Overseas internships for adults
You will be glad to learn that interning abroad is possible at any stage of life. Various internship programs are available, with some imposing age limits while others are accessible to all. These internships span various fields of expertise, regardless of educational background and skills. Additionally, scholarships may be granted to cover part or all of the stay. Depending on the program's terms, these scholarships may or may not be income-based. For instance, ERASMUS+ scholarships are not bound by the applicant's income, with each participant receiving the same amount, regardless of their resources.
European internship programs for adults
The European Union (EU) offers several dedicated programs for adult European citizens. Some of these programs, like ERASMUS+, may, under specific conditions and cases, be available to non-European citizens based on their nationality. For the eligibility criteria, it's best to refer directly to the ERASMUS+ website (link at the end of the article).
European Solidarity Corps
Open to individuals aged between 18 and 30, the European Solidarity Corps allows participants to engage in activities within Europe or non-European countries. These activities include full-time paid internships lasting between 2 to 6 months. Participants can also work for up to 3 months or engage in volunteering, humanitarian aid, or local solidarity projects. Please note that funding for internships and jobs may still be available this year but not in the coming years, as it is not included in the 2021-2027 program. The European Solidarity Corps covers travel expenses, health coverage and provides language learning support.
ERASMUS+
ERASMUS+ is open to all profiles, regardless of age. It caters to employees, job seekers, and young entrepreneurs, offering opportunities to intern abroad. Regarding young entrepreneurs, the candidate's age is not the determining factor; rather, it's the company's age. Businesses that have existed for less than three years are eligible for the program. Participants can obtain a scholarship for observational stays in other European countries, with the entrepreneur choosing the hosting organization (association, company, etc.).
ERASMUS+ accepts applications from organizations, with entrepreneurs applying on behalf of their companies. Employees must request their employers to enroll their companies in ERASMUS+ programs, while job seekers should approach their employment advisors to apply on behalf of the job search organization.
Employees can also request international solidarity leave, allowing them to carry out voluntary work for six months while retaining their jobs. As there may be disparities among European countries, you are advised to inquire about your rights as an employee in advance. For instance, France offers a six-month international solidarity leave. In any case, you must present your project to your employer before making any decisions.
Other options for interning abroad as an adult
There are, of course, other options for adult or non-student internships abroad. For example, private companies and job search organizations offer programs dedicated to adult interns.
Private companies
Although we don't always think about it, many large companies offer internships for adults. Some of them are Dell, Ford, Amazon, Hubspot, Raytheon Technologies (a manufacturer in the aerospace sector), Northrop Grumman Corporation (a conglomerate operating in the aviation sector), Schneider Electric, Eaton Corporation (companies specializing in energy management), Deloitte (a consulting and auditing company), UBS (financial services), and Intuit again (recruitment agencies).
All these companies have established programs to recruit adults for internships. The conditions for participating usually vary depending on the programs. For example, Amazon and its "Returnship Program" are open to all profiles, including employed individuals and job seekers. Eaton reserves its "ReSurge Program" for adult graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields with at least two years of experience and who are on a voluntary career break.
Associations
Numerous associations offer internships for adults, with conditions depending on the organization. However, it's essential not to confuse internships with volunteering. Volunteering involves a contractual commitment without a subordinate relationship with the organization. Volunteers are not employees, while interns are integrated into the company. You are also advised to be cautious about engaging in "voluntourism." With an increasing desire for meaningful engagement, offers for "humanitarian tourism" and other "solidarity trips" have considerably increased in recent years. Despite vigilance, some organizations still commercialize volunteering.
Why pursue an internship abroad as an adult?
The formula offers the same advantages as those benefited by young students. In the context of international labor shortages and competition from AI, lifelong learning is vital to ensuring a long-lasting career and adapting to an ever-changing job market. It's a win-win formula, guaranteeing technical and interpersonal skills development. Working abroad allows you to meet new individuals and businesses with different approaches to the profession, requiring you to practice another language, work in teams, and consider alternative forms of cooperation.
Useful links:
European Union programs
Erasmus for young entrepreneurs
Private companies
