Erasmus+ Internship Abroad: work abroad and receive financial support

WU students who independently organize a full-time internship in another EU country can apply for funding through the Erasmus+ program. The financial support makes the start at the place of work easier and thus helps students to gain new skills and experience. Together with the grant coordinator Ms. Moragues Costa from the International Office, we discuss the most important details.

WU Blog: How does the Erasmus+ program support students? Which internship grants can students apply for?

Moragues Costa: Erasmus+ is a European program that helps young people to gain international experience. In addition to the almost traditional semester abroad, it also supports internships abroad. The internship must be completed in one of the 27 EU member states or in participating countries of the Erasmus+ program. The attractive aspect here: The financial support can be obtained in addition to an internship salary.

Students who show initiative and organize an internship abroad themselves can apply for an Erasmus+ grant at the International Office. When applying, you can choose between a student internship and a post-graduate internship. If you choose the first option, you continue your studies at WU after completing your internship abroad. If you choose the second option, you apply before completing your studies (e.g. shortly before the last exam, thesis, etc.). In this case, the internship will start after you have completed your degree.

Students who show initiative and organize an internship abroad themselves can apply for an Erasmus+ grant at the International Office.

WU Blog: Which advantage and benefit does an internship abroad offer?

Moragues Costa: Working in another country is an intense and intercultural experience. You have to adapt to cultural conditions, be well organized and reflect on your own behavior and thoughts. In addition to personal development, an internship abroad is a plus on your resume and valuable for starting your career. Companies particularly value the mix of acquired skills and international exchange.

On a professional level, an internship abroad promotes cultural understanding as well as your own language skills. You learn how to communicate in different cultures.

WU Blog: You have gained international work experience yourself. What positive experiences or learnings can you look back on?

Moragues Costa: For me personally, the best thing about the experience abroad was meeting new people and making friends. That can also be beneficial for your professional life later on. It is exciting to see how people outside of Austria “tick” and how you can disprove myths and clichés through your own experiences. You get an intense impression of the culture when you are on location and constantly learn something new. Another advantage is that you lose your fear the unknown.

On a professional level, an internship abroad promotes cultural understanding as well as your own language skills. You learn how to communicate in different cultures. In some regions, “chit-chat” (casual conversation in the office or via email) is expected. In other regions, however, you get down to business more quickly. It is important to be mindful of such cultural differences. This is especially true if you plan to work in an international environment.

WU Blog: Where can students find information about the Erasmus+ internship abroad? When can they apply?

Moragues Costa: Our website gives an overview of how the application process for an Erasmus+ internship abroad works. In principle, WU students can apply for a grant at any time, but at the latest four weeks before the start of the internship (six weeks before for internships in the UK). The application itself is simple and is done via an online form (for internships in the UK, the application is done via email). The sooner you submit your documents, the better it is.

WU Blog: Whom can students contact if they have questions?

Moragues Costa: If you have any questions about the Erasmus+ internship abroad, students are welcome to contact me. If students are interested in an internship in UK, my colleague Ms. Martina Stalitzer is there to help. We look forward to advising as many students as possible.

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