The Covid pandemic abruptly compromised international internship plans over the past two years. As countries open their borders and vaccination reaches populations, youth mobility is rising again. Last year, some 5,600,000 students were able to enjoy youth mobility once again, and this includes many interns for who a dream has finally come true.
Global mobility in Covid times
The Covid pandemic slowed down international mobility significantly in most countries. A 63% drop was recorded in Australia and 43% in the United States. While Switzerland performed better by keeping its doors open to students and interns, the overall observation is the same. Thousands of moving plans were put on hold. Most internships were either done remotely, postponed, or canceled. This disappointed thousands of students for whom internship was an important component of their study program. Some of the most affected students were those who had applied for internships in China and Japan, where borders are still officially closed. While the global situation has improved significantly, considering an internship in Asia is still tricky. Conversely, countries around the world have fewer Asian students in international mobility. France, for example, has returned to its pre-Covid level, with 370,000 international students coming in 2021, according to figures from Campus France. However, there are fewer students from Asia and more from Europe, Africa and Near Eastern countries. Also, Europe has become the leading destination for international students and trainees.
Which are the most popular internship offers?
Approximately 300,000 people land an internship each year in the United States alone, that is, before the Covid pandemic. Most of the internship offers are in marketing, e-commerce, engineering, IT and finance, as per the global labor market's needs. Digitization impacts all spheres of the economy and also affects students, considering the need for professions linked to sustainable development. The high-tech industry, commerce, digital professions, finance and ecology, are the leading sectors that need interns.
Yet, internships are often unpaid. According to CNBC, more than 40% of internships in the United States are unpaid, while interns most often work full-time. A lot of abuse was reported during the Covid pandemic, including the lack of supervision and overwork. Remote internships during the pandemic seemed more like unpaid regular jobs. But this is not new as student associations and experts have denounced these practices for many years. This is one of the reasons why the European Union adopted, on October 8, 2020, a resolution that guarantees quality offer employment, training, or internship for all young students. This includes remuneration based on the actual work performed by the student.
Tips for finding internships abroad
Networking is the key. Many universities provide support for finding internships overseas. Have a look at former students' profiles and achievements, and do not hesitate to ask for tips. In pandemic times, more than ever, networking is a powerful tool.
Make sure to attend local and international student fairs. For example, the next Study Abroad Fair will be held in September in Paris. The same month, the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, USA) will hold its Salon, and another will be held in Istanbul in October.
Meanwhile, consider improving your English level, depending on the country you are looking to relocate to, but do not ignore the local language. For example, if you're looking to do your internship in South Korea, you might need to learn Korean, as this will be considered an asset by recruiters. When joining an international company, even if your colleagues are likely to speak English, it's best to learn your host country's language for better integration. It's worth noting that speaking the local language is no longer a plus – in many countries, it is a requirement.
