Not for personal gain
Programs of this type consist of the following: a general or specialized English language course is combined with an internship in a foreign company. It should be noted that such programs can be found in almost all countries with developed economies, and not only in English-speaking ones. It is simply that English is in the greatest demand. And one more condition: these courses are taught in countries where students, including language school students, are allowed to work legally. On-the-job training is part of the educational process. The school takes care of selecting an internship placement for the student.
It should be remembered that, as a rule, this work is not for earning money - with rare exceptions, it is unpaid. On the contrary, the student must pay the school not only for tuition and accommodation, but also for finding a workplace and organizing the internship. But the game is worth the candle: you gain not only a solid knowledge of the language and the ability to apply it in a professional sphere, but also work experience in a foreign company and a line in your employment history that you, albeit briefly, did an internship in the West. It should be said that various companies and enterprises willingly conclude agreements with language schools on internships for foreigners. The only thing that legislation in almost all countries requires is that interns do not compete with local employees.
Programs 'Study + Work' are usually long-term, otherwise they will not be effective. Most often, the classroom part of the program, that is, classes in the language itself, must last at least four weeks, and the internship at least two. This is how most Irish programs are arranged. But in Britain there are options where study lasts less than the internship. Although each school structures this course at its own discretion - there are no established standards. So both the duration of each part of the program and the intensity of classes are determined by the school.
Some countries are seriously interested in the influx of interns from abroad. For example, Ireland or Australia, with their rapidly developing economies and open immigration policies. New Zealand also willingly accepts those wishing to take such a course. And yet, as statistics show, listeners from Europe go with great enthusiasm to Ireland or Britain - after all, it's closer... True, the more the world learns about the advantages of studying and working in this country, the more students appear in its language programs. And this is right: after all, in addition to ecological purity and a good climate, New Zealand has language schools of the highest class, and many of them offer interesting variants of the 'Study + Work' program.
In recent years, Britain has also become quite willing to accept trainee students: Work and Study programs can today be taken in almost any language school in the country. True, if the course is extremely long-term, problems may arise with obtaining a student visa, and this applies not only to Britain: in many consulates, those who intend to work in the country are looked upon with suspicion. However, if you manage to convince embassy staff that you are only going to study, and not to immigrate or take jobs away from the local population, no problems will arise.
And, of course, we should not forget about the USA, where all sorts of programs including internships have been developed: it can be practice in companies, summer practice, for example, in children's camps or the service sector, and even an internship that does not include a language course. The latter, of course, is possible only if you have a sufficiently good command of English. There are also specialized programs for students organized by American universities. True, student visas in the USA are not given to just anyone, so you will have to make an effort. But your efforts will be rewarded. First, you will see American business 'from the inside', and secondly, a line in your resume saying 'internship in the USA' will melt the heart of any employer.
Among popular American programs for youth is Work & TraveL. It is especially liked because in addition to classes and practice, it includes a trip around the country. And what does it matter if the practice is not in one's specialty - students have to do unskilled labor. But it is paid, so you will, one way or another, recoup part of the program's cost. And after the internship you will have the opportunity to travel around vast America for a month.
The main requirements for applicants to various 'Study + Work' programs are age 18 or older and proficiency in English at a level not lower than Intermediate. True, some courses also accept beginners, but such a school should be searched for. Or, on the contrary, not searched for: basic knowledge of English is still better acquired before the trip, at home.
My Beautiful Nanny
Speaking of programs that combine study and work, one cannot fail to mention Au Pair. Behind this beautiful French name is nothing more than a nanny, so this option is most suitable for girls. The 'partner' lives in the family, her main duty is to take care of the little ones and provide whatever help she can with the housework. There are many working mothers in the world who have no one to leave their children with, and many are satisfied with the placement of a young foreign woman in the house who looks after the offspring and demands nothing in return except a roof over her head, food, and language learning.
It is the linguistic aspect of this program, common throughout the world, that explains why such trips are organized not only by employment agencies but also by language schools and educational agencies. If the program is based at a language school, the 'partner' not only works but also studies. The school, as a rule, arranges special classes for the participants, and attendance is mandatory. The timing of the classes is set by agreement with the host family. Some schools, for example Ireland's Swan School of English, even prepare the 'nannies' for the Cambridge exams. Social and cultural events are also part of the program, during which the girl becomes acquainted with the country and its culture.
Such programs can last from three months to a year. They are not cheap, but it should be noted that the 'nanny' receives pocket money from the host family. The money is small, but given that the program participant lives with everything provided, some expenses can still be covered. Of course, the experience gained on such a trip does not really contribute to career growth, unless, of course, the participant intends to devote herself to working in a kindergarten. But for family life it is invaluable...
A bit about schools
As mentioned above, the 'Study + Work' programs, given their growing popularity, are being introduced in more and more language schools. Although there are recognized leaders in this 'industry'. Such as, for example, the network school Aspect International Language Academies, which has branches in Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in South Africa. The mere choice of cities where you can study is impressive, and the programs themselves are offered to suit every taste. For example, you can choose the following combination: first three months of intensive English study (intensity - 30 hours per week), then, over eight weeks, continuation of classes in a less intense mode (20 hours per week) plus part-time work (up to 15 hours per week).
There is also another option - Work Study Plus of varying duration, where you will have to work 'full blast', that is, full-time.
Also popular are the so-called sandwich courses: first classes at school, then an internship, and after that another block of classes, as if to sum up.
To study at Aspect, you need to know the language at an above-average level. But if a preliminary test shows that you 'fall short', you will be offered first to study general English at the same school, and only then proceed to the main program.
Some 'Study + Work' programs also allow you to earn extra money. Such, for example, are the courses organized by Dublin's Swan school. One of the Work Experience programs here is intended for people aged 20 and over and includes from four weeks of intensive English classes plus from two weeks of unpaid internship in a wide variety of specialties. You can choose business administration, economics, engineering, accounting, agriculture, computer science, healthcare... Or - in another version of the course - after two weeks of classes, trainees work in the hotel or catering industry. This work is paid at a rate of €2-5 per hour.
It should be said that internships in the hotel or restaurant business are generally often paid. Recently, courses are being developed that include paid internships in other fields, in particular, computer science. One of the 'pioneers' here is the same Dublin school Swan.
Restoring justice
It should be noted that such programs can be taken not only in English-speaking countries. For example, it is well known that the second most common language of the global business community is Spanish. And in Spain, language schools accept many young people from all over the world who want to gain professional experience along with knowledge of the language.
Here you can also do an internship on a 'voluntary basis' or for a small fee - the latter option, as everywhere, most often includes an internship in the hospitality industry. Spanish programs last three to five months. Among the most famous Spanish schools offering students the chance to work is Don Quixote, with branches in different cities. One version of the course looks like this: for six weeks you study Spanish 'at a desk'. Then you do a paid internship in the south of Spain - on the Costa del Sol. Naturally, you have to work in the same hotels: the 'Sunny Coast' is a bustling resort area, and extra hands are always needed here.
And another well-known school - Enforex - although it may not give you the opportunity to earn extra money, it will find you a workplace in a serious Spanish company, and in your specialty. You can choose finance and marketing, publishing, IT outsourcing and consulting, design and computer science... But such courses, despite the inclusion of language classes in their structure, accept people with a fairly high level of Spanish - above average. However, during the course you can improve your knowledge not only in general but also in business courses.
The 'Study + Work' program, regardless of the country you are planning to go to, should be booked in advance - the number of places is limited, and the number of applicants is practically unlimited. So if you are a student and dream of a summer program, it's time to get moving... In order to deal with the paperwork and complete a foreign internship without fuss and bother - it is an important link between studies and serious work in your specialty.