2008 Woodie Awards
International internships offer global business perspective
By: Brittany Whitlow
Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: News
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Senior Aubrey Bates went to Germany this past summer only knowing how to say a few phrases in the language. After two months of staying with a host family, sightseeing around the countryside, watching German TV and movies - and interning at Hengstler, a manufacturing company - she is now almost fluent.
Bates, a music and international business management double major, got the internship through the Webster University International Business Internship Exchange in Partnership with the State of Missouri, a program that offers annual summer business internships in six countries: Germany, China, Japan, Ghana, Mexico and England.
WU alumna Lauren Paulk, who studied international human rights and international relations, interned in Mexico this past summer.
"Even if you're not a business student, it's just a fun abroad experience," she said. "It's a good alternative for people who don't want to commit to the whole semester abroad."
In order to intern in Germany or Mexico, students must have studied the language for at least two years, while students who choose to do their internship in Japan must meet a three-year language requirement.
There is no foreign language requirement for the United Kingdom or Ghana, where English is the official language, or for China, where students there will intern at an American company.
"I would recommend that people go to learn not only job skills, but the language," Bates said. "It's so important to try to learn as much as you can about a culture while you're in the country, because otherwise I think it's almost a wasted opportunity."
Paula Hanssen, assistant professor and coordinator of German studies, has alumni of the program share their experiences with her students in hopes of encouraging them to pursue international internships.
"I think it's wonderful for my students to go to Germany. They'll always improve their language and their cultural knowledge," she said. "Cultural proficiency is important for Americans when they go overseas, and that's what they gain for two months working in a business and staying with a family."
Bates, a music and international business management double major, got the internship through the Webster University International Business Internship Exchange in Partnership with the State of Missouri, a program that offers annual summer business internships in six countries: Germany, China, Japan, Ghana, Mexico and England.
WU alumna Lauren Paulk, who studied international human rights and international relations, interned in Mexico this past summer.
"Even if you're not a business student, it's just a fun abroad experience," she said. "It's a good alternative for people who don't want to commit to the whole semester abroad."
In order to intern in Germany or Mexico, students must have studied the language for at least two years, while students who choose to do their internship in Japan must meet a three-year language requirement.
There is no foreign language requirement for the United Kingdom or Ghana, where English is the official language, or for China, where students there will intern at an American company.
"I would recommend that people go to learn not only job skills, but the language," Bates said. "It's so important to try to learn as much as you can about a culture while you're in the country, because otherwise I think it's almost a wasted opportunity."
Paula Hanssen, assistant professor and coordinator of German studies, has alumni of the program share their experiences with her students in hopes of encouraging them to pursue international internships.
"I think it's wonderful for my students to go to Germany. They'll always improve their language and their cultural knowledge," she said. "Cultural proficiency is important for Americans when they go overseas, and that's what they gain for two months working in a business and staying with a family."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mary Burke
posted 10/04/07 @ 11:54 AM CST
As a Webster alumna and adjunct faculty member, I was thrilled to have an IBIE student from Mexico work with us at the Academy of Science this summer. (Continued…)
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