Engineering is an incredibly competitive field and having experience interning abroad can really set you apart. There are countless engineering internship opportunities all over the world in many different sectors. An engineering internship abroad could be anything from bettering people’s quality of life through technology to building earthquake-resistant buildings. Working with local communities and experts will give you an insight into another way of life and the practical applications for what you may have learned in school.
The prime candidate for an engineering internship abroad is someone who is either
Some programs will require more education and experience than others but there is certainly something out there for everyone! It can be hard to get an engineering job without experience so this is the perfect way to kickstart your career while also experiencing an incredible adventure and learning about new cultures.
Although there are many out there, finding engineering internship opportunities abroad is not always an easy task. You can begin your search with the aspect of the internship that is most important for you.
For example, if you have a country that you want to intern in, start looking there. On the other hand, if there is a specific specialisation or activity that you would prefer to work on then you may choose not to limit your search to one country early on.
In order to keep organised and aware of all your options, it could be beneficial to create a spreadsheet with all the programs you are considering and some information such as location, speciality, conditions, price, etc. Doing an internship abroad is a big decision so this may help you to discern which program is best for you.
Engineering is a broad field and there are many different specialisations and types. Some of the most popular types of engineering internship programs include mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, environmental and more.
generally deals with machines and structures with moving parts. Within this category, you can go even more specific, choosing to focus on aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, etc.
is focused on studying, designing and using appliances, systems, equipment, etc. that uses electricity. This could mean dealing with anything from electric power stations to household appliances.
design and manufacture products, systems or equipment through chemical processes. Examples of products of chemical engineering include the production of insulin, refining crude oil, creating protective equipment for health-care workers and so much more.
deals specifically with the design, construction and maintenance of structures such as roads, dams, bridges, etc. Some of the most famous civil engineering works include the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Golden Gate Bridge! Civil engineers always need to work in harmony with the environment as well.
may work with mechanics, electricity, chemicals, etc. though what sets this discipline apart is its dedication to the environment. Whether that means protecting the environment, creating sustainable processes and infrastructure or even protecting people from negative effects of climate change.
As long as you are willing to put yourself out there and do the work to make it happen, getting an engineering internship should not be too daunting a task. Due to there being so many options, sometimes the most difficult part of the process is choosing which program you want to do.
Engineering internships generally require more education/experience than a volunteer program would. You will therefore need to have:
In order to apply for an engineering internship abroad, you’ll first need to do your research:
Some internships are more competitive than others so be sure to apply in advance.
There are many ways to use your engineering knowledge to help communities. RealStep offers opportunities to benefit communities around the world as an engineer. This not only gives you valuable experience but will also help real people, broaden your horizons and give you memories to last a lifetime!
IT engineers work to develop new computer technologies. RealStep offers several technical internships abroad. Your work may be specialised in artificial intelligence, hightech, website development, digital marketing, etc. Opportunities available include internships at various startups in Japan, internships in India, internships in Portugal and internships in Argentina, dedicated to improving quality of life. Through these internships, you can develop your skills and resume while also making a real impact.
Nepal experiences many natural disasters, creating a high demand for ecological and earthquake-resistant buildings, integrating anti-seismic materials and techniques. You will help the local community to build and renovate infrastructure while also learning about and experiencing the local Nepalese culture. In this internship, you will gain valuable field experience and will be able to see the effects of your efforts.
The day-to-day activities will different depending on the season. For example, during the dry season, tasks such as construction, restoring buildings, etc. take precedence. Meanwhile, during monsoon season, the activities are more focused on planning the projects, doing indoor renovations and organising information sessions for local communities.
No matter what time of year you come, you will certainly walk away from this internship with real engineering experience.
Find out more about construction internship in Nepal by RealStep.
RealStep also offers engineering programs focused more heavily on technology than on hands-on civil engineering work. One such program is a high tech program in Argentina in which interns work in a B Corp certified foundation that works to improve people’s livelihoods through technology. This program will develop your organisational skills, technological proficiencies and communication skills, all while benefiting a community!
Some of the tasks that you would be responsible for include mobilising resources from donors, organising computer training, researching the global development agenda, translating corporate information, providing organisational development support and managing social networks, among other tasks.
This internship will open your eyes to the inner workings of a business as well as the issues that are faced by local communities. It will also give you valuable experience to put on a resume and countless invaluable skills for both life and your career.
There are also many programs in which an engineering degree, while not exclusively essential, can be a very valuable asset.
Many types of internships abroad require some higher education in business or engineering because of the research, field work, data analysis, etc that those projects demand.
A humanitarian internship is a structured program in which interns work to benefit and support organisations helping communities all over the world. Within the field of humanitarianism, there are many organisations working to aid in a variety of issues ranging from access to healthcare and education to disaster relief and refugee assistance. Some of these programs are more specialised and require interns with certain qualifications, such as tech skills, data analysis skills, etc.
An environmental internship is a program specifically related to helping the environment. These internships also take place all over the world, even underwater working with marine ecosystems! Interns working on these projects will often engage in field work, such as collecting data, researching, conducting data analysis and so much more. Depending on the program itself, some internships call for experience with these types of tasks.
Civil engineering internships allow interns to gain experience working in the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, dams, bridges, etc.
Many humanitarian engineering internships are also civil engineering internships as this type of infrastructure is often what is demanded by communities in need.
In areas prone to natural disasters, civil engineers are particularly valuable in order to design buildings that can withstand the environment of the region.
Environmental engineer internships can also relate to civil engineering because it is essential that civil engineers consider sustainability and the environment in their projects.
Civil engineer internships generally consist of the intern shadowing professionals and doing basic tasks that will open their eyes into the reality of civil engineering. This may include doing calculations, reviewing documents, conducting research, etc.
Some internships are paid, however these may be more competitive and require more experience and education than an unpaid internship would. To get a civil engineering internship, you will need a strong resume, a compelling cover letter and, in some cases, references.
Find out more about civil engineering internships.
If you are still in school, you may have access to information sessions, job fairs, networking events, etc. that can be very useful in finding an internship. Doing research on your own can elicit results as well. Use any and all resources available to you. Ask your professors if they know of any opportunities or have any connections that could result in an internship. When looking for an internship, it also helps if you know what you are looking for so try and decide what you want and narrow down your options before starting your search.
As a graduate, you may have access to a wider range of internships than those that are still students. Stay in contact with your peers and professions as a referral can be the quickest and easiest route to landing an internship. You are also more likely to get a paid internship if you already have a Bachelor’s in Engineering. Do your own research and don't be afraid to reach out to people.
Germany is generally viewed as the best EU country for engineering. They are renowned for their technological advance and engineering industry. Their research institutions work closely with industrial centres as well. Other EU countries known for their engineering prowess include Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands, though there are also amazing engineering opportunities in many other countries.
An engineering internship abroad will not only be useful job experience and something to put on your resume, but will also broaden your world perspective and you will gain soft skills that are invaluable to employers. Beyond the internship itself, you will also experience living in a different country and may go outside of your comfort zone. Internships abroad can develop skills such as independence, communication, flexibility, etc. Depending on where you choose to intern, you may even learn a new language! Being multilingual is another skill that is increasingly sought after in the globalised and interconnected world we live in.
The day-to-day activities of an engineer intern will differ depending on the area of engineering, the project itself and the qualifications of the intern. However, in general, interns will be observing and learning what engineers really do. They will learn to plan, design and execute the production of various systems, projects, etc. Interns work and collaborate in a team, developing their communication skills as well. Depending on the length of the internship, interns can also gain more responsibilities as they learn and prove their competency.
An engineering internship abroad is the perfect way to get some real work experience while also broadening your horizons and benefiting communities worldwide. You will walk away from an engineering internship abroad with new skills and an accomplishment that is sure to set you apart from the crowd.
There are mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil and environmental engineering internships, just to name a few fields. Research opportunities in your field of study and the destination that you would be most interested in.
Join a civil engineering internship helping to repair houses and buildings in areas that have faced natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Nepal.
Do a more technology-focused engineering internship. There are many technical internships available, including internships in Argentina, Japan, India and Portugal.
Try to narrow down your search.
Once you have an idea, do some research, reach out to any connections you may have, etc.
Are you studying engineering or have recently completed your engineering studies?
Do you want to travel the world while gaining work experience?
Are you looking to broaden your horizons, make a real difference and have the experience of a lifetime?
If you answered yes, then an engineering internship abroad is for you!
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