Pave The Way To An International Experience – A Deeper Look

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You realize that you want to go internationally. You understand that taking a two-week vacation to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun sipping frozen margaritas is not truly an international experience. Congratulations because you have identified the first step to discovering an in-depth international experience, whether it be living, working or traveling abroad. The following list was designed to give a 360° perspective on the various choices that exist when choosing a life abroad, regardless of a set amount of time or age. These experiences, particularly the work experiences, have been chosen to be applicable to either interns or career searchers.

Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring each of these international opportunities in detail through a series of interview. These people’s stories will provide you with the necessary information to take the leap into pursuing one of these international experiences. Please feel free to share your experiences as well.

International Internships:
International internships are similar to an internship program in that you gain valuable work experience and build your professional skills. The advantage however is that in this process, you are also experiencing living in a new country, learning a new language, making international contacts, etc. These types of opportunities are available through a universities’ international student center, directly with multi-national companies like L’Oreal or Forrester Research, or with third-party programs such as the British Universities North America Club, BUNAC or the American Institute For Foreign Study, AIFS. The good news is that depending on the individual internship program, you may or may not need to be a current student to participate or be eligible.

Studying abroad:
Studying abroad is conducting your academic course work in a foreign country. Many universities have sister schools in a variety of countries thus making it a very simple process to do a semester or full year abroad. For example, Webster University, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has schools in Thailand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, China and Austria all that transfer credit from school to school. Study abroad programs are available through your host university or a third-party program. Study abroad programs also vary as to whether or not it is required to be a current student.

Volunteering abroad:
Does working or studying abroad not serve the greater international community in the best way for you? Consider an international experience as a volunteer. There are countless opportunities all over the world to help serve the greater good. The length of volunteer programs varies from a 1-week to a 2-year commitment. A great resource for this option is the Transitions Abroad Volunteer Worldwide resource page.

Temporary or Full-time work assignments:
Pairing a job with a desire for an international experience is a great way to discover the world. Multi-national companies such as American Standard and Shell have satellite offices all over the world. These types of companies provide the opportunity to stay within the same company but live all over the world.

International Fellowships and Scholarships:
International fellowship and scholarship programs serve as a great launching pad to an international career. Not to be confused with a traditional work program, fellowships and scholarships offer the participant the autonomy to explore their topic of study without any set parameters. Fellows and scholars are typically funded for daily living expenses such as tuition, tickets, room & board, etc.; unlike traditional study abroad or interning programs that have out of pocket expenses. The Institute for International Education (www.iie.org) is a great resource to begin searching for these opportunities.

International teacher:
Teaching is a skill that transcends all physical borders. There are two options to pursue an international teaching career. The first is to become part of an International school. There are a host of international teaching job fairs all over the world. Three organizations that host these fairs worldwide are the International School Services (ISS), Search Associates and the Council of International Schools (COIS). For more information on these career fairs, visit each of their websites. Having a teaching background and an International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching certification are definite resume boosters.

An alternative if you do not have a teaching certification is to teach ESL (English as a Second Language). There are a variety of programs all over the world that only require a Bachelor’s degree. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) and Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) are widely popular and offer a rich cultural experience.

Foreign Service Employee or Intern:
Charged with the mission of maintaining foreign affairs, State Department employees or interns serve as official representatives of the United States abroad. With over 265 posts worldwide, the possibilities for an international experience are endless within State Department. Consulates and Embassies are typically located in the capital or a major city in that country. Depending on the country that you would like to work in, you may be eligible to apply to a Consulate Office different than your home country. This will depend on the individual Consulate Office.

Army:
The Army has bases spread out all over the world. There are two tracks for working internationally with the Army. The first is to be an enlisted soldier and perform your duties for the Army abroad. The second is to work as a civilian for the Army in a specific country. The latter choice is generally available if you are already living within that country.

United Nations or working for an International Organization:
Created in the immediate aftermath of World War II in 1945, the United Nations serves as a non-partisan governing body of over 190 sovereign nations that promote international peace, security and cooperation. Aside from pursuing a career directly with the United Nations’ headquarters in New York City, there are dozens of affiliated nongovernmental organization’s (NGO) located all over the world. These organizations foster international cooperation in specific industries. Examples of these organizations are the World Health Organization (headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland), the International Court of Justice (headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands) and the International Monetary Fund (headquartered in Washington D.C.).

Gap year:
Coined in Great Britain, a gap year was typically a break taken by a student between high school and college. The gap year has evolved into a more mainstream opportunity for anyone who is pursuing a year long break that encompasses travel. This type of international experience can be as meticulously planned or open ended at the discretion of the traveler. The most common gap year travelers are the British, Australians, Germans and the French. Many take the opportunity to work and travel around the world. To learn more about gap year traveling, use these resources like www.gapyear.com or www.transitionsabroad.com.