Internships abroad

Students at the School of Translation and Interpreting have to do an internship abroad in their third year. The internship must be in a country where the main language they’ve chosen to study is spoken. For five months, students work or do a combined internship of studying and working abroad, so that they can truly master their main language and get to know the culture of the country. Irene Canals-Llosent, lecturer Spanish and internship coordinator, explains what you should keep in mind when doing an internship abroad.

Text Mirjam Flink Photo Johannes Timmermans

‘The main languages are English, German, French and Spanish. If English is your main language, you can do your internship in England or Malta, but also in Australia or New Zealand. The student’s interests are by far the most important in finding an internship, but we also remind students of the financial aspect. For example, Australia and New Zealand aren’t suitable for everyone, because of the high travel costs and the necessary visa’, says Irene.

Also keep the financial aspect in mind

‘Even though the spoken language may be the same, there can often be major differences between countries and even between regions. An example of this is the difference between the northern and southern parts of Spain. If you want to do an internship in Barcelona or in Madrid, you have to keep in mind that you’ll have to spend a lot more money on rent than in other cities, like Valladolid. We also try to make students aware of the financial aspect’, she continues.

Immerse yourself in the local culture

‘Even if you work during your internship, the main focus is on becoming familiar with the language, the culture, the customs and the country you’re temporarily living in. You’re meant to immerse yourself in the local culture and have a lot of contact with the locals. If you choose to do the internship in Aachen, for example, we want you to rent a room in Germany and not to stay in the Netherlands and commute every day,’ Irene explains.

Embracing cultural differences

‘Living in another country means you’ll certainly come across cultural differences. For instance, the French and Spanish lifestyles are a lot more relaxed than in the Netherlands. In general, Dutch students are very punctual, while Spanish people are a bit more laid back in that respect. In Latin America, the culture is even more relaxed. Spanish business culture is also a lot more informal than in the Netherlands. Only large companies have some sort of hierarchy. In Spain, you just use the informal “you” when talking to your boss, but also to your lecturer and doctor,’ she says.

Variety is the spice of life

‘The Spanish daily routine is something a lot of interns really have to get used to. A typical Spanish working day starts at 8am and runs until 3pm, with a short break twice a day. People don’t have lunch until after 3pm. They usually start dinner at 8pm or later in the evening. Most students struggle with that, especially in the first few weeks of their internship’, Irene tells us from her experience with students. ‘But that’s also something you can prepare yourself for. You can start by adjusting your meal times a short while before you go abroad.’

In short:

• Ask yourself where your interests lie;

• Keep the financial aspect and the practical things in mind;

• Immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace cultural differences.

• Make sure you’re well-prepared, be open to learning new things and enjoy!