Being an Intern Abroad

Studying abroad is arguably the number one highlight of any college student’s career. Fortunately, Elon has the #1 program in the U.S. for study abroad—and it shows. While spending my fall semester abroad in London, I have the privilege of interning for a public relations and integrated communications firm called Nexus. I have not only gained valuable experience, but I have interacted with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

After having had previous internship experience in both the United States and abroad, I’ve noticed several differences between work-life balance and workplace culture. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable differences I’ve come across while working abroad.

The legal drinking age is 18.

This means that you can get invited out to drinks with your coworkers after a day at the office. Yes, you heard that right—I was enthusiastically invited out to cocktails after only being at the job for three weeks. This is definitely one of the more beneficial aspects of working abroad. But it's important to not get too carried away in front of your work colleagues.

They will throw you into tasks head-first, straight away.

I walked in having no idea what to expect on my first day but was pleasantly surprised to hear that I was welcome to join the employee writing training session later that afternoon. This was definitely a change from my previous internships, where I spent the first few days learning the ropes.

The workshop highlighted five different aspects of writing: time, imagination, freedom, brutality, and fastidiousness. Through the various activities conducted, I was able to utilize these key skills to help me become a stronger writer.

It’s an opportunity to become more independent.

… and learn how to navigate a new country. Each day, I take the bus to work, which sometimes scares me considering that in the UK, they drive on the opposite side of the road. So, I try not to look out the window too often. But, I’ve successfully mastered public transportation and feel comfortable finding my way around London.

Your coworkers want you to be involved as much as possible, both inside and outside of work.

Inside, it’s clear. They want to give you things to do so that you can learn and grow. But outside of the office, there are photoshoots, events, and fun office bonding activities. I was invited to my office's Christmas party. We’re doing Secret Santa and having lunch and drinks in one of London’s most hip neighborhoods, Soho. The office manager also organized a competition for the World Cup and each person in the office put in £2 pounds to route for a team of their choosing. Let’s go Belgium!

I have absolutely loved my internship experience abroad so far. Though I’m sad to leave London in a few weeks, I’m excited to bring back what I’ve learned from work, as well as a new cultural insight and perspective. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, do it.