How do I get an internship abroad?
Interstride is a global career tool – designed to support international and domestic students with relevant career tools for the United States and 130+ countries around the world. The platform has many resources designed to help St. Olaf students and alumni be more efficient and productive with job and internship searches, as well as many other career activities.
All Oles:- Search millions of jobs and internships in the United States and globally.
- Support your global career interests with country and city insights with information related to immigration, health, culture, jobs, travel, and more!
- Access career planning and networking tools.
International Oles:
- Filter U.S. opportunities by employers who accept OPT/CPT and provide sponsorship for work visas (e.g. H1b) – directly in the tool!
- Network with other international students and alumni – both at St. Olaf and beyond.
- Access workshops and resources related to immigration for the United States and Canada.
- St. Olaf Internships Database: search by country to see where Oles have interned abroad in the past.
I’d like to work abroad right after graduation, how do I do that?
- Questions to consider about working abroad:
- Why and what am I hoping to gain from this experience?
Your answer to your overall goals will help you answer the following questions and clarify the best strategies for your search.
- How long I’d like to work abroad? Short term or long term work?
- Which country or region are you interested in?
- Would you like to gain/practice a language skill?
- Research work visa info: While U.S. citizens can travel to many countries without a visa, you may need to obtain a visa in order to work legally. Once you narrow down your location preferences, use Interstride’s country guides to research work visa requirements or check with the embassy of the country you wish to work in.
- Consider doing a semester abroad program to build a local network, and you may also be able to take advantage of your exchange university’s career services and on-campus recruiting process to help you land a position after graduation.
- Search St. Olaf’s LinkedIn Alumni page, keywords “International Business” or use the St. Olaf Online Alumni Directory (search by country) to find alumni working abroad.
- Consider teaching English abroad: Teaching English abroad programs has a wide range of location options and maybe a good option for you if you are looking for support in finding a position as well as securing visas. They can also be excellent opportunities for a “foot in the door” to contacts and connections.
- Multinational Companies’ Global Rotation Programs
- 7 Companies with Amazing Office Rotation Programs
- Global Internship Program | KPMG
- PwC International Internship Experience
- EY – Global Student Experience
- Coloplast Global Graduate Programme
- Anheuser-Busch Global Trainee Program
- Global Organizational Leadership Development Program | Avery Dennison
- Global Rotational Program | SAP
- Voyage Global Leadership Development Program | Marriott
How can I gain relevant skills and competencies while in MN?
- Build your knowledge and expertise for specific international markets
- Build your cross-cultural communication skills
- Build your network with international business professionals
Other helpful resources:
- MN Trade Office Event Calendar post events related to international trade. Check their list of events to learn about specific international markets and for networking opportunities with other international business professionals
- GlobalMN
- French American Chamber in Minnesota
- German American Chamber of Commerce Midwest – Minnesota Chapter
- Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce – North Chapter
- Uniworld Online: Search for company information on multinational firms operating around the world:
- U.S. companies listed have a substantial investment in overseas operations–wholly or partially owned subsidiary affiliate or branch.
- Non-U.S. companies (foreign firms) listed have substantial investment within the United States.
Job Postings
Market/Language Specific Career Fairs
- Canada: Career Fair Canada
- Japan: Career Forum; and MyNavi
- South Korea: Job Korea USA
General Job & Internship Search Resources
Professional Organizations
- Bankers Association for Foreign Trade
- Emerging Markets Traders Association
- Federation of International Trade Associations
- International Trade Administration
- National Council on International Trade Development
- Organization of Women in International Trade
- Small Business Exporters Association
- World Bank