Intern Abroad

Here’s what some Panroamers have already achieved interning abroad with us:

Argentina: A Tufts University student interns with a nonprofit NGO promoting democracy in Buenos Aires and Uruguay. She organized seminars and conferences, fact-checked for scholarly publications, built the organization’s social media presence, and attended the institute’s lectures lead by prominent political scientists.

China: A recent college graduate working in real estate development expands his resume with an internship at an international housing company in downtown Beijing brokering sales and leases of apartment buildings and offices.

Czech Republic: A Youngstown State University interns in photojournalism with an established English-written newspaper, leaving Eastern Europe with published bylines and a sizable portfolio.

England: A York University (Canada) student works in the website design and branding departments of an advertising and public relations agency in downtown London, walking away with a professional references and lifelong contacts.

Italy: An art teacher from San Francisco interns in a Florentine restoration office, restoring ancient ceramics under the watchful eye of a fourth-generation master.

Scotland: A Johns Hopkins University student interns at an Edinburgh university’s medical facility, analyzing how a Scottish clinical psychology office and hospital administration functions, and helps write a paper for publication in an international psychiatric journal.

If you’re taking the challenge of going abroad, don’t you want your work to count? All colleges vary in steps to secure credit from interning abroad. Below is meant as a guide. Contact your study/intern abroad office to find out exactly what you need to do to ensure you receive credit from your home university for your internship experience.

Note: Not all Panroamers wish for academic credit for their internship. That’s OK. We offer this guide as a suggestion. You will likely pay your home university if wanting college credit.

1. Confirm with your academic advisor that the internship opportunity description is in line with your major and academic interests.

2. There is likely an employer-student agreement detailing aspects of the internship that must be addressed while abroad, i.e. types of hands-on work or research. Secure this agreement, provide it with ample time to your Panrimo advisor, and he/she will request from your potential employer abroad that the document be read and signed. Also, if there is an evaluation document the employer is obligated to fill out at the end of the term, please supply that to your Panrimo advisor.

3. If needed, visit your study abroad office for final approval and attend any mandatory meetings. That’s it! You’re now set to receive credit for your work overseas on your Panrimo program.

4. Of course, if you are a working professional and wanting the intern experience for professional development reasons, disregard steps 1-3.

Expand Your Global Contact List

Let’s face it: there’s only so many people on your college campus or city where you work. And there’s a whole world of people out there. Make friends with new colleagues in your field who could help you land that new job—overseas. 

Gain Confidence

You’ll face not only a new work environment, but a new culture as well. You’ll build a bit of bravado in yourself. After completing your overseas internship, we’re certain you’ll return home with an air of confidence, not over-ego. We call it walking with a pop in your stride, but you get the idea.

Excel at Practical Work Tasks and Wow People

Employers want to hire people who utilize lessons from previous work experiences and apply them to their current job. As in an international intern, you will be faced with challenges every day pertaining to communication barriers, creative problem solving and understanding various points of view from a cultural perspective. By facing these challenges abroad, you will be able to fine tune your transferable skills and sell any employer on your benefits.

Receive Academic Credit

You’re putting in time and money to further a company or nonprofit. If your work abroad covers certain aspects related to your major, you may be able to request course credit. Communicate with your academic advisors and your Panrimo advisor on the matter, or email tony@panrimo.com for more information.

Learn to Be More Empathetic

Honest sympathy and compassion goes far. After awkward missteps in a new culture and making mistakes (you will, and it’s OK), you develop a memory of feeling out of place. Returning home to your job or classes, you’ll remember what it’s like being “the new guy or gal.” And you’ll show more empathy toward others in similar situations. Your kind actions will be noticed, and this will only help you.

Enter the Workforce With Ease

Similarly to showing more empathy, when it’s time to get your first job or advance to the next position in your current one, you’ll be able to do so more easily. Not just easier professionally, but easier mentally. You’ll have worked in a new environment and under different cultural precepts and perhaps challenging language barriers. Any struggle after this is a breeze.

We think you’re smart for considering an intern abroad experience. Global education and new workfield challenges enrich lives, create new perspectives, and sharpen your advantage.

Panrimo helps get you there. That’s because we believe in connections.

When you choose to intern abroad with Panrimo, you become connected with a group of students and graduates who have travelled the globe with us. You’ll get to know our staff and onsite coordinators even before your trip begins and stay connected long after your Panrimo program ends. 

Become a Panroamer.  

Connect.

Explore.

Intern. 

The choice is here. Your journey is now.

Dates for Panrimo internships abroad range from 8 to 12 weeks, and longer if you wish to customize further. You may choose a program in the summer or full semester, depending on availability and requested duration from the employer.

Intern Abroad Application Deadline: To provide you the best internship abroad opportunity, as well as provide you time to apply for a work visa if necessary, contact us at least 3 months prior to desired internship start date. If not a US citizen, you may have more flexibility here.

Need to better understand the local language before starting a short-term work experience? Panrimo staff can help you! Customize your internship placement with a 1-month intensive language course (60-80 hours) before starting work.

Price varies for each Panrimo Internship Abroad Program, depending on your desired city and duration. Usually an 8-week all-inclusive internship is around $5500, a 12-week all-inclusive internship is around $7000, and each additional month thereafter is about $1000. Choose from an array of fields and majors in which to work on each country's "internship opportunities" page, or if you don’t see a good fit, email tony@panrimo.com to customize your internship.

What’s included is consistent with services and amenities offered on Panrimo’s study abroad programs. We integrate you with other Panroamers abroad at the same time, creating a family of fellow travelers. Cultural immersion activities and available housing options vary based on host city, but you can expect the following services and amenities included in your Panrimo program:

 1. Competitive Customized Internship Placement

 2. Pre-Employment Skills Inventory

 3. Interview with Potential Overseas Employer

 4. Housing

 5. Onsite Coordinator

 6. Immersion Activities

 7. Visa and Passport Application Assistance, and UK Certificate of Sponsorship ($760 value) if applicable. To find out more about a UK Certificate of Sponsorship click here.

 8. Personal Entry Packet

 9. Airport Pick-Up and Transfer

10. Next Day Orientation

11. International Health Insurance

12. One-Month Intensive Language Course Before Start of Internship (Argentina, China, and Italy)

13. Membership to the Panroamer Travel Club

Use the toolbar on your right to begin exploring your internship opportunities!

Step 1: Decide where you want to intern abroad and what type of work experience you’re looking for overseas. Discuss with your advisors and the parents, if applicable, and create your Panrimo account to chat with us and request a catalog.

Step 2: Check out available internship opportunities on the right. Don’t see a good fit? Email Tony@Panrimo.com to learn about customizing your internship.

Step 3: Choose your Panrimo intern abroad program and apply. Pay the $150 non-refundable application fee online upon submitting the application. Our intern abroad guru then reviews your application.

Step 4: Within your online dashboard fill out the Internship Questionnaire. This is completed and submitted by you online. This questionaire allows your Panrimo advisor to better understand your internship abroad needs.

Step 5: Check your mailbox (the physical one) a week later for your acceptance packet and paperwork. Congratulations!

Step 6: Continue communicating with your Panrimo intern advisor via Skype video to better understand your goals. Visit your advisors at your home university (if applicable) if seeking intern credit approval. Visit your financial aid office with helpful documents from us to secure necessary funds. Your Panrimo advisor can also chat with these offices. Just ask us! Your reservation deposit of $400 is now due and payable online in your panrimo dashboard. This shows us you're serious and allows us to represent your interests abroad in communicating with your potential intern company or nonprofit. The fee goes toward your total program. Note that if you applied after Final Payment Deadline, total final payment is now due before internship placement is offered.

Step 7: Work with your Panrimo intern advisor to revise your cover letter and résumé (also called a “CV”). Send in supplemental materials so we can best position you for a competitive internship.

Step 8: Interview via Skype video or phone with Panrimo’s internship partner abroad, that being your potential employer. Ask tons of questions and be open to the possibilities.

Step 9: The job offer is made and the internship is secured. Nice work! Your final balance is now due if date is before Final Payment Deadline.

Step 10: Chat with your Panrimo advisor and ask tons of questions. We want to get to know you more. We’re here to prepare you for your intern abroad experience and make you feel safe and prepared. This is where the excitement really begins.

Intern Abroad Fee Information:

Application Fee: $150 nonrefundable

Reservation Deposit: $400 due upon acceptance into the Panrimo program (usually within 2 weeks or less of applying). The fee is refundable if not offered an internship after interview with potential employer, meant to reserve spot on program because they fill up quickly, applied to total program fee. This deposit is applied to the total program price. Not refundable if student leaves program on his/her own volition. 

Remaining Balance: Due immediately upon placement into internship (i.e. when official offer letter is provided by employer) OR on Payment Deadline, per panrimo.com, whichever comes first. A signed consortium agreement from student's financial aid office supersedes these due dates.

NOTE: Specific internships listed on Panrimo.com's website and in the catalog may change without notice or become unavailable for any reason after a student applies. However, Panrimo staff in the US and on the ground in the host city have many contacts and partnerships. Panrimo staff will do their best to secure the student the intended internship opportunity in the field the student is requesting.

 

Where are Panrimo Internships located?

Internships are available in the Panrimo host countries of Argentina, China, Czech Republic, England, and Scotland. In addition, Panrimo offers customized internships in any nation where a student has an interest. In most instances, internships are located within the center of the city or its environs, commuting distance by public transit from the host city.

What is the difference between interning and studying abroad?

Studying abroad affiliates a student with other students and a university. Interning takes students out of the classroom and into the work world. Interns are serious, career-oriented learners who want to immerse themselves in the work world to gain skills, build a portfolio, enhance a résumé, and secure meaningful employment references.

How long are the internships?

Internships are 8 or 12 weeks in duration, with some lasting longer with a pre-arranged contract.

Do I need to know a foreign language to intern?

All Panrimo internships are English-based but some require a language preparation course before the work placement begins. Patience and knowledge enhance any internship abroad experience, even those in England or Scotland where accents can be challenging to comprehend.

Can I take a foreign language course before the internship starts?

Yes! And we encourage it if you can't speak the local language well. An intensive 60-80 hours' course over one month is an optional add-on with Panrimo internships. Start off on the correct foot knowing what you'll boss be asking of you--and in his/her own language. Contact tony@panrimo.com for language course fee.

How do you secure and ensure quality internship opportunities? 

Knowing a dedicated supervisor, clean work setting, and substantive work awaits a student upon arrival for an internship is key. We cross-reference the company or nonprofit and supervisor with other colleagues in the field. Once a mutual agreement is made between Panrimo and the company/nonprofit abroad, the Panrimo advisor discusses further with them the student’s expectations, Panrimo’s overseeing role of the internship, and expectations of the contact abroad. If requested, Panrimo staff can schedule a phone conference between the US university advisor and potential overseas supervisor before the student starts the internship.

What if a student is having difficulty working abroad in the company or nonprofit?

Being in a new environment is a challenge for everyone. Working alongside new coworkers in a different country compounds frustration and heightens emotion. If a student is having difficulty in his or her internship setting, Panrimo staff are available onsite and back in the US to hear the student’s issues and provide suggestions. Oftentimes cultural barriers take place, and students should discuss these openly with the supervisor abroad. The Panrimo advisor is in constant contact with supervisors to ensure expectations and comfortable work environment are in place throughout the student’s experience.

Who is supervising the student during the internship?

The direct “boss” of a Panroamer in an internship abroad is the man or woman working for the company or nonprofit that is partnered with Panrimo. This supervisor speaks English, and has been prepped by Panrimo staff to act as a positive guide and person of understanding for the student. The supervisor provides constructive feedback to the student, and remains in contact with Panrimo staff.

Are there age requirements for interns?

Panrimo interns must be 20 or older by start of internship program, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Why intern abroad rather than at home?

While studying and interning abroad can save you time and money by helping you accumulate credit hours while overseas, interning abroad can also close the “experience gap” by providing a meaningful work experience and letters of recommendation that follow. Some students do both, seamlessly moving from a semester or summer of study abroad to interning abroad.

Can I get credit for my internship?

There have been many instances where students were given credit by their home university for their overseas employment experience. Panrimo internships are vetted, highly competitive, academically sound experiences. We suggest exploring credit opportunities by meeting with a home university academic advisor and following the credit transfer tips.

Do I need related work experience in order to apply?

Chances of being accepted increase with a proven record of related work experience. Panrimo internships are usually sophisticated work assignments that anticipate a high level of capability. The more related work experience one has, the more likely it is to be accepted into the program. 

Are meals provided, and where do interns live?

Some employers provide a modest stipend to cover lunch, but for the most part interns will purchase their meals at local eateries or cook meals in their fully furnished apartment kitchen. All Panrimo interns live in fully furnished apartments with up to four other Panroamers, or occasionally there is a homestay option with daily meals provided.

Will I get any help adapting to my host country?

Absolutely! Interns enjoy the benefits of an onsite coordinator in Argentina, China, Czech Republic, England, and Scotland. Panrimo interns also receive biweekly email correspondence from the onsite coordinator suggesting things to see and do. Panrimo onsite coordinators are local experts there to enhance your Panrimo internship experience. Students interning outside the Panrimo host countries on customized programs will be provided with a local contact to help ease the transition and act as a local resource and general ombudsman.

How many hours a week will I work?

Most Panrimo internships require a 35 to 40-hour per week commitment, while a few expect 25-30 hours per week. This information will be delineated during the employment interview.

Will I meet my employer before starting the job?

Yes. During a Skype interview meet the prospective employer and proposed supervisor. It’s encouraged to ask questions about the selected placement. The student will also be evaluated by the company’s hiring team. This is a good time to ask nuts and bolts questions about the course of a typical day, the corporate culture, dress codes, and the like.  

Will I be paid for my work?

Generally, no. Internships are unpaid professional experiences intended to broaden exposure to the field and provide a valid experience leading to positive employment recommendations, referrals and contacts. While an employer may benefit from a student’s time on the job, there is also a cost in training, a risk in trusting with someone an assignment, and time in preparing assignments and providing a mentor. Internships are “two-way streets” where an employer can benefit from youthful innovation and fresh view, while the student gains valuable experience and contacts.

How much does a Panrimo internship cost?

Internship costs vary depending on the length of the internship and the country.  Generally, internships cost between $5,490 and $7,990 for 8 and 12-week placements, respectively. 

Will I participate in any cultural activities?

Panrimo lets students tap into local contacts and previously developed partnerships to offer learning opportunities other programs don’t offer. These cultural immersions focus on an important aspect of the local culture and encourage dialogue between the locals, the culture, and the student as an individual. Take a look through this catalog and online at panrimo.com at all the excursion and cultural immersion activities Panrimo has to offer.

What is the application deadline?

Summer, fall, and spring application deadlines are March 1, May 1, and November 1, respectively.

How do I apply?

Go to panrimo.com, create an account, and submit an application. It's that easy!

How long does it take to be notified of acceptance?

It generally takes two weeks to be notified of your acceptance into the Panrimo Program, and a few weeks after that to secure an interview with the potential supervisor abroad.

Whether your aim is to intern or volunteer in Europe, Asia or South America, making yourself look good on paper is key. It is the first impression a potential employer abroad has of you (well, after your personal Panrimo advisor speaks wise words and praise). 

Click the link below for international cover letter and résumé building suggestions before submitting them to your Panrimo personal advisor. Our team will then review your documents and make necessary changes, placing you in the best possible standing for your ideal work experience abroad.

Click Here to download the PDF of our suggestions to best organize your personal statement (cover letter) and CV (résumé).

Make a list of alumni living in the city and country where you’ll be. 

Talk with students who are back from your future study site.

Read the sections of all work abroad books that mention the country or city where you’ll be. Read Panrimo’s Orientation Booklet as well.

Your potential overseas employer will take time, money, and resources to train you. And you'll only be there a few months. Likewise you are paying for a great work experience, and likely will work unpaid. The employer-Panroamer relationship can thus be viewed as a lose-lose or a win-win. We hope you choose the latter. Keep your expectations in check, and we'll help you along your journey for a great experience abroad.

Have a general idea of what a typical workday is like for a local in your host city. But be open to having expectations altered upon arrival. 

Plan your route from your accommodations to your internship location. Don’t be late on your first day on the job. And remember to allot plenty of time for traffic, possible parades, or turbulent weather. 

The above suggestions come from Panrimo staff who have worked abroad and Jane Cary, former Study Abroad Advisor at Amherst College, Massachusetts.

Yes, this is a repeat. But it is important to bear in mind while abroad. Your potential overseas employer will take time, money, and resources to train you. And you'll only be there a few months. Likewise you are paying for a great work experience, and likely will work unpaid. The employer-Panroamer relationship can thus be viewed as a lose-lose or a win-win. We hope you choose the latter. Keep your expectations in check, and we'll help you along your journey for a great experience abroad.

Maintain a “contacts” notebook. Include the name, address, phone number, email address of every interesting professional you meet.

Contact alumni. Meet them at their place of business or socially. Express your interest in staying on after your program of study ends, or your interest in returning after graduation.

Check the daily paper want ads for future reference.

If in a homestay, take every opportunity to meet the family’s friends and extended family.

Practice the local language if not English. Meet the “natives” in all walks of life, constantly. Read the local and national papers and periodicals.

Introduce yourself to older people from your nationality living locally. Learn about where they are or were employed and how they obtained their positions.

Pay attention to living costs of the country and figure out how much money you would need.

Have a standby friend at home save summer job and internship information for you.

The above suggestions come from Panrimo staff who have worked abroad and Jane Cary, former Study Abroad Advisor at Amherst College, Massachusetts.

Visit your Career Center early and often to learn about its services for job-hunting seniors; attend all relevant job seekers workshops.

Find out if firms with offices abroad recruit on campus. Don’t be distressed to learn that you might have to work in your home country first.

Ascertain whether you will need a higher degree to obtain the job you want. What graduate entrance exams are required? Where in the U.S. or abroad can that degree be earned? Make time to gather and pursue short-term and more permanent work-abroad resources.

Prepare your résumé. Make sure it describes your experience abroad and all the skills you acquired, including language competency.

Keep in touch with all the contacts you gathered abroad. Write to them, send them thank you cards, stating serious interest in returning to work in that country after graduation (if you are serious).

Assess your financial situation. How much money must you earn before you go?

The above suggestions come from Panrimo staff who have worked abroad and Jane Cary, former Study Abroad Advisor at Amherst College, Massachusetts.