International internships and skill development: A systematic review

Abstract

An increasing number of students complete an internship during their higher education studies in a country different from that of their home institution. A main advantage of this type of mobility is that it responds to employers' need for graduates with both hands‐on experience and global skills. In this paper, we attempt to review existing research on the types of skills higher education students gain through their participation in international internships. While there are several systematic reviews on study abroad programmes, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first focusing on internship programmes abroad. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) approaches were used to explore four electronic databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Resources Information Center). From these, 31 relevant studies were identified, and data were examined using a combination of thematic and content analysis. Intrapersonal skills (e.g., open mindedness, self‐confidence) are found to be the most frequently cited skills learned by participants. Many of the reviewed studies also report learning gains in terms of practical knowledge and language proficiency. On the other hand, there is less evidence suggesting that international internships enhance cognitive skills and leadership skills. The large majority of the reviewed studies, however, have methodological problems. A future research agenda is outlined, along with suggestions for improving the research methodology.

Skill Development Journey through Hospitality: An In-Depth Study of Trainee Experiences in Malaysia

“…Internships abroad offer students invaluable cultural immersion and skill development opportunities, preparing them for future job challenges. These experiences enhance professional competencies and global understanding (Pietro, 2022). Workplace learning, crucial for skill acquisition (Lierop et al, 2022), Integrating workplace learning with academics' bridges theory and practice, enhancing employability (Ruthanam, 2023).…”

“…Furthermore, the effectiveness of internships in different disciplines, such as tourism, hospitality, education, and medicine, has been a subject of interest. Studies have demonstrated that internships contribute to self-development, skill acquisition, and career readiness among students in diverse fields (Pietro, 2022;Patil & Sharma, 2022). These experiences not only provide students with hands-on learning opportunities but also shape their professional identities and prepare them for future roles in their respective industries.…”

Student perceptions of Living Lab research internships in the COVID-19 pandemic – a Dutch case study

“…Moreover, current research on skills acquired during internships can be divided in three skill domains namely cognitive domain, intra- and interpersonal domain (Pietro Di, 2022). The development of these skills in these domains have been reported to bring similar results as we have found in our professional and personal skill set, such as communication, cooperation and planning skills (Pietro Di, 2022). The additional value from co-creation in LLs is the academic skill set gained by students.…”

“…Research about traditional internships mainly focuses on the outcome for students in relation to professional development (Beck and Halim, 2008) and what the implications are for their employability (Gault et al, 2000(Gault et al, , 2010Silva et al, 2016). Moreover, current research on skills acquired during internships can be divided in three skill domains namely cognitive domain, intra-and interpersonal domain (Pietro Di, 2022). The development of these skills in these domains have been reported to bring similar results as we have found in our professional and personal skill set, such as communication, cooperation and planning skills (Pietro Di, 2022).…”

“…Academic skills are related to research, analytical, critical thinking and complex problem analysis skills. Research examining traditional internships has found that students particularly develop in their professional and personal skill set, namely in the cognitive, intra- and interpersonal skills domains (Pietro Di, 2022). As students face similar professional and personal challenges in an LL project as in traditional internships, students in an LL are therefore expected to develop their professional and personal skills.…”