Finding short-term paid work abroad
INTRODUCTION
There are a number of reasons to consider working abroad:
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Improve language skills
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Develop skills to prepare for an international career
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Experience living in another culture
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Vacation, travel or personal adventure
Whatever the reason, keep in mind what you want from an international work experience. Will an internship working with Americans in a U.S. embassy in Paris do as much for your French as working in a French department store? Or would the State Department internship be the best choice if your long-term goal is an international career? Or, are you simply looking for work to pay your way through an international travel adventure? Think carefully to define your goals before you begin your search.
Other Questions to Consider: See http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/overseas/work/index.html , http://international.monster.com/workabroad/archives/jobsearch/ for excellent related resources, cultural tips, and articles.
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What kind of visa or work permit do you need?
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What immunizations are required? Prudent?
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What do resumes/CVs look like in the country in which you'd like to work?
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What safety precautions make sense?
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What about housing? Language issues?
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What kind of support system is in place for you?
STAY REALISTIC
Unemployment rates and difficult immigration laws can make searching for work abroad challenging. Foreign language skills alone are not enough to be hired into a career position overseas. Professional experience and relevant marketable skills are critical for long- term jobs abroad. Research all options: short-term work, internships, volunteer work, teaching English and career-related positions.
VISAS AND WORK PERMITS
One of the biggest challenges in finding work abroad is the law. It is illegal to work overseas without a work permit. You must obtain the proper work permit before you leave the U.S.
Fortunately, as a student or recent graduate, you can participate in special work exchange programs to help obtain a work permit (virtually impossible for Americans to do on their own) and also to find short-term paid work abroad.
BEST BETS FOR GETTING ABROAD: WORK PERMIT PROGRAMS
Two of the most popular work abroad programs are the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) Work in Britain Program and the Council on International Educational Exchange Work Abroad Program. Both programs function as reciprocal work exchange programs exclusively for college students and recent graduates, and both assist in obtaining a legal work permit.
BUNAC and Council programs are available in eight countries including Britain , Australia , New Zealand , Ireland , France , Germany , Canada and Costa Rica . Application costs range from $225-$500, and work permits are issued for 3-12 months (depending on the country). It is not required to apply well in advance, but start the process early if you are looking for a career-related position. These programs are flexible and inexpensive and are a hard-to-beat option for students and recent graduates.
Typically, participants in these programs work in “ordinary jobs” in pubs, hotels, temp agencies, etc. However, permits issued from these programs are not restrictive. A motivated student with initiative and careful planning can use the permit to find a career-related position. Brown students have secured career-related positions as editorial assistant for a British publishing company, a business internship with Euro Disney in Paris , and a position teaching English in Costa Rica . Once you have obtained the work permit, it is then up to you how you want to use it.
Finally, for some, the BUNAC or Council work permit program can be a first step in developing a long-term international career. Once in a country you will experience total cultural immersion, seek paid employment, develop contacts with foreign employers, and explore longer-term work options abroad through face-to-face networking.
TIPS FOR THE JOB SEARCH
No matter what type of position sought, career-related or simple paid work, there are a number of strategies to increase the effectiveness of your long distance job search.
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For most “ordinary jobs” (temp jobs, pubs, etc.), applying in advance is not necessary. BUNAC and Council report that the majority of participants find work in 1-5 days after arrival. However, if you seek a career-related position, it is important to begin research, make contacts and apply well in advance - months before leaving the U.S. Use contacts to line up interviews.
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When writing letters to prospective employers overseas, state that you will be participating in the BUNAC or Council work permit program. Arriving with a valid work permit may make employers more comfortable about hiring a foreign worker.
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Communicating with employers abroad is more efficient and cost-effective via email or fax. The Internet is a tremendous resource in researching and identifying potential employers. However, don't underestimate the impact of a personal telephone call as a follow-up to an application. It can demonstrate that you are a serious candidate and may help you secure an interview.
Network and use connections. Tell everyone you know about your plan to find overseas work. You never know where you might find a helpful connection. Before you leave, research your Brown connections.
Once abroad, check with the local overseas US Chamber of Commerce or consulates & embassies to meet Americans in career fields that interest you.
Finding a job overseas requires lots of hard work. As in any job search, your persistence will pay off. Be creative, resourceful and conduct your search with an adventurous spirit!
OTHER WORK PERMIT/PLACEMENT PROGRAMS
Although BUNAC and Council are probably the most popular work permit programs with college students, other programs do exist. Remember that the BUNAC and Council programs are only available in eight countries. If you are interested in working in a country not represented by BUNAC or Council or just want to compare programs available to you, then check out the programs below.
Note that there is one major difference in some of the programs listed below. Unlike BUNAC or Council, many of these programs require you to first find a job on your own before they will issue you a work permit. Also, a few programs listed provide work placement (you are placed into a job rather than having to find your own). If you think one of these programs is right for you, ask program administrators if you can contact past participants to get feedback.
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American-Scandinavian Foundation offers work permit assistance for individuals who arrange for a job on their own. The foundation also offers placement programs in Scandinavian countries in teaching, business and technical fields. Time commitment is from two months to an academic year. Application fee is $50.00.
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Association for International Practical Training issues work permits for dozens of countries. You must already have a job offer to obtain a permit. Application fee for the work permit service is $50.00. Students in technical majors can apply through the IAESTE program (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience). Positions are available in industry, research institutes, universities, consulting firms and labs. Placements are for 8-12 weeks during the summer or longer placements of up to 12 months are also available.
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CDS International, Inc. assists individuals to secure work permits in Germany , Switzerland and Singapore if you locate a host employer. Program fee $700. CDS also offers paid fellowship opportunities for graduate students interested in America-German/European relations through the Robert Bosch Foundation. Check the CDS web site for updated listings of specific opportunities posted year-round.
WEB RESOURCES
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GoAbroad.com: Comprehensive, up-to-date web site with useful search capabilities. Information on study abroad, language schools, internships, international volunteer positions, teaching, jobs abroad.
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Transitions Abroad: The web site of the magazine of work, study, and travel overseas. Good articles on finding work abroad and links to resources.
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U.S. chambers abroad
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U.S. consulates and embassies
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