5 Internship Opportunities for Foreign Language Students

5 Internship Opportunities for Students Studying Foreign Language

• The International and Foreign Language Education Office
• Language Translation Agencies
• Teaching
• Voluntourism
• Research Assistant

The key to a successful career is to begin gaining experience before you even graduate with your degree. Internships set a strong foundation for both your resume and your professional network. Here are five foreign language internship opportunities to consider.

1. The International and Foreign Language Education Office

The International and Foreign Language Education office is a division of the United States Department of Education. Students interested in the intersection between foreign language and government will enjoy internships at the IFLE. They will gain experience promoting the study of foreign languages in the United States. They also promote the presence of English language programs abroad. These internships are highly competitive so apply early and be prepared to express a fierce passion for the field.

2. Translation Agencies

As we seek to expand global cooperation, language translation agencies are becoming increasingly important and plentiful. Such agencies are great places for foreign language students to seek internships. Options include working at an agency that contracts out for large-scale projects. You can also work for a company that provides language translation services. There are also devices that anyone can use for travel and personal needs. Either path will lead you to experience broadening communication among the people of the world.

3. Teaching

Perhaps you enjoy directly influencing the linguistic skills of others. You feel that teaching is your calling. There are many teaching internships available for foreign language students. Consider combining professional experience and pleasure by teaching English abroad for a summer or spring break. Rather than the traditional study abroad experience, consider doing an internship abroad in a country that speaks a different language. Volunteer at a school teaching students a new language. Forbes offers a fascinating insight into teaching while traveling.

4. Voluntourism

Voluntourism is a trend taking the world by storm. It’s another great way to combine internship experience with travel. It’s perfect for foreign language students. Voluntourism takes you to far off places by way of volunteering opportunities. This will allow you to combine your interest in foreign languages with other interests. It also potentially prepares you for a minor or a double major. US News & World Report offers tips and tricks for finding the right voluntourism opportunity.

5. Research Assistant

Are you more of a behind-the-scenes individual who enjoys critical thinking and discovering new information? You may not have to wander far from campus to find foreign language internship opportunities. Consider becoming a research assistant for a professor whose work inspires you. You will participate in the growth of your field by:

• studying a particular language
• studying the history of language
• exploring exciting new processes for expanding foreign language learning.

Just as no two languages are the same, neither are any two foreign language students. These five foreign language internship opportunities offer something for every type of learner. There’s something for every  career goal. What they all offer in common is valuable work experience and personal growth. Related Resources:

• Do I Need to Complete an Internship While in College?
• How Can I Complete an Internship if I Earn My Bachelor’s in Sociology Degree Online?
• How Important Are Internships in Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Degree Programs?
• 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Foreign Language