Internships are an excellent tool for advancing your skills in a field of interest. These positions help young adults find a career path, test their aptitude for certain kinds of work, and further develop their resume or CV. Internships are almost always unpaid as the intern is gaining skills and experience. It is critical to find the right match so that the relationship is beneficial to both intern and company. Full time students or recent graduates have the easiest time finding internships because of their age, lack of real life skills, amount of free time, and education.
To secure an internship aboard, it may be necessary to find a company that sets-up the internship. You may also contact organizations directly. Internships are commonly set-up through a university for its students. teaching English or French is one of the most common positions.
It is also possible to apply directly with organizations. Research your area of interest and find if there are any organizations with online applications.
Classifieds in print or on newspapers online edition can also be a great resource. Look for their employment section for job offers.
Due to the time and costs associated with advertising a job, many job vacancies are filled informally. This means that sometimes it is more who you know, then what you know. Known as the "hidden job" market information about available work is often circulated through managers, employees, business acquaintances, friends and family. Networking is the best way to search for jobs in the hidden job market. Talk to friends, family, and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work. Raise your profile in social networks and spread the word about what you are looking for. There are also professional social networks like Linkedin which allows for people to make business contacts.
To secure an internship aboard, it is usually easiest to find a company that sets-up the internship. Some agencies require a fee to secure a placement. Such agencies may include:
Canadian Government Internships
The Public Service Commission's Post-secondary Co-op and Internship programs play an important role in providing post-secondary students with the relevant and practical work experience they need to fulfill the requirements of their academic program. The Accelerated Economist Training Program provides Master's degree candidates, in any discipline, the opportunity to work alongside Canada's top decision-makers on a number of social, economic and international policy agendas. The Management Trainee Program offered through the Canada Public Service Agency enables talented people, both inside and outside government, the opportunity to lead a representative and diversified public service into the future.
The Atlantic Council of Canada
Offers internships to help students find out why the ties between Canada and European nations are of critical importance to Canadian culture, economy and security.
Canadian Crossroads International (CCI)
A non-profit organization that actively contributes to creating a sustainable and equitable world by fostering partnerships, facilitating learning and exchange across cultures, and raising awareness of global issues.
Career Edge
Provides professional internship opportunities with over 1000 Canadian companies and NGOs for post-secondary graduates of all disciplines and for graduates with disabilities.
Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA)
Offers a mentorship program in film and television across Canada.
Office Québec-Amériques pour la jeunesse (OQAJ; France-Québec youth bureau)
Offers a program of professional internships for young adults aged 18 to 35 to help them improve their skills, apply their talents and become more aware of other cultures. Caters to Young adults from north or South America.
Office Québec Wallonie Bruxelles pour la jeunesse (Québec Wallonie Brussels youth bureau)
The offers a range of individual and group internships as springboards for young adults aged 18 to 35 to help them complete an international project directly connected to their field of study, sector of activity or social involvement. Caters to young adults from Wallonie, Belgium.
Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse (France-Québec youth bureau)
This program of professional internships for young adults, aged 18 to 35, helps them improve their skills, apply their talents and become more aware of other cultures. Caters to young adults from France.
If hired through an agency, the agency usually guides the intern through the process. Most interns receive a Student Visa. For more information on visa, consult the section on "Passport, Visa & Permits".
Update 21/05/2013
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