Step 3. You applied. What's next?

Pick up your phone an call!

Of course it might be a bit scary to call the company or organisation, but do it anyway! Please do not think that it is considered 'pushy'. On the contrary! Most staff at companies will find you assertive and motivated if you call. There's no need to call immediately after your application. But in case you e-mailed your CV and motivation letter, it's wise to call after 2 or 3 days and ask if they have received your application in good order.

• In case you don't get to speak to the person responsible for the internship directly, try to get a hold of their direct telephone number and/or e-mail address (write down the name of the person you spoke to so you can refer to them if necessary).
• In case the responsible person is not available at that time, ask when is the best time to call back.
• Don't be put off if after one or two calls you can't get a hold of someone: the holder wins!

(Online) interview

An interview for an internship abroad is mostly online. Some tips for the interview:

• 'Manage' your background, it should be quiet and representative.
• Look representative yourself; taking into account company's (expected) dress code.
• Research the website of the company.
• Ask questions! This is a way to show that you prepared yourself.
• Practice English sentences (or other language if you have to do the interview in the language of the host country, such as German, Spanish or French).
  
• Watch several videos about the do's and don't during Skype interviews, such as this nice video.
• For more do's and don'ts, read this.

Larsina Markova, an International Business student doing her internship in France:

‘I am doing my internship in Perpignan. This French city is located 30 km from the border of Spain. I chose to do my internship here to see more of the southern French culture, the famous coastline of France, and the vast Pyrenees.

The company I’m doing my internship at is called ALFMED. This is a language center that provides language courses to people who want to learn a new language.

Doing an internship abroad taught me to be independent, to approach other people, and most importantly to manage the time between university and work.

In these few months I made many friends from different countries, and I made unforgettable memories like visiting beautiful cities such as Bordeaux and Barcelona and presenting during an Erasmus event. I would totally recommend doing your internship in this region!'