The Benefits of Doing an Internship Abroad
In today’s competitive job market, global work experience gives you a real edge. An overseas internship goes beyond work; it broadens your perspective and helps you embrace new cultures.
You’ll face personal and professional challenges that build valuable intercultural skills. Employers appreciate this experience as it shows you can thrive in diverse environments. Stepping out of your comfort zone abroad lets you grow and discover your true potential.
Why ASEAN, China and India?
ASEAN, China, and India (ACI) have demonstrated strong economic growth despite global signs of economic downturn. “Economic integration must remain at the core of our agenda,” Mr Lee emphasised during his address to ASEAN leaders at the ASEAN Summit plenary session in Jakarta[1]. The combined ACI market comprises about 3.4 billion people—nearly 50% of the world’s population. Given this, it is strategic for Singaporeans to understand these markets and take on leadership roles, especially as Singapore is a developed country in the region.
In the 2020 budget, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat allocated funding to send at least 70% of local IHL students to the ACI region under the new Asia-Ready Exposure Programme[2]. Additional support will also be provided for internships through the previously announced Global Ready Talent (GRT) Programme.
[1] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/asean-summit-pm-lee-economic-integration-3747036
[2] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-budget-2020-70-per-cent-of-local-students-from-higher-learning-institutions-to
Financial Support
Hosting organisations may provide stipends for internships at their overseas locations. For many regions—including Southeast Asia, India, China, Latin America and the Caribbean, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—the Global Ready Talent (GRT) Programme, fully funded by Enterprise Singapore, is available through DKHMCC for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, subject to approval by both Enterprise Singapore and SMU.
The GRT grant is disbursed after the successful completion of the overseas internship.
It includes a one-time travel allowance of $1,200 and a daily allowance of $32.90 for each day spent overseas.
DKHMCC focuses on internships in the ACI region and actively sources opportunities there. Students who wish to pursue an internship outside of ASEAN, China and India are welcome to self-source and propose the internship on OnTracII for approval.
Hear from the students who have undergone overseas internships:
Chin Zi Ying
For SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business undergraduate Chin Zi Ying, her remote internship was more than just fulfilling SMU’s global exposure requirement. Ahead, she shares why being grounded in Singapore for the Overseas Virtual Internship Programme (OVIP) turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Read more about her experience as a digital retail intern under L’Earth’s Vietnam team below. #SMUExperience
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) and Overseas Virtual Internship Programme (OVIP) are organised by Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC) to encourage students to build up an international network and be Global Citizens. Apply for an SMU ASEAN internship today!
Tan Shu Min
Having completed a 3-month virtual internship with an Indonesian startup, SMU School of Accountancy undergraduate Tan Shu Min believes that the new perspectives and ideas gained with the Overseas Virtual Internship Programme (OVIP) are valuable for her personal and career growth. She reflects on how her experience has provided unique learning opportunities and allowed her to gain global exposure.
The ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) and Overseas Virtual Internship Programme (OVIP) are part of the offerings provided by Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC) to encourage students to build up an international network and be Global Citizens.
On the difference between interning in Thailand and Singapore:
"I felt that I was not given enough tasks that were challenging for me during my Singapore internship stint. My supervisor had too much on her plate to focus on me and therefore there was not much guidance or feedback from her.
In contrast, my Thailand internship supervisor was always checking and providing me with guidance to the tasks that I was assigned to. In addition, he gave me the freedom to explore and venture into the things that I had a strong interest in. Despite being a busy man, he still made it a point to hold a weekly hour-long session just to check on my progress and ensure that I was on the right track."
Maryam Binte ABDULLAH BIN-TALEB
Year 2, LKCSB
Bangkok
Tuk Tuk Hop, Summer 2019
On experiencing the work and culture in Vietnam:
"This internship experience has brought enormous value to me. I was tasked to assist the operations department in value chain analysis and process improvement solutioning for the various business units as part of their corporate transformation initiative. Through this project, I got the chance to witness first-hand some of the real-world business challenges faced by a maturing company, and at the same time learn from their determination to take it to greater heights. I also had the opportunity to learn how the organization is trying to implement digital transformation in the context of Industry 4.0, such as leveraging the technology of robotic process automation to replace manual and repetitive tasks, thereby increasing productivity and lowering operational risks.
Working with the Vietnamese was an inspiring experience. Compared to Singapore, I must say that their spirit and culture of entrepreneurship is stronger. I would certainly encourage my peers to seek experiences outside of Singapore. An overseas internship broadens our horizons, trains us to be independent and self-sufficient. Furthermore, working in a foreign environment builds soft skills, especially intercultural competence."
LIEW Juin Neng Ian
Year 1, SIS
Ho Chi Minh City
Talentnet, Summer 2019
Internship opportunities in China
Check out www.yes.org.sg for internship opportunities in China
On the overall working experience:
"I came to Hong Kong with no knowledge about the real estate industry in Hong Kong. There was a steep learning curve at the start of my internship as I had to familiarise myself with the different terms and the KPIs that were commonly used in Real Estate Investment Trusts. Furthermore, I had a mentor who was patient and supportive as he would ensure that I understood my tasks clearly before he handed it off to me to complete them."
Angel NG Jing Yi
Year 2, LKCSB
Hong Kong
ARA, Summer 2019
On venturing out of Singapore:
"Venturing out of Singapore alone was one of the best decisions I have made. I had a lot more time to myself which allowed me to consolidate my thoughts and reflect on what I have been through thus far. I started to realise what matters to me and took notice of the smallest things around me. I learned to look after myself and sought for actual solutions, not patches to a problem. I feel that we take things for granted back in Singapore."
Cher Jia Yan
Year 3, LKCSB
Shanghai
SOSV Chinaccelerator, Summer 2019
New content coming
On the valuable learning experience:
"Over the last five months, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work with the Customer Engagement team in SAP Brazil’s Marketing Department. Based on previous experience, I’ve always felt that the standard three-month internship period is too short to learn about the industry and the job role.
While I was on exchange in São Paulo last year, I fell in love with the city so much so that I decided to take an LOA upon securing an internship here. Being at a large international firm provided me with the opportunity to work with people from other parts of the world for a project, something I would never have been able to do in the companies I used to intern at. Also, I was made aware of the different factors which I need to be sensitive to when overseeing marketing campaign efforts. For instance, despite operating in Brazil, our campaigns needed to be executed in accordance to both EU and Brazilian data privacy laws as SAP was a German company.
I would strongly recommend anyone to take up this opportunity when it arises. Practical purposes aside, interning abroad opens your mind on the deeper level and teaches you to approach other cultures with a more accepting attitude."
Nigel SEAH Yong Yu
Year 4, SOSS
São Paulo
SAP, Term 2 2019
Checklist for Overseas Internship Application
- Ensure that you have completed e-Internship Briefing and pass e-Quiz, completed Reflective Practice Unit and all 5 Internship readiness modules on eLearn > Co-Curriculum Learning.
- Source for overseas internship opportunities via OnTRAC II or submit a self-proposal on OnTRAC II if you have self-sourced for the overseas internship.
- Contact your internship approving officer at DKHMCC to ensure all the required administrative procedures are in order before you leave Singapore (and if you're eligible for any Financial Support).
- Complete the mandatory pre-departure checklist on OASIS at least 2 weeks before the departure date of your approved internship.
Internship Period
| Summer Internship | May to August |
|---|---|
| Winter Internship | December to January |
| Term-time internship | Students are required to apply for Leave of Absence (LOA)** |
| ASEAN Internship Programme (AIP) | May to August / 4-5 weeks in December to January |
** LOA Information can be found on OASIS
* Please refer to your Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Internship Opportunities
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yagnukuw
Opportunities: https://tinyurl.com/y37bcctr
For overseas internship-related matters, email: overseasdesk@smu.edu.sg.
Students may also walk into:
Dato Kho Hui Meng Career Centre
SMU Administration Building
81 Victoria Street #07-00
Singapore 188065
