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As cheesy as it sounds, I wanted to discover a different city and more of myself to be quite frank, but in a way that would benefit my career as well.
But as some of us would know, a new to the job market-type budget doesn’t really allow for post studies travelling.
Needless to say, when a close friend sent me a link to a website with internship opportunities (like paid internships) for young graduates, my response was:“What have I got to lose? I‘m applying!”
And so fueled by wanderlust, an insatiable desire to learn about a different country and earn a gold star on my CV, the planning began:
First things first, check if the internship is credible
Check the website, call the number on the website and request reports of people who may have done the same or a similar internship.
If the company can’t provide most of these, you may want to reconsider.
Irrespective of which country you’re going to or the first language of the country you’re visiting, make sure you have made a considerable effort to ensure that your application is well-written, comprehensive and that you’ve met all the requirements and even added additional information that may be applicable to what you want to achieve during your internship.
Admin, admin, admin
Request your invitation(al) letter from the internship coordinator, proof of accommodation and any payment that you will receive for your internship before you apply for your visa.
This documentation is crucial for when you’re applying.
Check out your living situation
To avoid any unpleasant surprises when you arrive abroad, check out your accommodation and the offices of the company where you’ll be based during your internship.
Google maps your accommodation, and ask your prospective landlord to send you pictures of your room.
Also check the distance between your accommodation and place of work. Learn about the area and see what transport options are available to you.
Take a camera
Ten years from now you’d want to remember this trip, and you’d want to have pictures to accompany your “In my twenties I travelled abroad for an internship and the experience altered all of my world views” stories.
For a real authentic experience, try to become as familiar as possible with the locals. They know their city best.
Be prepared
When you leave the airport in South Africa make sure you know where you need to go once you land in your host country and make sure you have some cash, either already exchanged or that you can easily exchange at the airport.
And lastly, and probably the most important advice I can give you: travel with an open mind.
Mark Twain said, “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime”.
If you are interested in doing an internship overseas, here are some websites you can check out for great opportunities:
Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth
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