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Student looking for an internship in Poland


ClaraAniela 1 | 1
7 Jan 2017 #1
Hey,
I am a student in Europeans Studies and Political Sciences completing my 3rd year of bachelor degree. I am currently studying in Wrocław (Erasmus Programme) for the winter semester, and my summer semester is supposed to be an internship. As a result, I would really like to stay in Poland for my internship because it would help me improve my Polish skills and I'm also considering continuing my studies by doing a master degree here as well, and well just basically Poland is just a country that I really like. I was wondering if you had any clue which companies would be more likely to accept foreign students as interns (as I speak Polish but far from being fluent), or any tips, thank you in advance for your answers !
DominicB - | 2,707
7 Jan 2017 #2
@ClaraAniela

First of all, you do realize that finding an internship in Poland can be quite a challenge for a Pole, never mind a foreigner. Most internships are either unpaid or very, very poorly paid.

Never agree to do an internship at a private for-profit company. It is downright immoral to give your services away without fair compensation. Such internships also do very little to improve your worth on the job market. It's like writing "STUPID SUCKER" in big red letters all over your CV. You would be better off just staying in Poland for the summer and studying the language or meeting people. After all, you are the one that is paying, so why should you spend your time working for someone who is unethically exploiting you and giving you nothing in return.

Unpaid internships at non-profit organizations are essentially volunteerships. They can improve your worth on the job market. Unfortunately, you have to cover all your living expenses yourself.

If you have the choice between an unpaid internship in Poland and a paid internship elsewhere, take the paid internship. If you can't get a paid internship, then volunteer with a non-profit organization whose values and goals you share. Or just spend the summer in Poland on your own dime and learn Polish to your hearts content.

The best way to find quality internships is by asking professors at your school. The other way is to apply with this organization or others like it:

aiesec.org/students/intern-abroad/

Another option is to volunteer with EVS:

europa.eu/youth/EU/voluntary-activities/european-voluntary-service_en

Competition for good paid internships is fierce, especially in your field. Or, better yet, finding a real job for the summer, which is going to be a lot easier to do in France than in Poland.
DominicB - | 2,707
7 Jan 2017 #3
Never agree to do an internship at a private for-profit company.

There is a mistake in my post above. It should read, "Never agree to do an UNPAID internship at a private for-profit company." A paid internship is OK. Sorry.
OP ClaraAniela 1 | 1
7 Jan 2017 #4
@DominicB

Thank you very much for your answer. The thing is that my internship is my second university semester (it is therefore compulsory in order to graduate), it would also kinda be part of the Erasmus process. Plus I can't do it in France, it has to be done abroad. I am really aware of the fact that finding an internship is quite of a challenge for everybody who's trying, and that most of them are unpaid and close to exploitation. I'll definitely ask my Polish teachers in Wrocław, and look in the direction of volunteerships as you recommended.
DominicB - | 2,707
7 Jan 2017 #5
@ClaraAniela

Good luck! I hope you find something nice and interesting.


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