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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who interned abroad in England? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Bridget from Salisbury University, who spent her spring semester interning abroad in London.
Read on to learn more about Bridget’s internship experience with AIFS Abroad and the impact of being an international intern in England.
Choosing a Program Destination & Term
Choosing a program destination isn’t always easy—after all, there are so many incredible options to choose from with AIFS Abroad! For a theater major and marketing minor like Bridget, an internship abroad in London was an ideal choice:
“I chose London because I was interested in the culture and fast-paced lifestyle that the city would have to offer as someone in the theatre performance scene. London is one of the biggest hubs for theatre in the world and this was a perfect place to immerse myself in that lifestyle and get the best work experience possible for my majors/minors.”
The time of year you intern abroad is totally up to you. Some college students choose a term based on specific academic requirements and seasonal athletic obligations, while others choose based solely on their personal preferences, like Bridget did:
“I chose the spring and I enjoyed how I got to experience the weather warming and the city of London transitioning from the cold months into spring. I felt that the winter months were less busy with tourism and there were no major holidays during the semester.”
Internship Experience
After you apply and are accepted into an AIFS Abroad full-time internship program, you’re guaranteed an internship in one of your approved career fields. This ensures that you can gain relevant professional experience that will build your resume and help you develop useful career skills. Below, Bridget explains her role as a Theater Marketing Intern at a local theater company in London:
“[I assisted] with marketing promotions and social media management, as well as performances and box office tasks… I read and analyzed newly written scripts, created posters and social media content, helped with theatre rehearsals and processed applications for theatre companies willing to use the space for performances… I went to [my internship] every day for 6 – 8 hours and worked closely with my supervisor.”
Company Culture
AIFS Abroad international internship programs place many college students and young professionals in small to mid-sized companies and organizations. This allows them to collaborate closely with colleagues, receive more oversight from their supervisor, and better learn about the inner workings of the organization as a whole, in addition to their specific role. Hear Bridget describe in more detail what it was like working at her theater company in London:
“[My host] company was small and closely knit, so I built relationships with the employees. My supervisor wanted to make sure that I was getting the most out of my experience in London… My supervisor was super helpful in making sure that I was enjoying my time in London and giving me a helpful and stress-free work environment.”
Below, Bridget explains a few extra perks she received from her host company during her internship abroad in London:
“My internship offered me [flexible] working space… free drinks at the theatre bar at the end of a shift, free coffee/soft drinks during a shift, and a few days off to explore the city.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad programs include housing. During her internship abroad in London, Bridget stayed in a student residence with other AIFS Abroad interns:
“I lived in a flat in a building, [where] I had my own room, bathroom, and kitchen space.”
Trips & Excursions
Every AIFS Abroad program includes trips and excursions that are designed to enrich your experience and help you learn more about your host country. Below, Bridget describes some of her favorite adventures with AIFS Abroad:
“I attended most of the excursions, such as Phantom of the Opera, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, and the football game. It was generous that most of the excursions were [included in the cost of the program] so that we could have these experiences without worrying about finances… I will remember all the memories I [made] with my friends [during these trips and activities].”
Making Connections Abroad
From a welcome orientation to inclusive trips and activities with other college students and young professionals, AIFS Abroad programs offer plenty of opportunities to make friends abroad. In addition to building friendships, interning abroad is also an excellent way to grow your professional network, as Bridget explains:
“I definitely made a lot of new friends, but it’s important to step out of your comfort zone because that is sometimes the best way to meet people and put yourself out there. I also became close to many people I worked with, including my supervisor, and would definitely visit the theatre again when I go to visit [London] in the future.”
Cultural Experiences Abroad
Whether you’re getting lunch with a colleague at your host company or chatting with the owner of your favorite local restaurant, you’ll find that cultural experiences are everywhere when you intern abroad. As a theater major, some of Bridget’s favorite experiences in London were attending shows:
“I admired the markets, the food, and the theatre scene a lot… I saw multiple West End shows, which was an amazing experience and affordable.”
AIFS Abroad Resources
Although you’ll learn to be more independent during your internship abroad, it’s important to remember that with AIFS Abroad, you’ll always have support. From our program advisors helping you prepare for departure to our on-site staff abroad, there’s always someone there when you need it:
“My program advisors were very helpful in communicating effectively and helping with any problems or questions I had before and during my program.”
Personal Growth Abroad
An internship abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only does it allow you to gain valuable professional experience, but it can also help you expand your worldview and grow significantly as a person. Hear Bridget explain the impact of her international internship with AIFS Abroad:
“I learned a lot from living alone in the city and what it’s like to have a real job… I think traveling and pushing myself out of my comfort zone made me become more adventurous at home… I am ready to take on new challenges and I have the work experience that will prepare me… I think studying/interning abroad is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of!”
Are you a student or recent graduate ready to take the leap and join an AIFS Abroad internship program like Bridget did in London? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive (which really takes the stress out of planning!), providing things like housing, professional development, guaranteed internship placement, trips and excursions, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more. Choose AIFS Abroad and take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
