Author: Kristiina Kivimäe
Erasmus+ internship is a program for all bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students and recent graduates. The internships usually last from 1 to 12 months depending on the needs of the intern and the opportunities that the companies have to offer. The usual practice is that the interns have to stay in the country where the internship is happening, but there are some options for blended mobility. The program is a safe and financially supported way to kick-start a career and gain experiences in living and working abroad. This blog post will explore the benefits of Erasmus+ internships and recommend some tips that help to maximise the experience.
Improving Career Prospects
Erasmus+ internships have many benefits for both professional and personal growth. Firstly, it helps to get global experience that makes interns more valuable candidates for future employers. Secondly, it helps to develop skills like innovative thinking, adaptability, and communication, which are necessary in our modern work field. Thirdly, working with people who have different cultural backgrounds prepares interns for working in global businesses. Additionally, it gives interns exposure to different business practices and problem-solving practices. Lastly, Erasmus+ internships promote entrepreneurship, and around 10% of Erasmus+ participants have started their own businesses.
Personal Growth
Participating in Erasmus+ internships is a great way to enhance personal growth. For example, it helps to build confidence and independence. Besides, living in a new country and being surrounded by people from different countries improves cultural competence and exposure to new languages and customs. For instance, an intern from Sweden might not know much about the culture and everyday life in Portugal. Therefore, while living in a foreign country, interns can gain a lot of knowledge and experiences about different cultures as well as about themselves. Additionally, living in a foreign country advances their flexibility by teaching them how to overcome challenges in multicultural environments.
Building a network
Erasmus+ Internship enables interns to expand their professional networks. It might be a lot different from the connections they have made before. For example, the students might have connections with their peers and coworkers on their local scale. When participating in an internship, students can connect with international professionals and with other Erasmus interns and exchange students. For instance, while having a project in Spain, interns can meet not only Spanish people but also people from all over the world. These connections can open doors for the future and give interns new opportunities. Besides all the professional connections, participating in an Erasmus project helps to find friends for life and make amazing memories.
Financial Support
Erasmus+ internships reduce the financial barriers of studying or working abroad by covering the living expenses. This enables students with different backgrounds and financial capacities to participate in these projects. The funding is based on the living costs of the counties. For instance, the living costs in Switzerland are higher than in Hungary, which means that the funding in Switzerland is also higher. Besides the Erasmus+ funding, some of the companies may offer paid internships, which makes it possible to save money or use it for exploring the hosting country. Additionally, the University Erasmus+ offices assist interns with applications and logistics and any help needed during the internship.
Tips to Maximize the Experience
Here are several tips from a Vision Factory intern that help to maximise the Erasmus+ internship experience:
Choose an internship that matches your personal and professional goals.
Save money before going to the project because the funding might not be enough to live in all the cities in the host country. For example, an intern who moves to a small city might have a good life and enough money to travel and go out sometimes. An intern living in the capital or bigger cities might struggle to pay the bills and buy good-quality food. Therefore, it is suggested to make sure of what the living costs are in the city, not only the country, and be financially prepared.
Participate in activities in the workplace and local cultural activities to make the most of the experience. Also, there are Erasmus communities in most of the bigger cities that are organising weekly activities for interns and exchange students.
Prioritise making long-lasting connections with mentors, co-workers, and peers. These connections can help to make friends for life as well as open new doors and opportunities.
Conclusion
Erasmus+ internships provide students with global experience and develop skills necessary for today's work field. Besides, it promotes entrepreneurship and builds confidence, cultural competence, and adaptability in multicultural environments. Participating in the Erasmus+ internship helps to build networks with international professionals as well as find friends for life. Also, these projects are financially covering the living expenses by the costs of the hosting country. To maximize the experience, it is recommended to find an internship that aligns with your goals, plan the finances, and take part in workplace and local activities. In conclusion, Erasmus+ internships are a safe and supported programs that helps students gain international experience and kick-start their careers.
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