Before  getting into an internship make sure you have researched all about it: working hours, payment (internships might be paid or not paid); duties, possibilities to be hired after the interhsip period. It could be helpful for you to speak with former interns about the specifics of the job routine. Some internships are just coffee runs, while others give you enough experience doing real work to know if a specific industry is right for you. There are a few ways to figure out what an internship will be like before you accept it. If the internship is for a large company, there are big chances for you to find online feedback from former interns what it’s like to intern or work there. If the company is small, you can try asking around at your school for a connection, but most importantly, ask about it at your job interview: “What does an average day for an intern here look like?” or “What will my responsibilities be if I get this internship?” are great places to start.

Understand that it is not always going to be fun, and that is perfectly normal. You may be asked to do things, which are more and outside of the scope of duties you imagined you would do.  Don’t expect every internship to turn into a full-time job either. There is value in your experience whether or not it turns into long-term work. Focus on the new skills you can take away and the connections you make that will help you find a job later.

If you are going for an internship abroad make sure you study about the culture of the country,accepted social communication and behavior, possibilities to connect to people in the same situation as you (they can help you adapt more easily in the new environment). Searching for place to stay can be a challenge too: you may ask the company that hires you for possibilities for accommodation or some fellow interns; you may stay with a family and help their kids with language or other school duties – the possibilities to find a place to stay are lots, but in anyway give yourself enough time to prepare that.