You're considering internships abroad. How do you choose between developed and developing countries?

1. Make a Matrix out of key elements: -Career Goals -Cultural Fit -Cost of Living -Language Barriers -Professional Networking -Personal Development 2. Put numbers on a scale 1-6 next to key elements, and rate them from: -1 less important -6 more important 3. Now, if you rated, for instance, 6 - Career Goals, decide if developed or developing Countries offers what you are seeking for.

Career Goals: Assess how the internship aligns with your long-term career objectives. Developed countries might offer advanced training in high-tech industries, while developing countries could provide unique opportunities to pioneer new markets or innovations. Consider the industry presence in the region and how it complements your career aspirations. For instance, tech opportunities in Silicon Valley vs. emerging tech hubs in Bangalore.

Cultural Fit: Reflect on your adaptability to different cultural environments. Developed countries might offer a more familiar Western corporate culture, whereas developing countries can provide a deeper dive into diverse business practices and challenges. Evaluate how comfortable you are with potential cultural shocks and your ability to navigate in environments that might be drastically different from what you're used to.

Create a budget for your internship relocation Make sure that you do some basic research for each destination Try to learn all the basic information about the economic situation of the country and the organization in particular Think about the prospective opportunity to settle down in that country Think about the countries surrounding the country in which you want to do the internship. You could migrate to one of those countries in case of need Compatibility with culture of the country should be considered as a top priority Are you compatible with the climate of the country? If not, your health could be adversely affected A small country may provide more hands-on experience, a large company may define goals, tasks clearly

Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in potential host countries. Developed countries often have higher living costs, which could impact your financial stability during an unpaid or low-paid internship. Compare the internship stipend or salary against local living costs to ensure you can maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Language Barriers: Consider the primary language used in professional settings in the host country. In developed countries, English is often prevalent in business environments, while developing countries might offer a mix of local and English usage, presenting both challenges and opportunities for language development. Evaluate your readiness to learn a new language if necessary, or to operate in a non-native language.

Professional Networking: Think about the networking opportunities the location offers. Developed countries might provide extensive professional networks with multinational corporations, while developing countries could offer more grassroots networking opportunities that might lead to unexpected career paths. Consider the potential of building a global network and the impact of regional industry connections on your future career.

Personal Development: Reflect on what kind of personal growth you are seeking. Internships in developed countries can enhance your technical skills and professionalism, while those in developing countries can significantly improve your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and cultural intelligence. Weigh the personal and professional benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone in a developing country against the structured and often competitive environment in a developed country.