Last summer, the Emory College Summer Global Internship Program began with three cities around the world so students could explore working in an international setting. The first program was a success, and it has since expanded to more cities and hopefully will continue with growing interest from students. I participated in the Hong Kong program, which was my first ever study abroad experience, as well as my first time in Asia. I couldn’t have been luckier, and I’m hoping that after reading this article, more students will be interested in exploring this amazing experience and taking advantage of the opportunity to gain work experience in an international setting.
There are so many reasons why you might want to study abroad, but sometimes it can be difficult to do a summer program when you have intentions to intern or work over the summer. The Global Internships program is the best of both worlds because not only do you gain valuable experience to boost your resume, but you also get all the fun cultural experiences that come along with living in a foreign setting. In addition to the work experience, you will also gain credit hours by taking one course in conjunction with your work. This class is intended to help you make the most out of your international work experience.
Outside of all the work/school stuff that is to be expected in this program, I can’t fail to mention how much fun I had last summer. Having never visited anywhere in the East, getting to live in Hong Kong for two months was a total treat. Everyday was a new adventure, whether it involved eating something I’d never tried before or visiting a new part of the Island that held its own cultural uniqueness. The relationships I built with my classmates made the experience all the more fun, as everyone on the trip is usually as eager to explore as you are. Hong Kong has so much to offer that I otherwise might have never gotten to experience, and further, if you have the time, it’s definitely worth doing a bit more traveling around Asia. I went to Tokyo, and some of my classmates explored several cities in Southeast Asia. It’s worth seeing as much as you can while you’re on the other side of the world, so take advantage of the opportunity.
The Global Internships program is expanding every year. If you’re looking to study abroad, I urge you to take a moment to explore the opportunity to intern abroad and gain some work experience while having fun in a new cultural setting. The program currently operates in Hong Kong, Toronto, Singapore, Dublin and Boston.