3 tips on how you can maximise your overseas experience
Already signed up for AIESEC’s Global Talent internship programmes? We’re excited for you!
But again, travelling abroad for an internship (especially since the pandemic) can be both scary and exciting. When you explore an environment completely different from what you’re used to, things can get pretty hectic- but fret not! Here, we have compiled some tips for you to make the most of your overseas experience during the Global Talent programme.
- Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in another culture
When you’re on vacation, things are almost always easier- but working and living in another country will be a little different. There will be bills, living expenses to worry about, and delayed traffic. A good way to ensure that your experience is as stress-free as possible is to learn about the culture of the country you will be visiting. What are the cultural norms? How do people interact with one another? Are there quirks about the country that you are not used to? Learn about the neighbourhoods there, visit your future home before going and talk to locals about their country!
When you learn about these things, it becomes much easier to adapt to the new environment that interning abroad will bring, and certainly will make your experience far more enjoyable than if you went there with ‘vacation goggles’. You might even learn a thing or two about the country you’re going to, that you can’t find on google.
- Don’t forget about your living expenses!
Every country’s standard of living is different. A simple noodle dish may cost $15AUD in Australia, but will only set you back about $5SGD in Singapore.
Before your journey abroad to your city of choice, make sure you do enough research on how much it costs to do everything, from driving to eating to finding accommodation! By doing so, you can budget your overseas living costs appropriately, and prevent any nasty and unnecessary hiccups.
- Remember to always have backup
What this means is, remember to always keep yourself insured! You can check the terms in your employment contract to see if you are covered by your employer, or see if there is any overseas coverage extended by your university, or by your existing local insurance.
Exploring a new environment is always better if you’re protected against any potential mishaps, which may cost you an arm and a leg (especially if you are a foreigner of that country)!
All that being said, the most important tip to maximise your overseas internship experience is to have fun! Opportunities to work abroad and immerse yourself in a completely different culture and environment are not easy to come by, and you should let yourself make the most of it. Here with AIESEC, you can sign up for an experience like this through our Global Talents programme. Why stop at going on vacation? Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and sign up for a rewarding experience abroad with AIESEC today.
Written by Gu Jiawen