Erasmus Internship: Food service and catering

The Erasmus Catering Internship is an exceptional opportunity for students and professionals in the catering industry to enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, and establish international contacts in this dynamic sector. In this article, we will explore the advantages and peculiarities of these internships, along with the best tips to make the most of them.

Why choose an Erasmus internship in catering?

The Erasmus+ program provides participants with the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in various fields, including catering. Erasmus internships in catering offer several benefits:

• Improvement of language skills: Working in a foreign country allows individuals to practice and enhance their language skills on a daily basis.
• Discovery of new culinary cultures: An internship abroad enables the exploration of new recipes, ingredients, and culinary techniques specific to each region.
• Professional networking: Erasmus internships facilitate the establishment of connections with professionals in the catering industry, which can be beneficial for future careers.
• Personal development: Living and working abroad also contributes to personal development by providing a better understanding of different cultures and lifestyles.

How to find an Erasmus internship in catering?

To access this incredible opportunity, it is essential to follow a few important steps:

1. Search for internship opportunities: Numerous platforms and networks offer Erasmus internship opportunities in the catering sector. You can also directly contact catering establishments in the country of your choice to inquire about their intern needs.
2. Prepare a CV and cover letter: These documents should be tailored to the position, country, and establishment you are targeting. It may be helpful to seek advice from a professional or teacher to ensure their content and presentation are appropriate.
3. Apply to selected offers: Submit your application to Erasmus internship opportunities that best align with your professional and personal goals. Don’t hesitate to apply to multiple offers to maximize your chances of acceptance.
4. Prepare for the interview: If your application is shortlisted, you will likely be contacted for an interview. Prepare by researching frequently asked questions in catering industry interviews and highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.

To fully enjoy this unique experience, here are some practical tips:

Adopt a proactive and voluntary attitude

Demonstrate motivation and interest in the tasks assigned to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from team members to maximize your learning during the internship.

Integrate into the team

Show open-mindedness and respect towards your colleagues and superiors. Participate in social events organized by the establishment and actively create connections with your colleagues to facilitate your integration.

Take initiatives

Propose ideas and projects that could enhance the quality of service or the establishment. Be proactive and don’t hesitate to share your knowledge and skills acquired from previous professional or academic experiences.

Challenges and opportunities of the Erasmus internship in catering:

The Erasmus internship in catering may pose certain challenges, but it also offers numerous opportunities:

• Linguistic challenges: Working in an environment where the language is different from your native language can be challenging initially. However, it will quickly improve your language skills and provide a better understanding of the local culture.
• Adaptation to a new environment: Working in a foreign country often involves adapting to a new lifestyle, dietary habits, and different customs. This experience can be enriching and contribute to the personal and professional development of the intern.
• New working methods: Erasmus internships in catering provide the opportunity to learn new working methods and improve skills in various areas such as customer service, inventory management, or dish preparation.

In summary, the Erasmus Catering internship is a unique opportunity for students and professionals to develop both professionally and personally while discovering new cultures and lifestyles. The experience gained during these internships can have a positive impact on one’s future career and contribute to the participant’s overall growth.