Internships are a great way to gain some hands-on work experience, make connections and build your resume. They give you an opportunity to test out your career options, but with so many options available, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Many degree courses require students to do an internship related to chosen degree. However if you live in a country which is part of the Erasmus program it is your choice whether you would like to do a Traditional or an Erasmus internship. This blog post will walk you through their differences.
1. Location
Traditional internship is usually located in the country where you live or attend university. It provides you with the comfort of working in a familiar environment with established support systems. On the other hand, if you want to participate in an Erasmus internship you must go abroad and take an internship in a different country. You have complete freedom in choosing where you want to go, however it has to be a country that is part of the Erasmus program. Living abroad gives you the chance to explore, learn about a different culture and improve your foreign language skills.
Following is a list of countries participating in the Erasmus program: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey
2. Duration
Traditional internship may last anywhere from a few weeks to an entire year. It could be either full-time or part-time. While the length of an Erasmus internship should be between 2 and 12 months.
3. Funding
Traditional internship can be paid or unpaid and the amount of money received is discussed between the intern and the company. Choosing to go for a traditional internship also eliminates the need for expensive travel costs and international living expenses.
Erasmus internships are funded through the Erasmus program and interns receive financial support to cover their living expenses during their internship.
4. Networking
A traditional internship gives you the opportunity to network within your own country. It may be very beneficial for your future career and open up more career opportunities for you. The company might even offer you a full time position at the end of your internship.
An Erasmus internship gives you the ability to network with international professionals and obtain international experience, which can increase your employability.
