5 Reasons Why You Should Intern Abroad this Summer
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You could spend your summer doing the usual thing ... or you could do something that actually sets you apart.
Interning abroad is one of the most powerful ways to grow personally and professionally in a short amount of time. Keep reading if you want to learn about the top reasons to get a summer internship abroad and why students keep choosing international internships!
Read More: How to Apply for Summer Internships Abroad: A Simple Guide
Top Reasons to Intern Abroad This Summer
Before you start applying, it helps to know why interning abroad is such a big deal. Here are the reasons to get a summer internship abroad, summed up in five key points.
Reason #1: You'll Gain a Competitive Edge When Applying for Jobs
In today’s job market, “good” internships are everywhere. But internships abroad are different – they show employers you’re adaptable, curious, and willing to step outside your comfort zone. That kind of experience instantly makes you a more interesting candidate.
When you intern abroad in the summer, you’re not just building a resume – you’re building a story. And hiring managers notice that.
Read More: Top 4 Benefits of an Internship Abroad
[H2] Reason #2: You'll Acquire Skills That Employers Value
The skills you gain from interning abroad aren’t just soft skills – they’re real, measurable strengths that employers actively look for. Working in a new country helps you develop:
- Intercultural communication
- Problem-solving in unfamiliar situations
- Adaptability
- Language skills
- Confidence in professional settings
These are the kinds of skills that show up in job descriptions and actually matter in the workplace.
Read More: Top 10 Summer Internships Abroad [2026]
[H2] Reason #3: You Can Immerse Yourself in a New Culture
One of the biggest benefits of interning abroad in summer is the cultural immersion. You’ll learn how people live, work, and communicate in a different environment – not just as a tourist, but as someone who’s truly part of the community.
You’ll experience both the general culture and the working culture, which can be totally different from what you’re used to. That kind of insight is invaluable – especially if you want to work internationally or in a global company later on.
Reason #4: You Can Grow Your Confidence and Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
A summer internship abroad pushes you to do things you wouldn’t normally do at home like navigating a new city, networking in a foreign language, or adapting to a different workplace style. That kind of experience builds confidence fast. You’ll return home more independent, more self-aware, and more prepared to tackle whatever comes next.
Read More: How to Get an Internship Abroad (4 Easy Steps)
Reason #5: You Can Contribute to Global Communities in a Meaningful Way
Many international internships offer opportunities to work on projects that actually impact local communities – especially in areas like sustainability, conservation, community development, and public health.
That means you’re not just gaining experience – you’re making a difference. For example, CIEE’s fully-funded Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship sends students to Copenhagen in the summer to work with sustainable businesses while gaining hands-on experience and professional development.
Explore Quality Summer Abroad Internships with CIEE
A summer internship abroad isn’t just a “cool thing to do.” The benefits of interning abroad in the summer include real-world experience, cultural immersion, and skills that actually matter – all while living somewhere new. If you’re ready to level up, CIEE has the programs and support to help you get there.