Cover Letter for Internship Abroad: Examples & Tips to Succeed

Are you lacking inspiration? Or do you have no idea where to start? Don't worry! This guide is for you!

Here's how to write a cover letter for an internship abroad

Note: Do you want to save time while preparing your internship application? Feel free to download our free cover letter and resume templates.

How to write a cover letter for an internship abroad

To grab all the chances, show in your cover letter that this internship abroad is made for you. Clearly state that your application is addressed to the company to which you are applying.

Here are the best practices:

• Emphasize that your academic background is appropriate for the internship in question
• Show that you really want to learn and develop your knowledge in an international company
• Highlight your interest in the company
• Demonstrate that your professional objective is perfectly coherent with the internship you are aiming for
• Explain that you have the skills necessary to effectively perform your future duties as an intern
• Make it clear that you wish to request an interview

The question is how to present your letter well and how to structure this information in a coherent way.

The layout of the cover letter for an internship abroad

Do not neglect the aesthetic side in your cover letters. Although the presentation is not decisive for the recruiter, it will allow you to make a good first impression.

Here are the basic rules for formatting a cover letter:

• Summarize your motivation in 1 page in A4 format (like the perfect resume)
• Aerate the structure with line breaks between paragraphs and 1.15 cm spacing between lines
• Write short paragraphs (4 to 5 lines)
• Don't take chances with fancy letter templates
• Opt for a simple design (a small colored border and a bold name)
• Choose a font size between 10 and 12 points
• Use a professional font (Garamond, Verdana, Calibri ...)
• Align the text on the left to optimize the readability of the document

Structure of the cover letter for an internship abroad

As far as the plan goes, try to follow this classic structure:

• Header
• Specific application subject: Application for an internship [name of internship] at [name of company] + duration of internship
• Introduction (1 paragraph)
• Interest in the internship and career objective (1 paragraph)
• Skills (1 paragraph)
• Request for a job interview (1 paragraph)
• Classic greeting (1 paragraph)
• First name, last name and signature

Writing a cover letter for an internship abroad

In the upper left corner of your cover letter, you should include your contact information:

• Your first name
• Your name
• Your postal address
• Your e-mail address
• Your phone number (with the code +33 for France)

Below these, line up the recruiter's contact information on the right, including:

• The name of the company
• The name of the person in charge of recruitment
• The address of the company

Do not forget to indicate the date you are writing the letter.

Writing the perfect hook for an internship in an international company

The purpose of the hook is to entice the recruiter to continue reading, so it should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? (your current level of education)
• Why are you looking for an internship?
• How long is the internship?
• What is your professional goal?

On this last point, note that it is not yet time to detail your projects. You only mention the importance of the internship for your future career.

Example of a good hook

CORRECT

Currently a second year student of Arthur College business at TSC Maryland, I am looking for a 6 month internship starting in September as a part of my studies. Working as an intern in an international company like Speedex would be a quite unique opportunity for me to develop my knowledge in the field and reach my career goal.

Example of a bad hook

INCORRECT

As a student at TSC Maryland, I would like to do an internship at Speedex. Rigorous and punctual, I am eager to join your team.

Mention your professional project in your cover letter for your internship

In this paragraph, demonstrate that you want to do this internship abroad for a specific purpose.

So, try to connect your career plans with your interest in the internship position at the company.

Example of a professional project in a cover letter for an internship abroad

Highlight your strengths and key skills in your cover letter

Although you will be working as an intern, recruiters want to know if you will be able to carry out your future tasks.

So, write a paragraph specifically dedicated to your skills. It can be your know-how acquired during your previous experiences (internship, summer job, volunteer work) or your personal skills. Be sure to explain that your strengths will be useful in helping the company achieve its goals.

How to finish your cover letter for an internship abroad

Forgetting to specify a request for an interview in the letter is a mistake that many candidates make. And yet, this last paragraph will allow the recruiter to project himself.

Finally, end your letter with a greeting.

Examples of interview request forms

Examples of closing greetings

Summary: Key points for writing a convincing cover letter for an internship abroad

• Make a simple presentation that reflects your professionalism
• Aerate the structure of the cover letter
• Write a cover letter that arouses the recruiter's interest
• Demonstrate that his or her career plans are related to his or her interest in the internship
• Mention the hard and soft skills that you can use to benefit the company
• Specify that you wish to meet the recruiter for a job interview