Today’s guest post is by Debbie Donohue, an experienced internship consultant and colleague from the Global Ed Consulting Group.
Why should a university start an international internship program? There are so many benefits of starting a program to a university and its stake holders. International internships are high-level, broad reaching programs that interact with staff, students, faculty and employers around the world.
Here are the top 10 benefits to a college or university that invest in international internship programs:
- Enhance the educational experience you offer to students by preparing them for the global workforce via experiential education opportunities
- Collaborate with your state’s Department of Economic Development – international internship programs are a great benefit to foreign companies that establish an office in your state
- Engage with your alumni abroad while developing internships for your students
- Strengthen your partnerships with the university exchange partners and create study plus internship programs
- Collaborate with Modern Languages Department – engage companies in higher level classes and offer these students rewarding positions around the world
- Complement your relationships with companies worldwide
- Develop and enhance the university’s global presence
- Help your university reach their internationalization goals
- Attract the top globally minded students to attend your university
- Collaborate with industry on dynamic programs to work together to prepare tomorrow’s global workforce!
About the Author: Debbie Donohue has been assisting students, companies, and universities in developing a global workforce for over ten years. Debbie began by working for an international nonprofit (IAESTE) in sending students overseas for work experience. Her job included working with the top 25 technical universities across the United States in sending students to 40 countries around the world. Debbie focused on developing students both cross culturally and in leadership skill development. Debbie started the Georgia Tech Work Abroad Program in 2005. Within 5 years, Debbie helped to grow the program to over 250 global work terms in 31 countries. Debbie directed the Work Abroad Program for 6 years. Debbie has experience in working with countries all over the world. Debbie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Appalachian State University (NC), and her Master’s degree in International Communication from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, DC.
Great post Debbie!!