15 Jul What Are the Benefits of Internships For International High School Students?
You’ve joined just about every extracurricular imaginable. You’ve worked hard to keep your grades at an A or higher. You’ve been a standout on the soccer field.
But now, as you get ready to apply for college, you’re wondering if you’ve done everything you can possibly do to prepare yourself – and to make yourself stand out as an applicant.
Although many students don’t realize this, participating in internships abroad is one of the best things you can do as an international high school student.
Whether you’re an American student looking to intern in Shanghai or a Canadian student trying to intern in London, the reality is that international internships offer a wide array of benefits. That’s true no matter what your major is or where you choose to intern.
Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of internships for high school students. Trust us, there are almost too many to count!
What Are the Benefits of Doing an Internship in High School?
Whether you’re interested in interning in finance in London or fashion in Paris, an internship abroad can open up all kinds of doors to you as a high school student. Here are a few key benefits to keep in mind.
Shows a Commitment to Your Field of Study
Did you know that 30% of college students change their major at least one time while they’re in school?
It’s easy to call students indecisive, but the reality is that it’s really tough to know what you want to do until you – you know, do it! Many high schools now push career-oriented course selection as a result, and while this is a step in the right direction, there’s really no way to know what the real world has to offer until you immerse yourself in it.
An internship, particularly one in a diverse setting abroad, will let you explore these different pathways to figure out what you might be interested in – before you start spending thousands of dollars on college classes you end up hating.
Gain Soft Skills
In the business world, it’s not necessarily about knowing how to do something – it’s about how you do that something. You need to learn how to be a good communicator, problem solver, and team member regardless of the career path you choose. You need to know how to manage your time and work well with others, regardless of whether you decide to work in fashion or environmental sustainability.
An internship, particularly one abroad where you’re pushed out of your comfort zone, is one of the best ways to cultivate these skills.
Build Your Professional Network
When it comes to international internships, a lot of focus tends to be on resume-building. Yes, resume building is incredibly important – and it’s a huge benefit of interning abroad. However, you can’t overlook another advantage that foreign internships provide – a network of references.
These are helpful not just for seeking employment, but also when it comes time to apply to college. The vast majority of colleges expect to see at least a couple letters of recommendation.
Most students have their guidance counselor, coach, or community leader write those letters – but what if you could have the CEO of a major international tech company write your letter? You’re sure to make an impression with the college’s admissions department that way!
Hands-On Experience
The real-world experience we mentioned above comes in handy in another way – giving you a better idea of what the working world is like.
As a high school student, you might already be working – perhaps you babysit the neighbor’s kids or coach a Little League team, or maybe you work Saturdays at a local ice cream stand. Those are all incredible – and beneficial – experiences to have, but they don’t give you quite as clear of a picture of what the professional working world will look like once you’re out there with your degree.
A high school internship will give you real-world experience in your career path of choice that most other college students will not have. You’ll be able to set yourself up nicely for work study arrangements or even other internships while you’re in college. Plus, you’ll have more confidence when it comes to applying for positions, too – you already know you have what it takes to succeed!
Learn More About Yourself
At seventeen or eighteen years old, it might seem like you’ve got the whole world figured out. You probably know a lot about yourself by now, but trust us when we say that an internship abroad will help you learn even more.
You’ll learn what you like and dislike, which will help you make decisions about career paths you might want to follow. You’ll learn your strong suits, and of course, your weaknesses – which may sound like a bad thing, but the reality is that it will help you figure out the path you might want to take in life.
Intern Abroad With Absolute Internship
Are you ready to embark on an incredible, career-changing experience? The truth is that most high school students, when surveyed, expressed a sincere desire to intern abroad. But very few actually do.
One of the biggest barriers to interning abroad (or interning in general) is knowing where to get started. A survey by American Student Assistance found that although 70% of students wanted to intern, only 34% actually knew where to find the right experiences.
That’s where Absolute Internship comes in. Think of us as your personal concierge to finding exciting internships abroad. We offer experiences all around the world, from Beijing to Barcelona, and we’ll help you find the perfect one.
Your future career is waiting – are you ready?
FAQ
Why are international internships good?
International internships offer students the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance their global perspective.
Is doing internships as a high school graduate a good idea?
Internships provide high school graduates with practical insights into various industries, helping them clarify their career goals and develop a strong foundation for future success.
What do international students need for an internship?
Depending on where and for how long you choose to study, you may need a valid visa or work authorization, proficiency in the language of the host country, cultural awareness, adaptability to new environments, and a willingness to learn and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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