For international students, completing an internship in the United States offers unique opportunities to gain valuable professional experience while developing crucial cross-cultural skills. Research shows that internships are increasingly important for career success. According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), “seven in ten employers indicated they would be either more or much more likely to hire a candidate who held a job or work-study position, completed an internship or apprenticeship.”
Here are the key benefits international students can gain from U.S. internship experiences:
Developing Industry-Specific Skills and Knowledge
U.S. internships provide hands-on experience in American companies, often at the forefront of their industries. As intern Milos from New Zealand noted: “I improved my knowledge on front-end and back-end frameworks such as Backbone.js, Marionette.js, and Node.js, Ruby, Rails, Go, PHP, and Zend. I also learned about the concept of client-side rendering, which will be invaluable with technology going forward.”
This practical experience is especially valuable in specialized fields. Another intern, Syariza from Malaysia, highlighted how their internship helped them develop “building a more efficient and robust financial model” and learning “the analysis methods used in the private equity space.”
Building Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
Interning in a U.S. professional environment helps international students develop crucial cross-cultural communication abilities. According to research by the Institute of International Education (IIE), intercultural skills are consistently the area where students report the greatest growth during international experiences. A 2024 IIE study found that 86% of global interns reported significant improvement in intercultural skills during their internships.
As Malgorzata from Poland reflected: “I think the most valuable skill is the ability to work as part of the culturally diverse team where everyone has a different background and skills set. I became more confident about my own work and learned how to present project proposals to convince the team to focus on a certain idea.”
Strengthening English Language Proficiency
Beyond general language skills, internships help students develop professional English abilities specific to their industry. Intern Juliette, from France, noted: “I think my English is better now. Sometimes I had to find a way to explain an idea, so I learned to find a way to do it. I learned a lot of perfume vocabulary and this is very important for my career.”
According to NAFSA & Emsi research, in 2019 global communication skills were mentioned in more than 31 million unique job postings, demonstrating the growing value employers place on these abilities.
Experiencing American Workplace Culture
U.S. internships provide invaluable exposure to American business practices and workplace norms. Students learn to navigate different communication styles, organizational structures, and professional expectations. As Denise from Germany observed: “I was working very closely with the directors and also the CEO, which enabled me to get the best guidance from experienced employees and to get valuable insights into various fields.”
The experience helps students understand key aspects of U.S. work culture, from direct communication to flat organizational structures. Another intern noted: “It also helped me develop workplace etiquette, like understanding how things worked in an office-based environment.”
Building an International Professional Network
Internships facilitate connections with professionals in students’ fields of interest. Research from IIE shows that 71% of global interns reported building valuable social networks during their experiences. These relationships can lead to future opportunities within multinational companies, with many interns securing future employment with their host organizations after returning to their home countries or other parts of the world.
Boosting Career Prospects
International work experience helps students stand out to employers globally. According to IIE research, three in four respondents confirmed that participating in an internship abroad was helpful in acquiring their first full-time job. Eighty-five percent highlighted their experiences and skills in their CVs and professional profiles.
The experience proves particularly valuable for those pursuing international careers. One intern reflected: “Today, I am COO of a company similar to the one I started as an intern during this program. On this experience, I learned the basis of my professional expertise.”
Personal Growth and Confidence
Beyond professional benefits, U.S. internships foster significant personal development. Students gain independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural awareness. As one intern from the Philippines noted: “Traveling from Asia and coming to the U.S. for an internship program has definitely taught me flexibility and adaptability – not only in daily life, but in understanding and dealing with different businesses and people as well.”
Another intern, Martina from Italy, shared: “I grew both from both a business and a human standpoint; I put in practice most of what I have studied for five years, allowing me to understand what I can be good at and what I would like to do in my future career. Moreover it was a great experience even for my personal growth: I lived in an environment with a different culture and lifestyle that I appreciate, and I learned how to integrate in it.”
The research demonstrates that U.S. internships provide international students with a powerful combination of professional skills development, cultural learning, and career advancement opportunities. For those seeking to build global careers, these experiences offer an invaluable foundation for future success.
Support for Success
Organizations like InterExchange provide comprehensive support to help international students succeed in their U.S. internships. Key support services include:
- J-1 Visa sponsorship
- Pre-departure orientation
- Visa interview preparation resources
- Regular feedback and monitoring
If you’re ready to take the next step towards an internship or professional training program in the United States, learn more about the InterExchange Career Training USA program and utilize our extensive resources for finding an internship in the USA.
Note: This article draws on research from IIE’s 2024 report “Standing Out in a Competitive Market: The Impact of a Global Internship on Career Readiness” by Leah Mason and Samantha Monroe, as well as testimonials from international student interns shared in program evaluation documents. The study surveyed over 600 global internship alumni across multiple organizations to assess outcomes and impacts.
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To start an application, you must first find your own internship or training position at an eligible U.S. company.