International Opportunities

As you begin your international job search it is important to clarify what type of experience you are seeking.  International opportunities are typically broken down into two categories, short-term or long-term.

Short-term opportunities, usually one to three years, are plentiful.  With the exception of internships, most short-term opportunities are found in the areas of teaching English as a second language (ESL), volunteer organizations, and hospitality or recreation jobs. 

Long-term positions can be found in government, business and not-for-profit sectors.  While long-term job searches have some unique challenges, with patience, vision and hard work, you can attain your goal of an international career. 

Listed below are a variety of resources to assist you with your international search.

Resources for Short Term International Opportunities

Internships, Volunteer, Short-Term Work
Internships and short-term work experiences are relatively easy to find.  Most opportunities require an application process, and once accepted provide the necessary working papers needed for each country.

NIC InternTrak: CES’s searchable database of local, national, and international internships.

AIESEC: International student organization that places students and recent graduates in internships around the world.

AIPT (Association for International Practical Training) 

BUNAC: Offers overseas work/travel programs

CDS International is committed to the advancement of international career training opportunities customized to provide individuals with in-depth practical knowledge of other nations' business practices, cultures, and political traditions.

InterExchange: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of work & travel, language school, volunteer, professional training, internship and au pair programs within the United States and around the world.

Inter-American Development Bank: Internships in Junior Professional programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

One Small Planet: International work, study, volunteer, and travel resource. 

Teaching Abroad

Council on International Educational Exchange: Teach in English...Learn from your students.

JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) 

O-Hayo Sensei (Teaching Jobs in Japan) 

WorldTeach: A non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries.
 

Non-Profit Organizations

Peace Corps: Volunteers live and work in developing countries with the goal of helping those countries while promoting cross-cultural understanding. 
 
Cabrini Mission Corps: Our mission is to be "bearers of the love of Christ in the world," particularly addressing the needs and realities of women, children, immigrants and the elderly.

Cross Cultural Solutions: Volunteer Abroad – work side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before.
 
Jesuit Volunteer Corps: JVC is looking for talented and dedicated people who have a desire to answer the call to apostolic service and community as Jesuit Volunteers.
 
United Nations Volunteers:  The volunteer arm of the United Nations created by the UN General Assembly in 1970 to serve as an operational partner in development cooperation at the request of UN member states.
 
Idealist: Action Without Borders connects people, organizations, and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives.
 
MOGPA: Arranges internships in Asia for bilingual Americans. Scholarships & Fellowships

Fellowships Office
A number of scholarships and fellowships are available for either or both educational programs and cultural study, and many involve language/culture study in developing countries.  They are intended for use in the year just after you have completed your undergraduate degree, as such they can be an excellent resource for short-term international opportunities.  The application process is competitive, so it is best to get an early start. 

For more information, contact the Graduate Fellowships Office

Some examples include:
Thomas J. Watson Fellowship (Worldwide)
Rhodes Scholarship (England)
Marshall Scholarship (England)
George J. Mitchell Scholarship (Ireland)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships (England) Fulbright Scholarship (Worldwide)
Davies-Jackson Scholarship (England)
National Security Education Program (Worldwide)
Rotary Scholarship (Worldwide)

Long-Term Job Search Strategies

Long-term opportunities usually fall into three categories, government, not-for-profit, and international commerce.  Government opportunities, such as those with the U.S. Department of State, have a formal application process for you to follow.  For international commerce and not-for-profit organizations, it is best to target U.S. companies with international ties.  You will first want to seek a U.S. based position.  Once you have gained the necessary skills and experience, you will be more competitive for international opportunities that arise. 

For those more willing to take risks, another option is to visit the country in which you are seeking employment and “knock on doors.”  Use the ASK Network to gain information and advice from Puget Sound alumni who are living and working abroad.  And during your travels, take every opportunity to network with potential employers.  There are enough alumni success stories to suggest that this technique can work. 

Foreign Service Recruitment Site 
The Electronic Embassy 
United Nations Employment Opportunities 
Overseasjobs.com
Internationalmonster.com
International News Links

For more information, visit Career and Employment Services to speak with a career counselor or to browse the numerous international opportunity resources available in the career resource library.