Internship abroad programs help you enter into your desired field and gain real-world experience, but it’s just the beginning of the benefits of interning. You’ll also gain invaluable skills that are transferrable to all aspects of life.

Some of the many skills that you’ll hone after interning abroad can open doors to new, exciting opportunities. 

A few of the many skills you’ll learn are:

1. Ability to Adapt

In 2024, adaptability remains one of the leading soft skills a professional can have. Often, the best leaders are those who can adapt to any situation and are agile in the workplace.  Many professionals even view adaptability as the top skill to have, period.

You’ll need to be adaptable to deal with:

• Talent changes that are hitting many fields at the same time
• Training that may be required to upskill 
• Engaging with others and working in teams

Internships force you to adapt because, for many students, it’s the first time that they’ve worked in the field in a professional capacity. You can’t be rigid in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Industries are changing before our eyes, and your ability to adapt will have a major impact on your career.

2. Problem-Solving Skills

Part of adapting is having problem-solving skills. Interns who spend time abroad must navigate new, exciting environments. You’ll quickly begin working on your problem-solving skills because you’ll need to figure out how to:

• Potentially speak a new language
• Transcend cultural norms
• Solve problems on your own
• Work in teams
• Communicate your needs to others
• So much more

Problems almost always have an answer, and you’ll learn how to solve them while pursuing an internship. Even something that you find easy in your home country – like language – can be difficult for an intern.

3. Linguistic Skills

Internship abroad programs, if you go to a country that doesn’t speak your native language, will help you hone your linguistic skills. A study found that 56% believe bilingual skills will be increasingly important in the workforce in the next five years.

If you want to stand out on a resume, your linguistic skills from an internship can help.

You might not become fluent in the language, but being able to converse with colleagues or clients/customers who may speak the language can be a game-changer for your career.

Some of the most in-demand languages in the workforce are:

• English
• Spanish
• Mandarin 
• Arabic 
• German
• Russian  

But any language can and will be of value in your career. You never know what doors your new skills will open in the future.

If you do need to work in the intern country as part of your career, you’ll benefit from your ability to communicate across cultures.

4. Ability to Communicate Across Cultures

When you intern abroad, you’re exposed to new cultures and perspectives. You naturally become more open-minded, sensitive and empathetic.

From these new experiences and cultural immersion, you’ll improve your ability to communicate across cultures. Your tolerance, sensitivity and understanding of cultural nuances will help you navigate interactions and conversations with people across the globe.

5. International Networking

Internship abroad opportunities can provide you with the ability to engage in international networking.

For example, international business internships from agencies like Capital Placement can help you connect with professionals in your industry from all over the world.

Those connections can lead to job opportunities, but you can also learn from these professionals. They can provide industry insights, mentorship, referrals and more.

Because these connections are international, you also get a more global perspective of your industry.

6. Self-Reliance

In our day-to-day lives, we rely on the help of our personal and professional connections to solve problems and overcome challenges. When you’re interning abroad, you won’t have the luxury of having those connections.

You will be responsible for managing daily tasks, both personal and professional. Everything from navigating public transport to grocery shopping will help you hone your ability to be self-reliant.

Self-sufficiency is a valuable skill in the workplace, and it will also help boost your confidence. You’ll realize that you’re capable of handling any situation that comes your way. 

7. Independence

One of the most valuable skills you’ll develop while interning abroad is independence. You’ll be in an entirely new country without your usual network of family and friends. 

During your stay in your host country, you’ll learn how to stand on your own two feet, and you’ll have the freedom to make your own decisions.

To gain true independence, you must be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. An internship abroad will force you to do just that.

Interning Abroad For Opportunity

Internship abroad opportunities will help you develop valuable skills that will benefit you in the workplace and in your personal life. From independence to problem-solving and linguistic skills, your internship will equip you with in-demand skills that will give you an edge over competitors in the workforce.