An International Internship

By Olga Marschal

Cospa Coordinator

Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education

In many European countries, an internship, or period of work placement, is a compulsory part of a student's higher education. Internships are often done in another country. The European Union has a special program called Leonardo da Vinci that encourages European students to do internships in a European country other than their own. Students who apply and meet the criteria receive Leonardo grants. But many students go abroad for internships outside the Leonardo scheme and even outside the E.U. The U.S. , for example, is a popular internship destination for European students.

 

To do an internship abroad you must be prepared for some hardship. You have to make many arrangements and it is not always easy to adjust to life in another country. But the returns are enormous. You learn another language and get to know another culture, and you are challenged by unexpected events in a totally new environment. You learn what it feels like to belong to a minority. This gives you an opportunity to learn respect for other cultures and to see people different from yourself as fellow human beings. You will become a more well-rounded person. You will be better able to present yourself well when you apply for a job. And you will learn whether or not you are suited to an international career.

 

But because an internship is part of your education, the content of the work you do is important. This is why you have to make clear-cut agreements with the employer about what you will be doing, and you will have to check these agreements with the internship supervisor at your own university or college. It is best to sign a sort of contract with the employer that not only describes the educational aspects of the internship, but also lists your rights and obligations while you are working there. This document should be signed not only by you and the employer but also by your own institution. Then you have an organization to back you up, something that could be important if there are any problems. You can find a model internship agreement on the website of the European Association for International Education at http://www.eaie.org . Go to ‘Professional Sections' and select ‘Swing'.

 

Keep in mind that the legal position of a student intern is not always clear. A co-op student is officially an employee, but a student intern is neither an employee nor a real student. In general, in Europe you will not earn a salary; you will receive a stipend. This has an effect on your insurance. You need to check whether your regular insurance will cover you, and under which circumstances. Student interns often have to take out extra insurance because their regular policy does not cover them fully in another country. And you need to be insured not just for medical costs but also for liability at the workplace and elsewhere, and for legal aid.

 

Make sure to choose the location of your internship carefully. Your own university or college may have contacts with companies or other employers. You can also ask a private agency to mediate for you, but take care to find a reliable one. It is best to use an agency that someone you know has had good experience with. You can also write application letters yourself, but do not be disappointed if not all of them receive a response. In your application letter you should state clearly what you are capable of and what your education has been up to now. This too takes some effort.

 

As you negotiate with the host company, you can form an impression of what it would be like to work there. Are they taking you seriously? Are they answering your questions about insurance properly? Any good host company should arrange liability coverage for you while you are at work. It is a good idea to ask the employer about housing, especially for the first few days or weeks. In general, it is not easy to find a decent, affordable room in another country.

 

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