Work and Intern Abroad
As a study abroad alumnus who both studied and worked abroad and then chose an international career because of the richness of those experiences, I can tell you there are many benefits to working overseas. Working in a foreign culture offers you unique access to local populations. As a study abroad student, you are often isolated on a college campus, behind tall university walls and most likely surrounded by plenty of fellow Americans. However, as an employee you are usually immersed in a foreign culture, working with host-country nationals who share a common interest in the work at hand.»Read Alia Santini's article
Check out these planning tips before going abroad for your internship. Plus, tips for writing your international resume!
An IES 50-year study abroad alumni conducted in 2002 showed that the influence of study abroad on future career goals and choices is even more profound for those students who participated in an internship for academic credit while abroad. These students were more likely to pursue international careers, obtain jobs overseas, and develop international business contacts. Seventy percent of internship respondents reported that study abroad had ignited interest in a career direction, compared to 60 percent of non-internship respondents. In addition, 83 percent said that their experiences provided skill sets that influenced their career paths, compared to 75 percent who did not participte in internships.
During a summer internship with the U.S. Embassy in Austria, a mathematical economic analysis major brushes elbows with dignitaries. »Read Marie Schwieterman's story
Recommended Websites
Berkeley University of California's Career Center has an excellent archive of articles organized by category. These articles offer advice and information that can aid you in your career, job and graduate/professional school pursuits.
The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey offers international career planning advice, covers 3,000+ organizations and resources, and details most everything you need to make informed decisions about international careers. Undergraduate students will find the sections "Your International IQ" and "Acquiring International Experience" most helpful. The BIG Guide is available in print or as an on-line subscription. The top 100 international career-building links are free, and these provide helpful resources for living overseas and gaining international experience.
IIEPassport's Career Development section provides articles on how students' education abroad experiences can help prepare them for their careers. Although this is designed as a resource for advisers, students will find the advice to be valuable.
Transitions Abroad's section on "Work Abroad" includes many articles on all forms of work abroad and resources for those interested in International Jobs, Internships Abroad, Short-Term Work, Au Pair Jobs Abroad, Farm Jobs Abroad, Summer Jobs Abroad, Travel Service Jobs, and Teaching English.
The University of California-Irvine's "Best Bets for Student Work Exchange" provides links to work abroad related websites, as well as listings of some of the more well-known programs that exist.
The University of Michigan International Center's online resource center for work abroad is a virtual clearinghouse for work abroad options, timeframes and application deadlines, funding work abraod experiences, international career pathways, and links to selected websites. Work Abroad Options includes a comparison of work abroad programs, international internships, short-term paid work, teaching abroad, profession-specific work (e.g. U.S. government foreign affairs, international organizations such as the U.N., engineering and science, law, etc.), and region-specific work (particularly for German-speaking countries, Fracophone countries, and Spanish-speaking countries).
The University of Michigan International Center's Study, Work, Travel Abroad, and Peace Corps divisions are overseen by William Nolting, who is also the co-chair of NAFSA's Work, Internship, and Volunteer subcommittee and an Editorial Board member for Abroad View.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's "Go Global! The International Careers Website" Just Getting Started and Just Jobs page contains a wealth of information for beginning on your international career path. Managing Expectations and Preparing an International Resume provide useful guidance for students and recent graduates. Also, check out Some of the Best of the Web and Internship Opportunities!
Search Engine for Jobs, Internships
GoAbroad.com's Intern Abroad search engine and Jobs Abroad search engine
When describing students' typical pathways to international careers,