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10 Reasons Studying Abroad Is Cool, But Interning Abroad Is Even Cooler

I mean seriously, you would rather study?

Karla Howard

Aug 22, 2018

University of Texas

300

10 Reasons Studying Abroad Is Cool, But Interning Abroad Is Even Cooler

Karla Howard

This past summer I interned abroad in Barcelona, Spain for a corporate law firm. I was in between deciding whether or not I wanted to study or intern abroad but ultimately decided on taking the internship. Honestly, it was the BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE!

So, why should you choose an internship over studying abroad?

1. An experience to add to your resume – DUH!

Beachfront paella and cocktail (drinking age is 18 and up)

Karla Howard

Intern abroad to gain experience, expand your cultural knowledge, and EAT. DELICIOUS. FOOD.

2. Connecting with your coworkers—who will then connect you with their friends, and their friends' friends and so on.

Casual lunch outing during lunch break. Pictured are a few of my coworkers.

Karla Howard

Do not be afraid to make the first move with your coworkers. Being open, friendly, and talkative makes you one step closer to becoming more comfortable in the workplace and, ultimately, all around in the (maybe) unfamiliar foreign country.

3. Interning abroad will allow you to expand your horizons and career aspirations!

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Maybe after interning you will realize, "Hmm, I don't want to be a criminal defense attorney, I want to be a corporate / international law attorney and travel the world!" (like me).

4. YOU CAN TRAVEL.

Sitges, Spain

Karla Howard

It's not just about work, work, work.

5. Develop cultural connections.

La Boqueria--Barcelona, Spain

Karla Howard

Interning abroad allows you to connect with the culture of the country in which you are in, being that you are immersed in the language, engaging in the workplace with your coworkers, and gaining knowledge about how your field of interest is applied in a foreign country.

6. Forge life-long friendships.

Karla Howard

Hook 'em!

7. Find yourself.

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Maybe this is the missing piece of the puzzle you were needing to complete your life.

8. Go with friends! OR go by yourself and MAKE friends!

#ZLAM

Karla Howard

My friends and I had different internships, experiences, and met different people, but we always made time to experience what Barcelona and surrounding areas had to offer us. Experiences like these allow your friendships to grow in a positive way.

9. Keep an open mind.

Spanish fried anchovies

Karla Howard

You are going to be working and meeting people who may be a completely different (race, religion, language, etc.) and it's okay! Learning to adjust and adapt to different cultures will only make you that much of a better person and employee.

FYI, you will have plates of strange food placed in front of you sometimes, and you just have to man up and EAT IT (or at least, taste it).

10. Last but not least, you can take fun selfies at work!

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Hey mom and dad, proof I am working!!!

There are just so many more reasons why you should choose to intern abroad instead of studying, but there is no perfect way to put into words this experience unless you do it yourself.

I hope you readers decide to give interning abroad a thought, or maybe a try! After all, travel is the best gift you can give yourself. :)

-Karla Howard

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Recommended for you

10 Reasons Studying Abroad Is Cool, But Interning Abroad Is Even Cooler

I mean seriously, you would rather study?

1. An experience to add to your resume – DUH!

2. Connecting with your coworkers—who will then connect you with their friends, and their friends' friends and so on.

3. Interning abroad will allow you to expand your horizons and career aspirations!

4. YOU CAN TRAVEL.

5. Develop cultural connections.

6. Forge life-long friendships.

7. Find yourself.

8. Go with friends! OR go by yourself and MAKE friends!

9. Keep an open mind.

10. Last but not least, you can take fun selfies at work!

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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