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Work Abroad checklist: Handy Tips before you go!
You´ve got the internship that you´ve been seaching for in a foreign country and you’re just about to set off on your adventure. We from European internships just want to make sure that everything goes well whilst you are on your internship. So, just take a minute to think and read through this checklist to make sure that you are well and truly prepared!
Passport
Whilst it is now possible to travel many European countries without a passport, it is more essential that you have a valid passport in order to embark on your intership abroad adventure. If you ware waiting for a new passport then allow at least six weeks for your passport to arrive. A passport is also useful as an internationally-recognised form of identification if you need to prove your age.
Visa
This is completely vital if you are not an EU citizen. Special permission is often needed for working, volunteering, or doing research abroad. Even if you are planning an unpaid internship, you will probably still require a work visa (depending on the host country). A visa can be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate of the country that you will be visiting. However, you will need to have a passport before you can apply for a visa, so do plan ahead. Work visas can take weeks to obtain, and will almost always require a letter from your programme, employer or host organisation. In this case you can contact European internships and they will help you out and give you advice on this matter.
Medical insurance
If you are an EU citizen travelling within the EU, you can apply for a free European Health Insurance card. With this, you are entitled to the same public healthcare services as the residents of the country that you are visiting. Bear in mind that these services do vary between countries, however: in some, treatment is free; in others, subsidised; and in some you have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. Keep all bills, prescriptions and receipts, and apply for reimbursement when you get home. However, an EU health insurance card is not sufficient to cover all medical costs and accident insurance whilst you are abroad so you do need to take out insurance as well. Even more so if you are from the USA. If you are a UK student coming to work or study abroad then we recommend Endsleigh insurance.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will have to apply for medical insurance. You may already have a health insurance plan for your home country; some of these cover you whilst you’re abroad too, so it’s worthwhile checking. If not, it is important that you apply, and easier that you do so before you go.
Finances
If you are coming from outside the Eurozone, then you´ll be faced with an unfamiliar currency. Familiarise yourself with average exchange rates so that you can compare prices with your familiar currency. Work out a plan which includes how much you will need for food, accommodation, etc (especially if your internship is unpaid). Look into opening a local bank account, as using your own cards will be subject to high charges.
Keeping in touch
It´ll be expensive to use your mobile phone contract in your home country abroad so try to buy an international calling sim card and this will save you money! Remember, skype is also a good way to contact friends and family cheaply.
Small but important things
- Plug converters. The continental European plug is very likely different to the one in your home country, so if you intend to bring your own electrical devices, stock up on converters. These can be difficult to find abroad, so probably best to buy them before you go.
- Extra passport pictures. If the worst happens and you lose your passport, the process will be made easier if you already have spare photos. Furthermore, you may need them to register for gyms, universities etc while abroad.
- Addresses for local embassies of your own country. Consider registering with them when you arrive.
- Supplies of any regular medication that you require. Getting an appointment may be difficult, and you may have to pay for the medication yourself, even if you don’t at home. Try to minimise the amount that you will need to obtain once abroad. But, at the same time remember that you can only bring 3 months of medication with you abroad.
We from European internships wish you all the best of luck for your internship and we hope you´ll have a fantastic time!
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