Here at Global Experiences, we always stress the importance of adjusting to a new culture and perspective when preparing our interns for their programs. It is extremely important to always have an open mind and to understand that you are in a different culture from yours so things will certainly be different. It is also important to remember that you are bringing certain skills and perspectives to the company you’ll be working for that are different for them.
I just had the opportunity to visit our programs in Florence, Rome and London. During my trip, I had the chance to hear more about what our internship coordinators in these locations had to say about what American interns can bring to an internship abroad.

Here are just a few things that you can bring to your internship abroad:

1) Forward Thinking: The most popular response to what American interns can bring to a company in Britain or Europe was “Forward Thinking”. American students are problem solvers and forward thinkers, always working towards a goal and beyond.
2) Iquisitive: Classes at American universities generally have a Q&A structure rather than solely lecture based. Because of this structure, American interns are inquisitive and are not scared to ask questions.
3) Well Rounded: With most schools in the States requiring all students to take General Education classes in their first and second years, American students are well rounded and have a variety of skills that we take for granted here in the States, but are extremely important to a company abroad; Writing skills and IT Skills especially.

Both you and your supervisor/colleagues have things to teach each other and to learn from one another. Remember that it should be a give and take relationship and these are just a few of the things you have to set you apart from others in the office.

Posted by: Sarah