Gaining work experience + going abroad is one the best ways to gain useful life and psychological skills whilst having fun.
Abroad programs are usually over the course of summer, however many opportunities offer year long, 6 months or even 2 week options.
When it comes to the opportunities available due to the nature of psychology that can be applied to so many different positions and industries; the variety of opportunities for psychology internships abroad, as expansive as the discipline itself, the hardest part will be deciding where to go and what to do!
Finding opportunities can seem overwhelming, here as some things to consider when choosing where to go.
Budget
- travelling abroad can be expensive weather you are working or volunteering, setting and initial budget for the whole trip including, flight cost, accommodation, food, activities, health insurance and other expenses will help avoid disappointment.
- Opportunities vary a lot some will offer flights, meals and accommodation whilst others won’t include any of this, take this into consideration when choosing.
Location
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Decide how far would you like to travel, if you are going for a longer period of time consider how far is too far and weather you will like to make a trip back to visit family and friends at some point.
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Another thing to consider with location is Language, do you speak a second language or is there one you are wishing to improve, this might expand the list of countries you are interested in going , if this isn’t the case many there are many countries where English is spoken widely - remember learning some common phrases and practicalities in the language of the country you are going too is always a good idea.
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Consider the culture of the country to ensure 1.st you’ll feel comfortable enough and 2.nd some aspects might positively influence or challenge you more to develop your personal and psychological skills.
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Another thing to consider is volunteer visas and travel documents. Some countries have a more relaxed border however others might require a longer and more expensive application process. This differs form country to country and to weather you have a UK passport, double nationality or an international passport, checking with your embassy and the one of the country you which to travel to is essential . Note also that depending on how you wish you work/ volunteer for a different application process might be needed.
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Finally a thing to consider is practicality issues like weather, do you see yourself in a hot tropical country or cozying up whilst watching the snow fall.
Activity
- As mentioned before psychology offers a very wide range of opportunities. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when choosing.
Consider if you want to be working with children/ teenagers/ adults ? Are you interested in working in an office, hospital, clinic or with the community? Are there any areas of work that would make you feel uncomfortable or sensitive topics? Do you wish to volunteer with big or smaller groups? Are there any psychological topics that concern you the most? Do you wan to try something you’ve never had before ? Have you got skills that would set you to be a better candidate in certain areas?
Finding Opportunities
Its is most likely your university offers opportunities abroad in general or based on psychology. This can usually be accessed through the student union website and links. However if non of them suit what you are after check this links out and start planning now !
Psychology Internships Abroad | GoAbroad.com.
Let us know in the comment if you are planning to or have corn abroad and what top 3 tips you would give.
