Civil Engineering Internships Abroad: Building Bridges

Civil Engineering Internships Abroad

Whether you choose a career in civil engineering to build breathtaking skylines or a more sustainable infrastructural system, there are a plethora of opportunities abroad for you to consider. In fact, you may just land an internship in a country where some of the most famous architects in history have made their mark.

Taking a civil engineering internship abroad can be extremely beneficial as you can learn what does and doesn’t work within countries different from your own. Not only that, but you can work with some of the most well-known companies to create safer and more sustainable solutions to city infrastructures that will last decades to come.

This guide will cover the pros and cons of civil engineering internships abroad. We’ll also give you a good idea of the options available to you in terms of engineering opportunities outside of the United States.

Pros and Cons of Civil Engineering Internships Abroad

Civil engineering is an excellent field to get into for people who want to change the way we see the world. Beyond that, taking a civil engineering internship abroad opens your options to potential future job offers you may not have otherwise had access to. Regardless of your reasons for choosing civil engineering as a career, it’s important to weigh the positives and the negatives of taking an engineering internship abroad.

Pros

  • This career path doesn’t really go out of style. There’s always a need for innovation and creative problem-solving for a country’s infrastructure. Because of that, you should have no trouble finding an opportunity to intern for a civil engineering firm.
  • These internships almost always pay and pay well. Anytime you take an engineering internship, you’re likely going to be paid for your work. This could really come in handy, especially if you’re coming to the country without much in terms of savings.
  • You’re more likely to be taken seriously at your internship. You’re less likely to become the “coffee rat” in a civil engineering internship when you’re hired. Instead, these firms typically provide you with a robust and competitive work environment and encourage you to participate in projects to learn.
  • It looks good on your resume after graduation. If a domestic firm sees you had the opportunity to intern with a foreign company, they’re going to be more inclined to hire you as it diversifies your resume.

Cons

  • You may not get much free time. Like any other engineering field, civil engineering takes a lot of hard work and long days. Because of that, you may find you don’t have much free time to explore the country you’re staying in.
  • Most internships are competitive. Engineering internships abroad tend to be more competitive than those in other career fields. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure your resume and recommendation letters are top-notch to secure your spot.

Where to Get a Civil Engineering Internship Abroad

Civil engineering internships are widely available in just about any country of your choosing. With that said, there are some countries that have become more popular than others for a variety of reasons. These countries were chosen from more competitive workplaces to more well-known firms based on how the companies within them treat their interns and what each country has to offer.

South Africa

South Africa offers a variety of different landscapes ranging from urban cities to sprawling nature reserves. Because of that, it’s an ideal place for a civil engineering internship. As an intern, you can see firsthand how various landscapes can come together to create one society. Not only that, but South Africa is also one of the cheaper options in terms of traveling and interning abroad.

Spain

Spain is a great place for civil engineers to find an internship abroad because you have access to cities like Barcelona and Madrid to look to for inspiration. These cities are full of culture, but they’re also bursting with beautiful architecture designed by some of the most well-known architects and civil engineers in history.

Thailand

Hospitality and tourism are the biggest industries in Thailand. However, civil engineering internships are still available here. After all, how is one supposed to have a thriving hospitality industry without adequate hospitality buildings? Civil engineering internships in Thailand are common as they’re also another budget-friendly option, and you also get a bonus of beautiful green scenery.

Parting Thoughts

Civil Engineering Internships Abroad

Civil engineering is generally considered a safe career as it provides job security for the near and distant future. Now add in the bonus of having an internship abroad on your resume, and you pretty much get the pick of the litter when it comes time for graduation.

Regardless of where you choose to pursue an engineering internship abroad, we hope this guide has helped lead you in the right direction.