Erasmus+ Internship Abroad vs. Internship at Home

 In today's dynamic and complex world of work, Erasmus+ placements are more important than ever - especially when you choose a placement abroad. In general, practical Erasmus+ experience is very important for potential future employers. They show that an applicant has already had hands-on job experience and that shows commitment. Through an Erasmus+ placement abroad you gain enormously important experience on a professional as well as on a personal level, which no doubt, benefits you in your future professional life. So what’s better for an Erasmus+ stay, an internship abroad or an internship at home?

So Many Benefits Travelling Abroad

As in so many other fields, the trend for Erasmus+ projects is much more towards travelling abroad. This is hardly surprising, there are so many benefits; the specialist skills applied in everyday working life, the possible fields of work, experiencing life and new culture and improved language skills.

An Erasmus+ placement abroad not only brings about professional development but also broadens your horizons. Your own initiative and ability to find your way around in an unfamiliar environment will give you an advantage when competing for jobs.

Networking globally, gaining new experiences, improving your foreign language skills and improving your soft skills - an internship abroad can help you with all of those. Experience abroad adds value to your CV and shows how mobile, flexible and internationally experienced you are.

For Future Employment

More and more importance is being attached to international experience on a CV and it is also becoming very important when starting a job. Whether as a career starter after graduation, for moving up the career ladder, for a job change or upgrading your language skills for a future role - an internship abroad can be interesting for many. For more information on the criteria for an Erasmus+ placement we encourage you to read our article "What are the basic requirements for an Erasmus+ stay?".

To Acquire Foreign Language Skills

During an Erasmus+ adventure, foreign language skills will of course improve enormously. Every day you become more experienced in dealing with foreign people and you get to know a different culture. These are skills that are more in demand than ever before in today's globalised, competitive professional world.

An internship abroad is the first step in demonstrating your ambition, courage and willingness to do something for professional advancement. You gain professional experience in an international environment, which helps you to mature too. Those so-called soft skills such as tolerance, self-confidence and flexibility are strengthened enormously. Of course, there’s more than just work for foreign interns. In the evenings and on weekends you can explore the country's nature and cities, enjoy in leisure activities and mingle with the locals. Spending a while in a country gives you a more authentic overview than that of a tourist and yet there is nothing to stop you from taking part in classic sightseeing tours, exploring the nightlife or having a holiday after your internship. Read our blog article "Combining your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme intership with your vacation?".

Internships at Home Are Better If You Get Homesick

Of course, an internship at home does not offer comparable experience, every HR manager knows that! So an Erasmus+ placement abroad looks very good on your CV. It gives your future boss a certificate of language skills, intercultural competence, flexibility and open-mindedness. An internship in your home country may be considered if you get homesick or can't cope with the double burden of work combined with a foreign language.

10 Million Erasmus+ Traineeships to Date!

A traineeship abroad has great impact. More than 10 million trainees have already taken part in an Erasmus+ traineeship throughout the EU. 91% of participants appreciate that their intercultural work during their traineeship has enabled them to experience other cultures and 86% improved their language skills.

Which is the Best?

So who wins the race between Erasmus+ traineeship abroad and traineeship at home? The winner is clearly goes an Erasmus+ placement abroad!

Now that we have piqued your interest in an Erasmus+ placement abroad, you can find more information in our guide for Erasmus+ funding applicants or read our Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution. We will be happy to answer your questions through a personal interview. Please fill in our contact form and a member of our staff will contact you as soon as possible.