Internship abroad
Looking for an internship, study abroad, or take classes in another language? Summa makes it possible! Every year, hundreds of students go abroad for internships, temporary study, or language courses. This is possible for students from almost all Summa programs and in various countries, both within Europe and beyond.
Why go abroad?
There are several reasons to gain experience abroad. Still unsure if this is the right choice for you? Then read on and discover why we believe this is an experience you won't want to miss.
- Students experience it as an unforgettable adventure. Also read one of the various testimonials from students who have gone before you.
- It's the best way to learn a new language. You can check it off your bucket list right away!
- You learn to live on your own.
- You'll soon have a better chance of finding a good job. That's because in our Brainport region, you'll increasingly encounter foreign cultures, different languages, and colleagues from other countries. And you could eventually find a job at such a company.
- You make new friends.
- You can further develop in your field.
- And above all, it is a super cool experience!
Step-by-step plan and preparation
Have you decided you want to intern abroad? Good preparation is half the battle. Don't wait too long! It's perfectly reasonable to start preparing a year in advance. To give you an idea of what you need to consider, you can follow this step-by-step plan.
Step 1: Do some research!
Start by figuring out where you want to intern. Which country and which city? Also, think about who can help you with that.
Step 2: Arrange
You have an idea of where you want to intern. Now it's time to get things started. There are several ways you can do this.
- Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. stagemarkt.nl
On this website, you'll find all accredited internship companies. Please note that some companies only accept interns through an agency.
- Through an agency
They'll help you find a suitable internship and (depending on the agency you choose) they can also arrange accommodation. Using an agency costs money.
- Going on a quest yourself
You can work with a teacher from your program to find an accredited internship company. It's important that the company meets the following requirements:
- It's a profession-related company. This means the company profile must align with what you learn in the training.
- Someone from the company speaks Dutch or English, so you will receive good guidance.
- The company must comply with the ARBO requirements
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The company must be recognized by Collaboration between the Professional Organization of Business (SBB).
In addition, you must arrange accommodation and apply for insurance/student finance/Erasmus+ subsidy (see below) (if possible).
Step 3: Consent
Don't just plan an internship abroad. Always make sure you have permission from your home country and your school. You need sufficient credits and a good work ethic (LOBA) to be eligible for an internship abroad.
Step 4: Arrange extras
To truly make the most of this unique experience, we recommend getting travel guides and taking a language course. These will be extremely helpful when trying to find your way in a foreign environment.
Step 5: On your way!
Passport? Check! Travel documents? Check! In a good mood? Check! Now that you've completed all the steps, the adventure can begin.
Erasmus+ subsidy
The Erasmus+ grant (sometimes written as ErasmusPlus) is intended to cover travel and other expenses incurred abroad. This makes it possible for students with a smaller budget to gain this unique experience.
- Convert your grant from living at home to living away from home (if you are 18+).
- Do you have a public transport travel product? Temporarily suspend it.
- You can apply for a public transport allowance instead of the student travel product. The allowance is €114,92 per month. Just make sure you apply two months before departure! That's a nice bonus.
Conditions for an Erasmus+ grant
- Language assessment: Before departure, you must complete an online language assessment in the language of your internship company. This will assess your proficiency in that language.
- Submissions for your internship abroad: Grant agreement (agreement between student and Summa regarding the Erasmus+ subsidy), Learning agreement (curriculum, objectives and contact persons), Europass, Attendance list (registration of internship days) and Online Participant Survey (questionnaire completion).
Abroad:
- Guidance from school.
- Duration: minimum two weeks and maximum twelve months.
- You do an internship five working days a week.
- Vacation days are not considered internship days and are not reimbursed. Please indicate your vacation days in advance.
- Living, working and sleeping abroad.
When do you receive the Erasmus+ grant?
Students receiving Erasmus+ funding receive 80% of the grant before and during their internship. Upon their return, they receive the remaining 20%, provided all signed documents are submitted on time.
- Return the attendance list with completed internship days registration to: buitenlandstage@summacollege.nl.
- Complete the Europass, have it signed and return it to: buitenlandstage@summacollege.nl.
- Complete the Participant Survey/Questionnaire online (you will receive an email about this from Erasmus+).
What insurance do you need for an internship abroad?
- AON insurance. This is arranged by Summa. AON insurance is comparable to travel insurance and internship insurance.
- Health insurance. This is a standard form of insurance. Make sure you have an EHIC card, which is valid in all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Australia.
Conditions for an Erasmus+ grant
- Language assessment: Before departure, you must complete an online language assessment in the language of your internship company. This will assess your proficiency in that language.
- Submissions for your internship abroad: Grant agreement (agreement between student and Summa regarding the Erasmus+ subsidy), Learning agreement (curriculum, objectives and contact persons), Europass, Attendance list (registration of internship days) and Online Participant Survey (questionnaire completion).
Abroad:
- Guidance from school.
- Duration: minimum two weeks and maximum twelve months.
- You do an internship five working days a week.
- Vacation days are not considered internship days and are not reimbursed. Please indicate your vacation days in advance.
- Living, working and sleeping abroad.
When do you receive the Erasmus+ grant?
Students receiving Erasmus+ funding receive 80% of the grant before and during their internship. Upon their return, they receive the remaining 20%, provided all signed documents are submitted on time.
- Return the attendance list with completed internship days registration to: buitenlandstage@summacollege.nl.
- Complete the Europass, have it signed and return it to: buitenlandstage@summacollege.nl.
- Complete the Participant Survey/Questionnaire online (you will receive an email about this from Erasmus+).
What insurance do you need for an internship abroad?
- AON insurance. This is arranged by Summa. AON insurance is comparable to travel insurance and internship insurance.
- Health insurance. This is a standard form of insurance. Make sure you have an EHIC card, which is valid in all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Australia.
More information
Do you have questions or would you like to know more about interning abroad? Contact the International Affairs Office via buitenlandstage@summacollege.nl or take a look at it now Handbook on International Professional Practice Training (pdf).
Student experiences
Curious about how other students experienced their internships abroad? The testimonials below give you a good idea of what to expect.
