Yash
"For anyone considering an internship abroad, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Not only do you get hands-on experience, but you also gain cultural insights that no classroom can offer."
Course
Economics BSc (Hons)This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to do something I’d always dreamed of: spending a productive summer in the USA.
Having never been there, the chance to work and explore the culture first-hand was irresistible, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.
I secured my internship through a programme specialising in summer exchanges, where I was fortunate enough to join a team of sports specialists.
My role involved overseeing sports and recreational activities for a group of around 300 kids, ages 3 to 13. As part of the team, I was responsible for planning, setting up, and supervising a wide range of sporting events and games. Each day was packed with energy as we guided, mentored, and cared for kids at different stages of development, making sure they felt both safe and engaged in each activity.
The experience was enriching on so many levels, but the biggest highlights for me were the friendships I formed with my American co-workers. We quickly became a close-knit group, and they truly welcomed me into their lives. From inviting me over to their homes to introducing me to classic 'American’ pastimes, like watching baseball, the NFL, and MLS games, they made me feel at home. We bonded over these shared experiences, and I still keep in touch with many of them. It’s been a friendship that goes beyond borders, and it’s something I’ll always treasure.
Beyond the cultural and personal growth, my internship experience as a sports specialist has had a direct impact on my Economics course, particularly in areas related to leadership, group management, and task delegation.
Co-ordinating activities for a large group of children required careful planning, efficient communication, and the ability to allocate tasks effectively among team members – skills that directly translate to group projects and case studies in my coursework.
Leading diverse activities and making on-the-spot decisions strengthened my organisational and problem-solving abilities which I now find invaluable when working with classmates on collaborative assignments or analysing economic models. This hands-on experience taught me how to handle responsibilities under pressure, a skill that has boosted my confidence in both academic and real-world settings, preparing me to approach group challenges strategically.
For anyone considering an internship abroad, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Not only do you get hands-on experience, but you also gain cultural insights that no classroom can offer. This experience has made me more open-minded, adaptable, and enriched my personal and professional life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. If you get the chance to intern in a new country, take it – it's a journey worth every moment.
