International Programs

When it comes to working abroad, you have several options. Some popular student choices include short-term work abroad through a fee program and teaching abroad. Others choose to research and apply for a position directly. Below are some tips and resources for finding a job abroad.

Short-Term Work Abroad

Short-term work abroad (less than one year; typically a summer) usually involves working in an unskilled job, where you can earn enough to cover your food, lodging and day-to-day living expenses. This type of job probably will not pay enough to cover air transportation, but it may help provide some extra money for travel after you leave your job. Short-term work experiences include positions such as "au pairs" (a person who does domestic work for a family possibly taking care of children in exchange for room and board and a chance to learn the family's language), farm workers, typists, waitpersons, and youth camp leaders. If you are a full-time student or a recent graduate, the work abroad programs through the British Universities North American Club (BUNAC) or the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) are some of the easiest ways for you to secure legal employment overseas.

BUNAC Well respected program sends students and recent graduates on short-term work abroad programs.

CIEE Another fee based program which sends students and recent graduates on short-term work abroad programs.

Teaching English

There are many opportunities to teach English abroad through established programs. Most programs prefer a commitment of one academic year, though some offer summer or semester possibilities. In general, a bachelor's degree is required, although in most cases you do not need to be an English major. Organizations are more interested in your ability to speak native and fluent English. Volunteer and paid teaching opportunities can be found throughout the world.

CIEE Fee based program which sends students and recent graduates on teach abroad programs.

Dave's ESL Cafe Easy-to-navigate website for current and potential English teachers abroad.

Teach Abroad Extensive website features job listings in several countries.

EduFind Jobs Jobs and resources for TESOL professionals.

TEFL Jobs and resources for TEFL professionals.

Online Job boards and Databases

IE3 Global Internships Oregon University System's unique international internship program

Overseas Jobs Features international job opportunities for professionals, expatriates and adventure seekers.

Jobs Abroad Extensive website features job listings in several countries.

Idealist Work for a non-profit in the US or abroad.

Monster The international section of this famous career website.

LatPro The largest Hispanic and bilingual jobs and diversity career board in the Americas.

International Jobs Large database of international jobs. Subscription required to view most opportunities. 

Fulbright Scholars Program Prestigious scholarship to live and research abroad.

Going Global Provides extensive country specific employment and career information. Online, unlimited access subscription database contains country career guides, corporate profiles and more than 100,000 international internship and job openings.

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience Provides students with international technical work experience.

Books

GENERAL

Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas by Clayton A. Hubbs   This book is highly recommended.

Survival Kit for Overseas Living: For Americans Planning to Live and Work Abroad by L. Robert Kohl This book is highly recommended.

The Peace Corps and More: 175 Ways to Work, Study and Travel at Home and Abroad by Medea Benjamin and Miya Rodolfo-Sioson

Alternatives to the Peace Corps by Joan Powell

The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures:Internships, Extraordinary Experiences, Seasonal Jobs, Volunteering, Work Abroad by Michael Landes

Jobs and Careers Abroad (Eleventh Edition) by Dan Boothby

Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker by Nancy Mueller

International Jobs Directory: 1001 Employers and Great Tips for Success By Ronald L. Krannich, Caryl Rae Krannich

Work your Way Around the World by Susan Griffith

International Job Finder: Where the Jobs are Worldwide by Daniel Lauber

Summer Jobs Abroad 2007 by David Woodworth and Victoria Pybus 

The Directory of Websites for International Jobs By Ronald L. Krannich, Caryl Rae Krannich

Jobs for People Who Love to Travel By Ronald L. Krannich, Caryl Rae Krannich

How to Live your Dream of Volunteering Overseas by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, Zahara Heckscher

Great Jobs Abroad by Arthur H. Bell

COUNTRY SPECIFIC

Live and Work in Germany (Live and Work Abroad Guides) by Vacation Work Publications, et al (also available for France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and other countries)

Getting a Job in Australia: How to Discover Well Paid Work and a Great New Lifestyle by Nick Vandom

CAREER SPECIFIC

The Au Pair and Nanny's Guide to Working Abroad by Susan Griffith

Teaching English Abroad (Sixth Edition) by Susan Griffith

Teaching English Overseas: A Job Guide for Americans and Canadians by Jeff Mohamed

Health Professionals Abroad by Tim Ryder

Careers in International Affairs by Maria Pinto Carland and Lisa A. Gihring

Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors by Julie DeGalan, Stephen Lambert

Global Health Directory 2000:U.S. Based Agencies Working in International Health, 2000. from Global Health Council, Washington D.C.

Working with Animals: The U.K., Europe, and Worldwide by Victoria Pybus