Global Work Ready

Many parts of RMIT University are encouraging students to undertake paid or unpaid internships overseas. As a first step talk to your course coordinator about countries and places where internship agreements already exist, or if you have a contact or a new idea, you can  suggest these to your course coordinator. As international internships take some time to organise you should start the process at least 6 months before your proposed internship start date.

How to use this site

This site is built around obvious, and not so obvious, things to know about doing an international internship. The information here has been created specifically for people studying Journalism and Communication in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. Select from the list below, or browse some of the featured information above. Each page has some text and a playlist of videos relevant to the page. As time goes by we will keep adding new videos to these playlists, so be sure to come back or subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.

What to consider

Here are some things we think you might need to consider and get some advice about from your course coordinator.

Before

Travelling and working overseas can be an awesome experience, but if you are heading overseas as part of your studies it will not be a holiday. And, as with all good study plans, preparing early will lead to the best results (and the most fun!).

Think about what you want to do, how long you want to be away from home, and where you want to go.

Depending on what you decide you will need to do different preparation.

Do you need to save money or to find a grant to help you pay for the experience?

Should you learn the local language?

How does this experience fit into your studies? Is it best to go in the middle of your studies, or near the end?

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During

There are many things to think about when are working as an intern overseas to ensure the best outcomes.

You want to ensure that you do the right thing culturally and socially, and also make a good impression on your employer. It will help if you have researched your employing organisation and the country you are visiting  thoroughly and are staying in safe, nearby accommodation so you can fully focus on your internship.

Be proactive at work to get the most out of the experience, and remember to keep copies of everything you create, praise you gain etc.

After

An international internship can provide a significant point of difference on your CV.

When you return to Australia from your internship it is important that you capture the experience fully, not just as a line on your CV.

Make sure you have kept copies of all the work you have produced and put these somewhere safe, such as in an ePortfolio.

Take the time to reflect upon the works you have created and tasks you completed successfully. Write about them in ways that can show a future employer the benefits your international internship will bring them. Point out how your international internship experience has added to your skills set and knowledge.

 

 

 

Banner Image: “Japan” by Moyan Brenn, used under CC BY / Modified from original