How to keep motivated during your internship abroad

Going abroad for an internship can be daunting – you’re in a new country, away from your friends and family, and trying to figure out how to navigate a new culture. It’s normal to feel Homesickness or even a little lost at times.  However, one of the best ways to combat these feelings is to stay motivated during your internship. This can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to being away from home, but there are some things you can do to help yourself stay on track.

Here are a few tips on how to keep motivated during your internship abroad:

1) Make sure you have a clear purpose for why you’re interning abroad in the first place. Whether it’s professional development, personal growth, or something else entirely, knowing your motivation will help keep you focused when things get tough;

2) Set realistic goals for yourself and break them down into small steps that you can achieve day-by-day or week-by-week. This will help you measure your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment as you tick items off your list;

3) Find a supportive network of people – whether it’s other interns in your program or locals who are willing to show you around – and lean on them when needed. Knowing that there are people around who understand what you’re going through can make all the difference;

4) A journal is a perfect way to document your internship abroad and serve as a source of reflection and motivation. Whether you write about daily experiences, your work progress, or even reflections on personal growth, a journal is a tangible reminder of who you were when you arrived, helping you appreciate how far you have come. This journey will be incredibly empowering and help keep you motivated no matter where on the globe your internship takes you!

5) Working abroad can be a daunting prospect, and having a trusted professional to turn to in the new environment can make all the difference. Having someone who is well-versed in local regulations and culture can ensure that you make the most of your time abroad and stay motivated. They can offer advice on best practices and provide valuable insight into how things work in the country, helping you to adjust more quickly as well as perform better during your internship experience.

6) Don’t forget to take breaks! Explore the city you’re living in, try new foods and experiences, and allow yourself time to relax so that you don’t burn out. All work and no play make for a very dull (and unhappy) internship experience.

In conclusion, undertaking an internship abroad is a great way to develop yourself professionally and personally. From gaining a new sense of independence to overcoming language barriers and culture shock, you’ll be exposed to new challenges that will push your resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

Moreover, your horizons will be broadened as you make meaningful connections with the locals and explore the area’s rich history and culture. Furthermore, you’ll gain hands-on experience that you can add to your resume – making it even more likely for employers to take you seriously. 

Finally, it’s important that when embarking on such a journey keep in mind staying motivated throughout the process. By setting clear goals and objectives as well as treating your internship as an opportunity for growth, every challenge along the way can be met with enthusiasm and excitement.

USA Internships offer several options and we follow you up during all processes. Plus, for more tips, we also have the Inspiration blog full of interesting insights. Don’t forget to read our latest blog ‘How to manage your time in a remote internship’.  

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Marina Fernandes
Marina Fernandes

Master's in Marketing and Strategy | University of Minho

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