What is an internship? And why could one change your life?

Ever wondered what it would be like to live and work in another country, gain real-world experience and come home with more than just a few good holiday photos? An internship could be your chance to do exactly that.

Whether you're at university, approaching graduation or figuring out your next move, an internship offers something you can't always get from a lecture theatre: the opportunity to put your skills into practice, discover what you're capable of and experience life beyond your comfort zone.

And when that internship takes you all the way to the USA? Things get even more exciting.

First things first, what actually is an internship?

An internship is an opportunity to gain practical work experience in a professional environment, usually within an industry related to your studies or career interests.

Rather than simply learning about a subject, you get to experience what working in that field is really like. You'll work alongside professionals, contribute to projects, develop new skills and get a much clearer picture of where your career could take you. Internships can vary in length, responsibilities and structure. Some last a few months, while others offer the chance to gain experience over a longer period. And here's something worth knowing: internships aren't just about building your CV. They're about discovering what you enjoy, what you're good at and what kind of future you want to create.

Five ways an internship can enrich your life

1. You'll gain experience that makes you stand out

We all know the challenge. Employers want experience, but how are you supposed to get experience without first getting a job? An internship helps bridge that gap. You'll have the opportunity to apply what you've learned, develop practical skills and understand how your chosen industry operates day to day. You'll also have real examples to talk about in future interviews, whether that's a project you contributed to, a challenge you overcame or a new skill you mastered. And if you've completed an internship overseas, you'll have something else to offer: international experience and the confidence to work with people from different backgrounds.

2. You'll become more independent (probably without even realising it)

There's something pretty incredible about arriving in a new country and building a life for yourself. At first, even the little things might feel unfamiliar. Finding your way around a new city, navigating public transport, meeting new people or figuring out where to buy your favourite snacks.  But before long, those everyday challenges become second nature. You'll learn to make decisions, solve problems and trust yourself in situations you've never encountered before. The person who boards the plane might be a little nervous. The person who comes home? They'll have a whole new level of confidence.

3. You'll meet people who change your perspective

One of the best things about an internship abroad isn't necessarily the work itself. It's the people you meet along the way. You'll work with colleagues who have different experiences, make friends from around the world and discover new ways of thinking. You might find yourself celebrating an American holiday for the first time, discovering a completely different workplace culture or spending your weekends exploring somewhere you've only ever seen on screen. These experiences can challenge your assumptions, broaden your outlook and help you understand the world, and your place in it, a little better. And some of those international friendships? They could last a lifetime.

4. You'll discover what you really want from your career

It's perfectly normal to reach university without knowing exactly what you want to do afterwards. Even if you've chosen a degree you love, the reality of working in that industry might be completely different from what you imagined. That's where an internship becomes incredibly valuable. You might discover a particular role you're passionate about, realise you thrive in a certain working environment or uncover skills you didn't even know you had. Equally, you might discover that the career you thought you wanted isn't quite right for you. And that's valuable too. An internship gives you the chance to explore your options, ask questions and make more informed decisions about your future. Sometimes, finding out what you don't want is just as important as discovering what you do.

5. You'll make memories that go far beyond the workplace

Imagine finishing work on a Friday and spending the weekend exploring New York, discovering a new neighbourhood, heading to the beach or planning a road trip with friends. An international internship gives you the opportunity to experience another country as more than just a tourist. You'll discover your favourite local coffee shop, get to know the people around you and experience the everyday culture that makes a place unique. There'll be new experiences, unexpected adventures and probably a few stories that your friends back home will get tired of hearing. And with CIEE's Intern USA programme, eligible participants can enjoy a 30-day travel grace period after their internship, giving you extra time to explore the States before heading home. Because while the professional experience matters, the memories you make outside work are every bit as important.

Why choose an internship in the USA?

The USA is home to businesses and organisations across a huge range of industries, making it an exciting place to gain international experience. Whether you're interested in marketing, business, finance, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts or another field, an American internship could introduce you to new opportunities and ways of working.

Through CIEE's Intern USA programme, eligible UK university students and recent graduates can pursue paid internship opportunities in the States for up to 12 months. You'll have the chance to develop your professional skills while experiencing American culture first-hand, building an international network and discovering what life is like on the other side of the Atlantic.

And you won't have to navigate the whole process alone. CIEE can support you with finding suitable opportunities, J-1 visa sponsorship, pre-departure preparation and guidance throughout your experience.

So, is an internship worth it?

If you're looking for an opportunity to grow professionally, challenge yourself personally and experience something completely different, absolutely. An internship can help you build your CV, develop valuable skills and make connections that could benefit you for years to come. But the biggest change might be the one you notice in yourself. You'll come home with new experiences, greater independence, a broader perspective and a better understanding of what you're capable of. And who knows? What starts as a few months of work experience could end up shaping the direction of your entire future.

Your next chapter could start in the USA

You don't need to have your entire career mapped out to take the next step. If you're studying at a UK university or have recently graduated, CIEE can help you explore opportunities to gain paid professional experience in the USA.

Ready to see where your degree could take you?

Explore CIEE's Intern USA programme and start planning an experience that could change far more than your CV.