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!
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.
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!
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
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad in Spain ›
- Bring or Buy there: Packing Tips for Studying Abroad ›
