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Students who go abroad are:
- 19% more likely to gain a 1st degree after the mobility
- 10% more likely to be in 'graduate' jobs six months after graduation
- 17% higher wage earners six months after graduation [1]
In 2022 and 2023, 62 UCL students visited over 30 different countries as part of the Global Internships Programme. As organisations across the world increasingly seek graduates with global experience, an internship abroad can kick-start your global career and enable you to:
Enhance global employability
Working outside of your immediate domestic environment will expand your network of professional contacts, creating connections and lifelong friendships that could lead to a global career.
New QS research shows that a majority of employers worldwide place value on international experience when assessing graduate job applications, where six out of ten employers around the world give extra credit for an international student experience [2]. Experience working abroad can develop highly valued soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills and help you stand out from the crowd in future job applications.
Gain an in-depth insight into a sector
Whether you're exploring an industry you're already acquainted with or trying out something new, an internship abroad can give you a whole new insight into the way businesses work; from multinationals operating on a global scale to SMEs looking to expand locally.
Explore a new environment and culture, and even learn a new language
Anyone who has lived or worked abroad will tell you that there is no quicker way to learn about the nuances of that culture than immersion; from the local business culture to food and social customs.
From learning some friendly basics of a language to building on existing knowledge, you could also spend some of your time abroad learning the local language. You might even be inspired to continue once you return home!
Enhance quality of your time whilst at UCL
See what our students have said about their global experience.
“My global internship was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
“Go for it…Don’t hesitate. If you are a stranger to the country, you will get to discover a whole culture and practise another language. If not, it is still a huge plus to have an international and professional experience!”
“I made trips around Geneva and across the border to France during the weekends, as the public transport made it very accessible.”
“I was excited to work in a cosmopolitan city that offers incredible local, regional and global connectivity and wanted to explore the idea of working there after I graduate.”
Check out our Inspirations page for more student feedback!