“I underestimated how interested employers are in applicants with foreign work experience,” said Justin Roberson, a UT Austin senior double-majoring in international relations/global studies and linguistics, who had an internship in Shanghai, China. “There has not been a single interview where the conversation didn’t spend at least 20 minutes talking about what it’s like working in another country.”
According to a recent study by the Institute for International Education, study abroad helps students gain intercultural and communication skills, tolerance for ambiguity, problem-solving, leadership and other skills highly desired in today’s workforce.
“Studying abroad not only prepares students for their careers, it gives them a better understanding of the many career possibilities open to them and the confidence to pursue them,” said Heather Thompson, director of Study Abroad.
Employers are looking for candidates with international experience because they know that employees who have it can lead, adapt and succeed in any situation.
UT Austin has one of the highest rates of study abroad participation in the nation.
More than 3,600 Longhorns study abroad each year in 400 programs across 80 countries, supported by more than $1 million in scholarships. UT Austin has developed a strong portfolio of over 50 international internship and research opportunities to set up students for success in their careers.
Here’s a look at the top internship locations and programs offered through the International Office that prepare students to be leaders in a global workforce.
Querétaro, Mexico
Home to 20 of the most important industrial parks in Mexico, Querétaro is an excellent option for an international internship experience. Semester and summer internships are available through our partnership with Monterrey Tec in this historic city in the heart of Mexico, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The internship program extends the boundaries of business and education through close relationships with professional associations, multiple prestigious education providers and universities, employers and government entities.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This public health service-learning program in Ho Chi Minh City provides an intensive immersion environment for students with an interest in Asian languages and cultures. The program, which qualifies for a number of financial aid and scholarship options, offers a unique combination of public health, service-learning and Vietnamese language and studies. Internship placements are in the education, environmental awareness and public health communication sectors.
Sydney, Australia
Students from all majors can intern during the semester or summer at the University of Sydney, Australia’s first university known for its faculty and exceptional research facilities. Only 10 minutes’ drive from downtown Sydney and half an hour from the beach, the University of Sydney combines coursework and internship placements at companies including technology startups, financial service providers and nonprofits.
London, England
The Arcadia London Now program gives students the opportunity to work in a wide variety of fields while taking courses at some of London’s top universities. London’s allure as a contemporary, multicultural and international city makes this program a perfect fit for students in almost every field of study including accounting, fine arts, finance, journalism, law, natural sciences and public relations.
Shanghai, China
As China’s financial and commercial center, Shanghai is responsible for the country’s transformation to an economic global powerhouse. This rapidly growing cosmopolitan city enjoys a fast-paced and diversified economy, and nine of the world’s 100 largest companies are headquartered in Shanghai. The Shanghai internship program offers full-time summer internships in a range of industry sectors to all majors. Internships are customized to students’ skill sets, prior work experience, current academic pursuits and future career goals. Students also participate in cultural activities, professional development workshops and service-learning opportunities. The program offers weeklyMandarin language classes.
Hong Kong
With its unique political history and strong economy, Hong Kong has one of the most important international financial sectors in Asia. Home to Asia’s third-largest stock exchange, foreign trade and investment make up a significant portion of Hong Kong’s GDP. The urban density, high concentration of restaurants, cultural sites and dedicated green spaces make it a great location to enjoy the energy of a bustling international city plus outdoor activities. Full-time summer internships in Hong Kong are open to all majors and are especially well-suited for finance, economics, computer science, advertising, marketing, public relations and design majors.
Singapore
A gateway to Asia, Singapore is rated the fourth most influential city in the world. Singapore maintains a competitive edge among global economies with its world-class infrastructure, highly conducive business environment, skilled workforce and exceptionally strong banking sector. The Singapore internship program offers full-time summer internship placements to all majors, but it is an especially good location for business and natural sciences majors.
