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...glamorous our own. Regardless of whether our perceptions of other cultures are real, the allure of experiencing new culture firsthand entices people to go abroad.
Increasingly, people seek international work to completely immerse themselves in the language and culture of their host country. Working abroad can provide many benefits, such as improving foreign language skills, networking with local employers, and developing flexibility and intercultural understanding. The skills learned abroad can be used later on the job in the United States--and may give some workers an advantage over those who do not have international experience.
But before you pack your bags, there are some issues to consider. You'll need a passport, identification, and money, of course; depending on where you're going, you might also need immunizations and travel visas. In addition, most countries require foreign workers to have a valid work visa, and the process of obtaining a visa can be difficult and time consuming.
If you want to add an international work experience to your resume, it's never too early to begin planning. Programs exist for people who are interested in a variety of careers--teaching, agriculture, business, and foreign relations, to name just a few. Many of these programs are open only to current students or recent graduates and can require a lengthy application process. You may also need some time to locate a position on your own and to save enough money to support yourself while working abroad. Carefully identifying a program and planning ahead can make working abroad personally and professionally rewarding.
This article describes some of the programs that help workers start careers in far-off places. It describes types of international work, including student internships and short-term work; U.S. Government work; teaching, agricultural, and au pair positions; and volunteer opportunities. The article also includes tips on navigating a foreign job search and preparing for and financing a trip abroad.
The benefits of working abroad
Glance through most recent headlines, and you'll see that globalization is a hot topic. The number of U.S. firms expanding abroad and the number of foreign companies operating in the United States have been growing. This global expansion of business is increasing the demand for globally minded employees.
As a result, knowledge of international business practices is becoming highly valued in job candidates. Often, the best way to learn these practices is by working abroad, even for a short time.
Professional benefits
Temporary work abroad can provide numerous benefits for people who wish to land a permanent position in the future. The Institute for International Education of Students surveyed alumni from its study abroad programs. According to those survey results, students were more likely to enter an international career if they had completed an internship while abroad. Studying in a non-English-speaking country and developing local professional contacts also increased their chances of finding international work in the future.
Working--rather than just studying--abroad helps students apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world, boosting their qualifications and chances of landing a permanent position. Kristy Green studied in Spain during her senior year of high school, but it was her internship with a Spanish political party during college that cemented her career goals. As an international studies and business major, Green wanted to show that she could apply what she had learned. "Although I had been abroad before, I lacked international work experience," she says. "With this experience, I expect to be able to get additional internships with international responsibilities during my next 2 years of college and be above average in skill and experience when looking for a job after graduation."
Even if a permanent international position is not your goal, the skills you learn abroad can be applied to jobs in the United States. Jon Hills hopes that his experience teaching English and working for a translation company in Japan will help him find work in the Japanese financial industry. And that experience, in turn, will make him more marketable as a financial analyst in the United States. "Having a job overseas equivalent to one I would hold in the States is a worthwhile experience that will give me a huge advantage in the U.S. job market," says Hills.
Personal benefits
In addition to professional advantages, there are personal benefits gained by working abroad. Having a temporary job abroad allows you time to explore different career options or to gain new experiences. Some people decide to work abroad between college and graduate school or before beginning a new job. They hope to learn more about themselves and what types of careers they want or to rest and reflect before beginning a new phase in their lives.
Experiencing other cultures is an attraction for most people who decide to work abroad. Living in a new culture provides different perspectives and helps increase the understanding of others. And some see in international work a chance to share with others who do not have the high standard of living enjoyed in the United States.
A world of work: Options for international jobs
The first step to working abroad is to identify programs that match your interests. Programs can differ in their location, the assistance they offer, their costs, and more. So, it is important to research each program thoroughly before making substantial time and financial commitments.
When exploring programs, consider the following criteria:
* Professional focus. There are programs that provide opportunities in nearly all professional disciplines. These programs can provide insight into what it's really like to work in certain career fields.
* Location of program. Programs exist in countries on every continent. A program's location can affect your satisfaction with your experience. Usually, people choose locations based on which languages they wish to learn or which countries they wish to visit. Other considerations include the country's standard of living and climate and whether the job is located in a big city or a small village.
* Degree of cultural immersion. Exposure to local culture also varies among programs. Overseas interns who work for the U.S. Government usually work in embassies, mostly interacting with American workers; in contrast, au pairs live with local families and interact mostly with residents of the host country.
* Degree of pre-trip job placement. Some programs only issue work visas and provide minimal assistance for locating employment and housing. In these programs, you are responsible for finding your own job and accommodations. Other programs arrange specific jobs and housing, based on your interests and needs.
* Duration of program. Programs vary in length, from several weeks to several years.
When narrowing your list of programs, learn about the qualifications required. Most programs have age or other restrictions. Others may have coursework or professional requirements. Some programs also require a specific level of language proficiency. Nearly all require a formal application, often due months in advance. For a list of specific work programs and their contact information, see pages 19-23.
Private-sector internships and other short-term work
As the world becomes more integrated, the number of students choosing to...
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