Internships Abroad for Indian Students: Benefits, Tips and More
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Internship is an important part of the learning process. Internships abroad offer a wealth of benefits for international students, such as practical experience of work, improving resumes, and skills relevant to the industry. Apart from this, it boosts your confidence and helps you to explore career paths.
Studying abroad and want to explore career opportunities in the corporate world? Then, an internship plays an important part in any student's career journey. Doing internships abroad allows students to explore their interests, work styles, and capabilities while also understanding how the industry of their choice works. Upskilling in the professional sphere or gaining hands-on experience is one of the best options that any student or professional can go for.
Indian students who study at top universities abroad want to do internships at international companies for experience and to understand market trends. They get Internship Certificates and some monetary compensation. This article is for those students who are exploring internship opportunities while studying abroad.
Securing internships abroad for Indian students can be the deciding factor between a standard resume and one that stands out to global recruiters. Whether it is for Internship Certificates, monetary benefits, or networking, this guide is for those exploring internships abroad for Indian students.
- Types of Internships Abroad for Indian Students
- Free Internships Abroad
- Tips to Find an Internship Abroad?
- Top Companies for Interning Abroad
- FAQs Related to Internships Abroad for Indian Students
Types of Internships Abroad for Indian Students
Broadly, there are three types of internships offered abroad for Indian students. These include free internships, paid internships, co-op programs (internships). Indian students are eligible for all three types of internships abroad, but there are certain implications attached to them. Check out in detail the types of internships abroad for Indian students:
Free Internships Abroad
In this type of internships, you do not receive any money for the work you do. Also, expenses like travelling, visa (If going to another country), and living expenses will be covered by you only. You can also explore free online internships with a certificate.
Paid Internships for Indian Students Abroad
There are some internships abroad which offer students a stipend or a monthly salary for interning with companies abroad. Through paid internships abroad, Indian students can understand how to spend and manage their expenses. Mostly, students look for this type of internship.
Paid internships may not be exuberant with the salaries, but whatever is offered is plausible in terms of proper work experience for Indian students.
Co-op Programs for Indian Origin Students
Co-op programs, commonly referred to as cooperative education, are a unique way to make classroom learning better through on-field practical training. Thus, students enrolled in various universities around the world can avail themselves of the benefits of cooperative education. Usually, the university partners with employers or academic institutions to offer cooperative education. However, there is a slight difference between internship and co-op programs.
Tips to Find an Internship Abroad?
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There are different ways of hunting for an internship abroad, such as through websites, professional networking sites or through recommendations. The following are some of the options to consider while seeking international internships abroad as an Indian student:
- University Exchange Programs: Many universities have partnerships with global institutions. This is often the easiest route to secure internships abroad for Indian students as the university handles much of the paperwork.
- Government & Research Initiatives: Unlike general scholarships, specific schemes target research internships.
- MITACS Globalink (Canada): A fully funded program for Indian undergraduates to intern in Canada.
- DAAD WISE (Germany): Offers funding for Indian students in science and engineering to intern at German universities.
- Charpak Lab (France): Provides funding for research internships in French laboratories.
- Professional Networking: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools. Connecting with alumni from your college who are already working overseas can open doors to unadvertised internships abroad for Indian students.
- Online Platforms: Websites like Internshala, AIESEC, and specialized portals for specific countries often list opportunities tailored for international applicants.
- Nonprofit Organisations: NGOs often offer volunteering roles that count as internships. These are great for building soft skills and cultural intelligence.
Remember to conduct thorough research and apply well in advance. The competition for internships abroad for Indian students is high, so early preparation is key.
Top Companies for Interning Abroad
Many leading multinational corporations actively recruit Indian students for internships abroad. These opportunities allow you to gain world class experience, understand global markets, and build a strong professional network. Below is a list of top companies known for offering these valuable international roles to students from India.
| Top Companies for Interning Abroad |
Areas of Internship Roles Offered |
|---|---|
| JP Morgan |
|
| |
|
| BMW |
|
| Novartis |
|
| Unilever |
|
| L’Oreal |
|
| Goldman Sachs |
|
Make sure to carefully review the application requirements before applying for any internship. Also, you need to check other factors such as visa regulations, living expenses, and more.
That is all about the topic. We hope that you have learnt a lot. If you have any queries related to this topic, we will be happy to answer them. You can drop your question in the comment section below or connect with Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.
FAQs Related to Internships Abroad for Indian Students
It is possible. Many companies use internships as a trial period. If you perform well, companies may offer to sponsor your work visa for a full-time role, though this depends heavily on local labor laws.
Not always. While corporate internships (Google, JP Morgan) are usually well-paid, internships with NGOs, UN agencies, or research labs might be unpaid or offer only a stipend to cover living costs.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Yes, for example, USA requires a J-1 visa for interns. UK requires a Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) visa. Always check the specific visa regulations of the country you are applying to.