5 People Who Should Intern or Volunteer Abroad
By Sarah Dilworth
At Connect-123, we see first-hand that intern and volunteer experiences abroad are for everyone. While many international interns are college students or recent graduates, you most certainly do not have to be a student in order to complete a global internship or volunteer experience. In fact many Connectors are people of all ages taking a gap year, making a career shift, or wanting to gain international experience in their field of choice.
Gap Yearers
Taking a gap year offers an opportunity for personal and professional development, while gaining a practical awareness of the world. Taking time off before committing to a university program provides time and space for students to see a bit of the world, get to know themselves, and gain real world experience in their field of choice.
Career Changers
What better way to try out a new field of work or specialty than while living and working in another country? For those wanting to test out a new career path before making a permanent leap, an internship abroad is a perfect opportunity.
Professional Development Seekers
Anyone who wants to gain a bit more experience and competitive advantage, whether you are entering the workforce or have been there for a few years, can gain transferable and hard skills while interning abroad. These new international experiences will spice up your resume and give you an edge over the competition.
Empty-Nesters/Retirees
After working and/or raising children for so many years, folks are realizing they want to see the world through meaningful travel. Volunteering abroad will enrich your travelling experience while connecting you to and benefitting local communities.
Digital Nomad Aspirers
For many, a typical 9-5 job and lifestyle just won’t cut it. But making that leap away from security can be scary. Finding an internship abroad is a perfect launching point for a digital nomad. Not only is there more of a safety net, but if you leverage your international internship correctly, you could create many contacts for future endeavors.
Global internships and volunteer experiences are for everyone. Part of the Connect-123 experience includes working directly with our local program coordinators to find and develop a program tailored to fit your specific needs, goals, and expectations. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering and interning as a non-tradtional participant.
Sarah Dilworth
Marketing Coordinator
Sarah’s passion for cultural and educational travel was sparked by her first experience of studying abroad in Limerick, Ireland ten years ago. After graduating with a BA in Political Science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she returned to Ireland to study Intercultural Studies at Dublin City University. With experience working in primary and secondary education, cultural exchange, and marketing for an international education organization, Sarah founded a freelance business aimed at supporting small businesses and nonprofits to use social media and digital marketing to their fullest potential. Recently relocated to Buenos Aires, after a few years in Dublin, Sarah is looking forward to getting to know the many barrios, discovering new foodie spots, and exploring the cultural arts scene in Argentina.
