistent sleep and meal schedules. Jet lag and inconsistent hours can make you feel loopy fast; don’t underestimate the power of routine for staying focused. 

Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect right away. A great routine evolves over time—and it’s okay to tweak yours as you settle in. 

3. How to Cope With Loneliness While Interning in a Foreign Country?

Feeling homesick? You’re not alone. Loneliness can creep up when you’re far from your familiar support system. Staying in touch with your people helps combat those feelings. 

Here’s what to do: 

Schedule regular video calls with family or friends. It doesn’t have to be daily, but knowing you’ve got time carved out to chat can be a huge comfort. 

Share updates. Snap quick photos or jot down experiences to message home. It keeps you connected and lets your loved ones share in your adventure. 

Join online forums or communities of other expats and interns, both for practical advice and to share the experience with people who get it. 

Building a new life abroad is easier when you lean on both your home base and the new connections you make. 

4. What Are the Best Self Care Habits to Maintain Motivation?

Your internship abroad isn’t a sprint. It’s more of a marathon. Staying physically and mentally healthy ensures you can enjoy the whole ride. 

Some tips?

Move your body, even if it’s just a 15-minute stroll around the block. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to make you feel recharged. 

Hydrate and eat meals that fuel you. Don’t skip breakfast, no matter how busy you are!) 

Try mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises or gratitude journaling. Managing stress proactively will help you stay productive and happy. 

5. Seek Out Virtual Mentorship

Having a mentor can transform your internship from a “just going through the motions” job into a professional game-changer. 

If you don’t officially have a mentor, ask your supervisor for regular check-ins. Use these meetings to discuss what’s going well, what’s challenging, and how to keep progressing. 

Join professional groups or LinkedIn communities to find mentors in your field, even if they’re not at your internship site, and be proactive about reaching out. Whether it’s seeking advice, feedback, or just encouragement, mentors often love when interns take the initiative. 

6. Explore and Engage Locally

You didn’t come all this way to sit in your apartment, did you? Immersing yourself in the local culture not only enriches your experience but also keeps you curious and inspired. 

Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Even simple “hellos” and “thank yous” can break the ice.  Attend cultural events, local markets, or community gatherings. This is where much of the magic of intercultural exchange happens.  

Ultimately, the more you engage with your surroundings, the more rewarding your time abroad will be. 

7. How Often Should I Reflect On My Goals During the Internship?

Short answer: as often as possible When you can, do a daily, weekly, and monthly check-in with yourself to keep an eye on your progress and course-correct as needed.

In these check-ins, remember that even small progress counts as progress. After all, motivation wanes when all you’re focusing on is how far you still have to go. Celebrating your victories, no matter how small. keeps you energized and optimistic. 

Track your achievements, whether in a journal or an app. Even jotting “made it through my first presentation at work” helps. 

Can virtual mentorship or check-ins help keep motivation high? Absolutely, but only if you acknowledge your gains. Treat yourself when you reach significant milestones. That could be dinner at a cool restaurant, a weekend getaway, or even just an extra-long Netflix night. 

Finally, share your successes with friends, family, or mentors. Hearing them cheer you on is incredibly motivating. 

Whatever you do, remember that every win, big or small, is a step in your growth. Don’t wait until the end to celebrate! 

Your Journey, Your Growth

Getting through an internship abroad is just as much about learning the job as it is about growing into a more resilient, well-rounded version of yourself. Start by setting goals, finding your groove, staying connected, and focusing on your well-being. Before you know it, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. 

And when you’re ready to launch into the experience of a lifetime, we’ve got your back. Our Absolute Internship programs abroad are designed to offer you professional growth, once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion, and a support system along the way. Get started now: your dream internship is just one click away.