The 21st-century campus has almost everything a student could need. But there are limits to how well classroom learning can prepare students for an increasingly global job market. International work experience can provide a life-changing opportunity for students to develop career-ready skills and gain practical exposure that will underpin their success after graduation.
The experience of living and working abroad offers students the chance to broaden their network, develop a global mindset and build interpersonal skills, which are qualities employers value today. Timothy Lynn Elliott, director of international study programmes at Brigham Young University in the US, says students return from international internships more confident in their own abilities and how potential employers see them.
“The students that we talk to see this definitely as employment enhancement – something that’s going to give them a leg up as they apply for jobs and opportunities,” says Elliott. “Students who do this tend to have more confidence in what they do. They get better at problem-solving and are more open to new ideas. I have seen, over the course of my career, thousands of students who have done this, and these are the common themes.”
Brigham Young University sends five to seven per cent of its student population to take part in international experiences every year. It allows students to take classes throughout the calendar year so they can make time for international experiences. “We can provide these opportunities for them. We tell them that it’s valuable and worthwhile, and work with them to see how it will fit within their broader academic plan,” says Elliott. “Our goal is always that these are going to move students towards graduation.”
Adam Janaway, head of global operations at JENZA, believes such experiences can be the missing link between the classroom and graduate employability. According to JENZA’s research, students returning from their international internship programmes reported improvements in their problem-solving skills, adaptability and communication.
JENZA specialises in facilitating international work experience in collaboration with universities. It has a network of vetted employers to help students find the right work opportunities and internships. It supports students and institutions with all aspects of international work travel, from arranging visas and workplace sponsorships to providing arrival support and practical essentials.
“International internships bridge the gap between academic theory and workplace reality,” says Janaway. They emphasise practical learning and the importance of building industry-specific skills. “You fill in the gaps of how to perform those skills in the workplace.”
International work placements and internships could last from a month to a year, but they leave a lasting impression on students. Janaway says they offer a “safe space to try and fail”, which is crucial for personal development. Elliott echoes the idea that formative challenges and friction are essential for students’ growth. “What is the fun of going abroad if it is easy? You don’t learn anything,” he says. “It is the challenge that adds to the richness of the experience.”
Find out more about JENZA.
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