Application for an internship abroad template

☝️ The most important information in brief

• Your application must include a cover letter for your internship abroad.
• Your resume should also be included.
• Attach proof of your studies and your current level of education.

If you have not found the clinic abroad where you would like to complete your internship through direct contacts, it may be necessary to submit a traditional application—i.e., with a cover letter/letter of motivation, resume/CV, and references. Each country has its own particularities, for example with regard to the format of the cover letter. Whether or not to include a photo in the letter of motivation also varies from region to region.

In many European countries, especially in Northern Europe such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, and increasingly in other countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Ireland, it is common practice to remove the photo from the application. This is done to avoid any form of discrimination based on appearance or gender and to enable an objective selection based on the applicant's qualifications and skills. In these countries, it is generally emphasized that the selection criteria for applications should be based purely on professional qualifications and personal skills, without the applicant's appearance playing a role. It is therefore recommended or even required that applications be submitted anonymously, without personal data such as photos, date of birth, or marital status.

There are no country-specific requirements for the photo accompanying your cover letter. We have compiled some more examples for you here.

1. USA: Cover letter and letters of recommendation: In the USA, letters of recommendation from previous employers or professors are often decisive. These letters of recommendation are detailed and personally worded. The cover letter is very important and should be clear and concise, often shorter than in Germany.
2. France: Handwritten letter of motivation: In France, companies may request a handwritten letter of motivation in order to analyze the handwriting. This is particularly common in traditional companies and in the public sector.
3. Japan: Resume format: In Japan, a special resume format (Rirekisho) is often used, which is very structured and standardized. The resume is expected to be handwritten. Applications in Japan place great emphasis on school and university education, as well as punctuality and accuracy in submitting documents.
4. China: Personal information: In China, it is common to include personal information such as date of birth, marital status, and sometimes the names of parents in the resume. A photo in the resume is almost always required in China.
5. Australia and New Zealand: References. In Australia and New Zealand, it is important to include references directly in the resume or at least indicate that references are available upon request. Resumes are often longer and more detailed than in Europe.
6. Spain: Language skills: In Spain, great importance is attached to detailed information about language skills. It is customary to mention exact levels and possibly also language certificates in your resume. A photo is usually desired in Spain and is almost always included in the application.
7. Italy: Europass CV: In Italy, the Europass CV is frequently used as it provides a standardized and detailed presentation of skills and qualifications. Cover letters should be formal and detailed, often longer than in other European countries.
8. South Africa: Extensive application documents: In South Africa, very extensive application documents are often expected, which, in addition to the resume and cover letter, also include certificates, diplomas, and in some cases police clearance certificates. References play an important role and are expected to be current and verifiable.

At travel4med, for example, you can look forward to an exciting stay abroad in Sri Lanka. With us, you have a big advantage: if you organize your stay abroad with us, you don't need an application or a special letter of motivation. 

If you want to organize your stay abroad yourself, an application and letter of motivation may be necessary. If you want to go to Sri Lanka, for example, the following information will be helpful for you. When applying for a job in Sri Lanka, there are a few specific aspects to consider that relate to both cultural and formal differences. First, the cover letter should be clearly structured and formal, beginning with a polite salutation and a brief introduction. It is important to clearly state your motivation for applying and your interest in the position and the country of Sri Lanka. Your resume should be clear and well-structured, containing personal details, education, and work experience in reverse chronological order. It is common practice in Sri Lanka to include a photo with your resume, which can make a positive impression. Copies of references and certificates should be included to prove your qualifications. Letters of recommendation from previous employers or professors can also be helpful.

It is advisable to write the application in English, as this is the widely used business language in Sri Lanka. Another important aspect is adapting to local customs, such as polite forms of address and adherence to hierarchies. A respectful tone and an emphasis on teamwork and cultural sensitivity are also essential.

The Europass is a good guide for your application. It is a set of tools on an EU platform that provides you with valuable templates for creating international cover letters and application documents. Europass is a European Union tool that was developed to promote transparency and comparability of qualifications and skills. It is designed to make it easier to understand and recognize educational and professional qualifications and skills learned within Europe and beyond. Europass consists of five standardized documents:

1. Curriculum vitae (Europass CV): A standardized CV for use throughout Europe, which allows you to clearly present your personal details, education, work experience, and skills.
2. Mobility Certificate: A document that documents the learning outcomes and skills acquired abroad during a stay.
3. Language Passport: A portfolio that describes and documents an individual's language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
4. Europass Certificate Supplement: A document that explains the content and context of an education or training certificate, making it transparent for international comparisons.
5. Diploma Supplement: A supplementary document that accompanies the official certificate or diploma and provides additional information about the qualification and the education system of the issuing country.

On this EU portal, you can enter and update all your skills and important information. With just a few clicks, you can create a complete resume that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of your destination country. You can also create a profile in any language and send it to your internship company.

In many countries abroad, it is unusual to do an internship – unlike in Germany. However, our cooperation partners at travel4med are experienced companies that are familiar with medical internships and therefore know that the students who apply will only be working for them for a certain period of time. Outside of exchange programs such as travel4med, it can be challenging to explain what you want to do. In this case, you should also mention this in your cover letter. Also explain that the clinic will gain a well-trained specialist in you and emphasize any practical experience you have already gained. In your cover letter, focus on the provider of your internship and do not use mass emails. Find the appropriate contact person to name in your letter of motivation.

The following documents are essential for your application:

• Your application must include a letter of motivation for your internship abroad.
• Your resume should also be included.
• Attach proof of your studies and your current level of education.

Writing an application can sometimes be difficult—especially when it's for your dream internship abroad. You will need some application documents and a cover letter. At travel4med, we will guide you through the application process and show you which documents applicants should submit to their desired company. Specific templates will help you with the wording.

The internship application can be supplemented with certificates. You can also have these translated. If you are writing an internship application for your nursing internship or clinical internship, you probably don't have any other important certificates apart from your high school diploma. In this case, it may make more sense to include a certificate of enrollment translated into the local language instead. In addition, your resume should not be missing. This contains important information such as your personal details and email address, as well as your previous career history. It is best to create your CV using Europass so that you don't have any problems with translation. Incidentally, internship applications are usually sent by email to the company abroad. Applications by post are rather unusual.

Subject: Application for an Internship in Orthopedics

Dear Dr. Sonshi,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic application for an internship in orthopedics at your renowned clinic, Sofie Hospital. I am currently in my fifth semester of medical studies at Bayer University in Regensburg, Germany. Throughout my studies, I have developed a deep passion for orthopedics, which has motivated me to seek practical experience in this exciting field. The opportunity to work at your esteemed clinic in Sri Lanka is especially appealing to me. Sri Lanka fascinates me not only with its stunning landscapes and cultural diversity but also with the warmth and hospitality of its people. The combination of a professional internship and the chance to immerse myself in the country and its people seems like the perfect complement to my medical education.

During my previous semesters, I have gained a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge as well as initial practical experience in patient care. Orthopedics has particularly captured my interest, as it offers the opportunity to significantly improve patients' quality of life through targeted interventions and therapies. I find working with orthopedic patients, rehabilitation, and the application of the latest medical techniques extremely fascinating and challenging.

I would be delighted to actively contribute to the team at Sofie Hospital and learn from the experienced physicians and healthcare professionals. I am confident that intercultural collaboration will provide me with valuable experiences and new perspectives that will enrich my future career.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,

Dennis Meyer

Internship application – example for someone starting their career

Subject: Application for a Nursing Internship

Dear Dr. Sonshi,

I am writing with great enthusiasm to apply for a nursing internship at your esteemed clinic, Sofie Hospital. Since the beginning of my medical studies at Bayer University in Regensburg, Germany, I have developed a strong interest in the practical aspects of nursing. I firmly believe that this internship would be a valuable complement to my theoretical education.

Sri Lanka captivates me not only with its breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity but also with the warmth and hospitality of its people. The opportunity to gain practical experience at your renowned hospital while also experiencing the culture and daily life in Sri Lanka seems like the perfect combination.

Although I am still in the early stages of my medical studies, I have already acquired basic knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and the fundamentals of patient care. I am eager to apply this knowledge in practice and further expand it through the day-to-day work at your clinic. I am particularly interested in learning about the various aspects of nursing, whether it be direct patient care, supporting medical staff, or assisting with the organization and documentation of nursing measures.

I would be very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your team and learn from the experienced professionals at your clinic.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,
Dennis Meyer