Reine Chawla’s experience in France and Belgium highlights the challenges international students face in finding work experience, from language barriers to limited professional exposure
An Indian student studying in France has secured an internship in Belgium after applying to more than 60 companies, highlighting the persistence and preparation often required for international students entering Europe’s job market.
Reine Chawla, 20, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business at IÉSEG School of Management in France. After moving to the country at 18, she chose to seek professional experience in Europe rather than return to India for her first internship.
Chawla was particularly interested in marketing, fashion and luxury, but found that securing a position was difficult because of limited work experience, language concerns and the short duration of her proposed placement.
She searched for opportunities through platforms including LinkedIn, Indeed and Welcome to the Jungle. LinkedIn eventually helped her find an internship with Lolo Ballerina, a Belgian company specialising in ballet flats.
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The search involved more than 60 applications. Chawla said she initially struggled to understand why her applications were unsuccessful, but subsequently changed her approach by tailoring her CV to individual job descriptions instead of sending the same version to every employer
She also used artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and Claude, to compare the skills required by employers with those listed on her CV and identify areas for improvement.
Her efforts eventually resulted in three internship offers. After researching the Belgian company and preparing for her interview, she secured a position that extended well beyond the one-month placement she had originally sought.
Chawla spent three months in Belgium, working with a small team on marketing and communications. Her responsibilities included preparing newsletters, managing digital communications, using Shopify, supporting stock management and assisting with social media advertising.
The experience also led to opportunities beyond the internship, including participation in a photoshoot in Paris and a visit to Italy to learn about the company’s artisans, materials and production processes. She subsequently continued working with the business as a freelancer for another two to three months.
Reflecting on her experience, Chawla highlighted the importance of language skills, professional networking and practical training for international students.
She advised students to begin learning the local language early, even when enrolled on English-taught courses, and to consider additional certifications through platforms such as Coursera, Google and HubSpot.
She also encouraged applicants to speak up at work, ask questions and remain open to learning unfamiliar skills.
Her experience illustrates that studying abroad does not automatically translate into employment opportunities. For international students seeking internships in Europe, adapting applications to employers’ requirements, developing relevant skills and persisting through rejection can be important steps towards gaining professional experience.
