Internships constitute a crucial part of one’s career path. Committing to an internship brings with it many advantages like gaining work experience, developing various competencies, training different skills and enhancing your CV, just to name a few. Usually, most internships are done in one’s home country, but working abroad for some weeks or months becomes more and more attractive in our globalised world. The question that arises in this context is which country one should choose to complete their internship. This article will demonstrate why you should choose Ireland for your next internship.
“Green, green, forty shades of green”
The richness and diversity of nature in Ireland might be reason enough to think about living here for some months. Strolling through green meadows, marvelling at magnificent waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, swimming in the Atlantic, lying at rocky and sandy beaches - Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, has plenty to offer. While on a trip to Ireland in 1959, the American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash was so impressed by Ireland’s green nature, that he even dedicated a song to the marvellous landscapes called “Forty Shades of Green”.
It is not without reason that Ireland is a tourist destination visited by millions of people every year. Not only is Ireland known for its green nature, but also for its bustling cities and historical sites. Dublin, Cork and Galway are vibrant cities known for their cultural attractions, renowned Universities, restaurants and cafés. You can also come across impressive castles and towers, ancient abbeys or buildings from the Industrial Age.
Cork, where our head office is based, is Ireland’s second biggest city and is often referred to as the “real capital” of Ireland. There are many attractions and sights to see in County Cork and its surroundings, be it beautiful port towns like Kinsale or Cobh, the Gouganne Barra National Park, with its forest and lake, or the historical Spike Island.
Improve your English
After Brexit, Ireland is the only Western European country in the EU with English as one of its official languages. Doing an internship in Ireland is a terrific opportunity to improve your English skills. Since you are exposed to different accents, you can experience the variety of the English language and train your listening and comprehension skills. In conversations with the local people you meet in your workplace or in cafés, you can improve your communication and interpersonal skills. In 2015, Ireland was ranked the world’s fourth most welcoming country in a comprehensive survey covering 195 different nations so there will be plenty of opportunities to practise speaking and integrate with the locals! Before Covid, more than 122,000 international students came to Ireland to learn English per year.
In contrast to other known English-speaking countries with strict visa requirements, Ireland benefits from being in the EU, which means that EU citizens can travel to Ireland visa-free and work and live up to 3 months without any problem. The EU also sponsors the Erasmus+ program that enables students, recent graduates, apprentices, unemployed persons, skilled craftspersons and various other groups and individuals from EU countries to participate in internships and English classes abroad. Career Training Internships is an experienced Erasmus Plus Partner.
Industries and Economy
Ireland hosts some of the world’s leading technology companies and financial institutions. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, PayPal, Yahoo!, Facebook, Twitter, Accenture, TikTok and Pfizer now have European HQ's & operational bases in Dublin.
Cork is a main hub in Europe for multinational tech companies. With over 150 overseas companies employing more than 35,000 people, many leading brands such as Apple, J&J, Depuy Synthes, Ferrero, Airbnb, Marriott International, Dell and many more are building global success in Cork. Being one of the main tourist destinations in Ireland, Cork city has an extensive network of hotels, restaurants, cafés and tourist attractions, providing endless opportunities for young, inexperienced or unskilled workers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Cork is a city on the move and the ideal place to start your internship or even your career.
Friendly people and Wellbeing
Most internships will last some weeks or months, so it is important that you feel comfortable in the place and country that you want to intern. Ireland is a very peaceful country that provides a safe environment. According to the Global Peace Index 2022, Ireland is ranked the third most peaceful country in the world. The Irish are known to be very friendly and welcoming people. Ireland is one of the most welcoming countries in the world and is known as the Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes. Be it in your workplace, in your host family, in the bus or anywhere - the local people will support you and help you out if you need anything!
Cities like Dublin and Cork inhabit multicultural diverse societies with people from all over the world. You will find Palestinian cafés, Italian ice-cream vendors, Mexican restaurants and many others side by side. In case you get homesick, you can always find some part of your home in Ireland!
In conclusion, Ireland is a beautiful, young country that offers many opportunities. If you want to improve your English, visit awesome places, see marvellous nature, interact with friendly locals, feel at peace, and advance your career path, Ireland should be the destination for your next internship for sure! Contact us to help you find a suitable intern placement and an appropriate host family.