If you’re heading to new shores for an international study adventure, have you considered adding an internship to your list of goals? You can still have plenty of fun along the way, and you’ll take your first step into the professional world that awaits after you wrap up your studies.

The Study Abroad Expo 2025 is nearly here. This 10 - 13 February will be your chance to learn everything you need about what it takes to gain an international education. Which campus suits you best? What kind of exciting programmes you can look forward to? These questions and more will be answered.

What if you have your heart set on an internship or a work placement? We’ve got that covered too. Let's see what working while studying can offer you and how it can kickstart your career once your time on campus is over.

What kind of internships can you expect when studying abroad?

Before we get into the kinds of internships and work placements you’ll want to look out for, we’ll have to distinguish between the two. Work placements are usually taken as part of a degree and may last between six weeks and 18 months. Internships, meanwhile, usually last between three and six months, and are often undertaken during summer or after graduation.

One of the best things about an internship or work placement is that they let you hit the ground running by learning how to adjust to the real world from student life. Based on your needs, you can choose from:

  • Paid internships and work placements: These are the most sought-after kinds of training. While balancing work and studies will require a lot of discipline and time management, getting paid for your efforts will make your university life easier while also giving you a feel of what you’ll be in for during the rest of your career.
  • Unpaid internships: While not as enticing as their paid counterparts, unpaid internships are still useful and are typically offered by non-profit organisations, small companies or certain government agencies based around a cause or who provide a specialised service.
  • For-credit internships: These are usually tied directly to your course and allow you to gain the practical skills needed for your field. This may be the best choice for some because it contributes to your total number of credits.

What are the benefits of doing an internship or work placement abroad?

Skill development for a global economy

Globalisation doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Any future position you aim for is likely to come with competition from around the world. Getting a head start in this regard is priceless.

Build an international network

There’s no doubt you’re going to start building your own little circle once you’re at campus, but adding additional connections from your internship will go a long way in having people you can rely on for anything from learning about job opportunities to securing strong references for your CV. A good network is probably the most important advantage you can get.

Gain a competitive advantage 

Once you enter the job market, having a CV that proves you have international work experience will make you a top candidate when applying for a position. Besides showing a strong work ethic, it also demonstrates your initiative and how far you’re willing to go to accomplish your goals.

Navigate the work culture of a new environment 

Going from student life to a corporate environment is a big adjustment and doing an internship is a great way of preparing you for this. You will learn how to juggle multiple personalities of your co-workers or the pressure of meeting tight deadlines.

Bridge generational gaps

As an intern, you’ll likely be among the youngest employees at your new company. This means you can give a fresh perspective to workflows, making it easier to adapt or spot what could be improved.

Read more: The experiences of a South African studying abroad in the UK

How do you find an internship or work placement while at campus?

It’s all well and good to know how amazing working while studying might be but how do you go about finding a position? The good news is you have quite a few options to choose from.

Your campus careers office

This is probably your best bet for finding solid leads. Your local campus careers office can point you in the direction of opportunities related to your field. If your university has a student job portal online, be sure to give that a shot, too.

Use your network 

Remember that little circle you started building when you made yourself at home at your new campus? Check with your new friends and classmates to see if they know about or have heard of anything that might suit you. Even if they don’t at that moment, there’s always a chance you’ll hear back from one of them with something down the line.

Check for openings online 

There’s a decent chance you’ll leverage platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed once you’re ready to enter the job market full-time, but you can get the hang of it earlier by finding an internship that suits you. Use the right search criteria and connect with your classmates or friends who may already have profiles on the site.

Visit a career expo 

Universities hold a series of career expos annually. Attending one of these will give you a clear picture of where you can apply to find an internship that might suit you.

Book your free ticket and visit Study Abroad Expo 2025 for in-depth discussions with experts to see if an internship while studying abroad can work for you, and don’t hesitate to contact us at study@sableinternational.com or call +27 (0) 21 657 1543 to speak to our study abroad advisers.

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