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Work Abroad Information
Why work abroad?
"Do I need to know a foreign language?"
"Can I afford it?"
"Can I take courses in my major?"
"Will I graduate on time?"
"How will study abroad help me?"
Where do I begin?
What types of jobs?
Internships
Why work abroad?
Working abroad opens up multiple opportunities for advancing one’s
career. By working abroad, a competitive edge is gained over other
college students who have not studied abroad. Today’s
International Issues require more and more employers to be
knowledgeable regarding other countries. Students working abroad
become educated in the global marketplace and become an asset to
the organization when cross cultural competence is acquired.
Cross-cultural competence is when an employee has an
understanding of the international business environment, plus the
skills and knowledge needed for applying these effects to new
situations.
Additionally,
individuals who work abroad gain a sense of personal responsibility
and increased self confidence . Cultural enhancement, language
skills, and lasting friendships are achieved.
"Do I need to know a foreign language?" *
You do not need to know
a second language in order to study abroad. There are many programs
available in English-speaking countries and in some programs students
will be accompanied by a faculty member that speaks a second language.
"Can I afford it?" *
It's possible to afford
study abroad with careful planning. Consult the
Office of Financial Aid
and the International
Education Center.
"Can I take courses in my major?"
Coursework in several
majors is available through study abroad programs. The key is
searching early for the appropriate programs with the assistance of
the International Education Center and your academic advisor or dean.
"Will I graduate on time?"
If you plan early with
the help of your academic advisor and the International Education
Center you could possibly study abroad for a year, semester or summer
and still graduate in four years.
"How
will study abroad help me?"
Thousands of American
students who study abroad come back from their experience and say "it
was life-changing." Yet, like so many things in life, "you won't know
it 'ill you try it!" Students learn to become more confident and
self-reliant and see the world through different lenses. Prospective
employers are looking increasingly for future employees who have a
more global view and broader perspective and understanding in the
complex world in which we live. Study abroad is a great résumé
builder!
Where do I begin?
Visit RU's International
Education Office for international work abroad resources
Finding International employment or an
internship can be approached with a traditional job search process.
This includes:
- Researching industries that interest
you and finding contact information for organizations for whom you
would like to work.
- Use online resources ( Web search
engines and discussion lists).
- Consult international opportunity
books and newspapers.
- Network with people in the field in
your country and abroad.
- Prepare resumes to send to
prospective employers
(Consult your career services center for assistance)
What types of jobs do students find abroad?
Overseas Jobs can offer valuable
professional training, extra income, cultural experiences, or just a
chance to vacation while working.
Positions that are found usually fall
into the following categories:
- Internships (paid and unpaid)
- Temporary paid positions
- Teaching internships or jobs
- Volunteer positions
- Regular professional employment
Internship- Work
Abroad Information Links
JMU
International Internship Program
Best Bets for Internships Abroad
Council
on International Educational Exchange
Duke University International Career
Resources
Institute
of International Education
Interns Abroad
Work & Internships Abroad
Work Abroad, Study Abroad, Volunteer Jobs
Planet Education
Petersons
Ameson
Institute for Foreign Languages (Teaching positions in China)
Japan
Exchange and Teaching Program (Applications also available in our
office.)
CDS International, Inc.
Points to think about
Work Permits
To work in another country you must obtain permission from the
government of that country you desire employment with. This permission
is given in the form of a visa. Usually, this visa must be applied
for by your proposed employer, and most often, you cannot
initiate the process yourself.
Information on working permits and the
exact process can be
obtained from that country's consulates or embassy in the U.S.
Language Skills
A basic expectation is proficiency in the
language of the country you desire employment with, or at least a base
knowledge of the language.
Network with people in the field or
country you are interested.
*Excerpts from
Longwood University
Study Abroad: The World is Our Campus
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