As 3rd year Broadcast Media Studies students here at MRU we have the opportunity to experience real-world working environments through our Work Experience Program. The summer between 3rd and 4th year is vital and will help equip us for whatever desired careers that await after graduation. The grand stage of post-graduation careers is awaiting us, and guess what? BMST has got the ultimate backstage pass to help us prep for that moment! There are some seriously awesome internship offers and connections with companies that will definitely equip us for the next step. We’re talking about a summer chock-full of professional development, knowledge-gaining, and resume-building experiences. But hey, if you’re anything like me – someone who likes to get away for a bit – why not toss something a little extra special into your summer internship by thinking beyond our friendly Canadian borders? 
Enticing, I know.
We all know the importance of travel and journeying beyond familiar boundaries. But usually, that’s associated with sun-soaked beach escapades and picturesque touristy stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in for recreational travel, but travelling with the intention to learn is really something special.
Picture this: your summer internship features personal and professional growth, challenges, and priceless experiences with a few flights thrown in there too. This summer, I packed my bags and landed in America; Newark New Jersey to be exact. I spent my internship bouncing back between two states; New Jersey and Pennsylvania, all while working and learning with a company called Touch The World. My internship consisted of office work the first month, and then on-location field experience in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania where I met some of the most wonderful people in the world.
Spending my summer in New Jersey also meant frequent trips to New York City where I visited every museum I could, enjoyed time in Central Park and did way too much thrifting (oops).
I spent my summer running Touch The World’s social media; creating new content, taking professional photos and developing some marketing videos for their use. Although I enjoyed every aspect of my internship, doing something a little outside of your comfort zone, or off the beaten path can be complicated and even a little discouraging at times. So, I’m going to give you some tips & tricks, as well as some knowledge I’ve gained about doing an International Work Experience Internship that I think could be helpful for those thinking about getting out of Calgary or, would just like to hear more.
Let’s jump right in and address most students’ main concern; money.
C’mon, You’ve Gotta Be Rich To Do An International Internship
Okay, I hear you. Money is important and we’re not exactly living in the cheapest country in the world – I get it. But, MRU actually offers Grant Money for students embarking on an international experience. The amount of funding varies, but it can be up to $1000. Note; this is a grant, not a loan, so it’s yours to keep!
I would suggest having some savings though. Depending on your spending habits, some extra cash on hand is never a bad idea. However, many international opportunities are either paid or have a stipend. In my experience, it was easier to find a paid internship outside of Calgary. My internship ended with a stipend that essentially covered my food while I was living abroad.
All of these nitty gritty details are going to be different depending on where/who your internship is with but, don’t let financial fear stand in your way. Look at all of the financial resources, reach out to your advisors and really get an idea of what your options are.
Start This Process EARLY
Yeah, there’s a lot of paperwork involved in international work experience I won’t lie.
My advice? Start ASAP. Don’t wait until the last minute to look. I started this process in October (internships start in May/June), and it was all finalized in April. It’s not an overly complicated application process, it’s just lengthy and there are steps that have to be followed. Get in touch with the International Education Department to speak with a student advisor that will help you figure out exactly what forms you need to complete, and all of your next steps.
All of these steps are totally doable – if I can do it, you can do it. But seriously, get ahead of the game when it comes to this aspect because you don’t want to be dealing with it all right at the end.
Kinda Scared? Good.
For most students, the idea of an internship is intimidating enough without the added element of travelling for an extended period of time. I mean, going into a professional environment for the first time is scary. But, if I’m just guessing, you’re probably between the ages of 19-24, right? When are you ever going to be able to leave Canada again with;
- Grant Money
- Support From Advisors
- Unlimited Time
When trying to decide between an opportunity in Calgary and my internship abroad, Professor Karen Owen gave me some really wise advice. She said,
When are you going to be 23 with this opportunity again? If you were my daughter, I’d want her to go.
That advice was so grounding, and 20 minutes after our conversation I declined my opportunity in Calgary and finalized my New Jersey travels. 
Being scared is okay! Being nervous is okay! Don’t let those feelings hinder you from experiencing new things, though. I was extremely nervous to travel somewhere for the entire summer and work for a company, those fears are valid, but I urge you not to let them control your future that could be filled with so much adventure.
Networking, References and Lasting Relationships
Meeting employers and coworkers outside of your city is a fantastic experience that doesn’t have a price tag. This summer I met so many cool and interesting people that had a whole list of experiences and life advice I could learn from. Even though I only travelled to America, I met new people that offered me knowledge and experience I might not have gotten here in Calgary. Having a diverse resume is an asset for anyone looking to enter a professional career (so, all of us). We’re in a competitive field and having something unique and different on paper is never a bad thing.
I built lasting relationships with my employers and coworkers this summer and I feel confident in the references they might give a future employer. Obviously, this is reliant on your work performance, but I’m sure you’ll do great and you’ll have some really awesome references at your fingertips by the end of the summer.
If you’re feeling that pull towards an international experience, don’t ignore it. Reach out, get in contact and keep your ambitions high. You are capable of creating an incredible future for yourself and you have an entire staff of people waiting to help you with knowledge, advice and support!
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