Foreign study or work experience seems to be a significant advantage when looking for a job opportunity. Employers value language and professional skills of applicants, together with independence and specific overview.
Traineeships are offered primarily for university (or higher vocational school) students and recent graduates. Student internships are offered by a majority of multinational companies, non-governmental organisations and institutions of the European Union.
However, students and graduates of secondary vocational schools and vocational schools can attend a traineeship abroad as well. To increase the quality and quantity of traineeships, there is European credit system for vocational education and training (ECVET).
Traineeships abroad may be divided based on their type in to two categories:
- study internships intended for students of secondary and tertiary schools
- work placements
Traineeships may be short-term starting at a few weeks or long-term - one or two years. Certain countries (e.g. US) offer applicants special work permits or visas valid for the term of the traineeship. Traineeships may be either paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and the conditions set.