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Internship Destinations

I remember starting the first year of my Master’s degree, utterly disgusted to be back in France after a fantastic year in London, and being told there was a five-month mandatory internship abroad to be completed, from April to August. Although I was excited about the opportunity to keep traveling, I couldn’t help but be disappointed at the thought of having to work during the summer. – Princess much? Maybe.
When the moment to start looking for an internship came, while everyone thought they’d be having the time of their lives in London, I thought what the hell is wrong with these people?! Who would want to spend their summer in cloudy London?!?!?! Don’t get me wrong, I love London, I had great fun there. But in the summer time? Why?! NO!

Look, first of all, I was going to work all summer, so I was not about to spend my summer in a no beach town, no ma’am! I wanted to mix business with pleasure. So when I realized that I would not be going to California like I wanted to (no time left to find an internship and make the visa), I decided to focus my research on countries where I would be able to have a little fun in the sun: I had set my sights on Spain and Italy. I ended up getting an internship in Barcelona, which was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I had the best bosses, the best colleagues, the best flatmates, the best friends and the BEST time.
The people who had stayed in France or went to London or Canada for their internship were drooling over the pictures that I would happily post on both my Facebook and Instagram accounts to get on their last darn nerve. 🙂

If you are looking for an internship, do yourself a (huge) favor, pick a fun bikini destination! Brazil, Australia, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Mexico, the Caribbean. Don’t put limits to where you could go and don’t be afraid of the distance.
I know that oftentimes, internships are not paid, finances are tight and you may think it would be difficult to support yourself while living abroad for a few months. But make sure you get all the information regarding the internship abroad grants your country offers.
In most European Universities, for instance, the Erasmus program enables students to either study or complete internships across Europe. In the case of an internship, the Erasmus grant can amount up to 350€ monthly, which is not negligible. You can make a small student loan that would cover your expenses. And if you are really lucky, you may even be able to find a paid internship! Don’t kill the idea of doing your internship abroad without carefully considering all your options. Because I promise you, traveling will be one of the best things that will ever happen to you, both personally and professionally. You won’t regret it!

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