Working Abroad

Resources for Working Abroad

Working abroad is a wonderful opportunity. Personally, you experience another culture and learn from being completely immersed in it. Professionally, a global experience builds skills and awareness which employers highly value.

Involve Your Co-op & Career Advisor: When considering a co-op or a full-time job abroad, involve your Co-op & Career Advisor early in your planning. Your Co-op & Career Advisor can coach you on your job search and provide resources for your target country. They can also help you convert your resume to a CV.

Start Early: Allow yourself plenty of time for your international search, at least 6 – 9 months before you hope to go abroad. Not only does this give you time to research your target country, it also allows for time to meet deadlines associated with work abroad programs.

Do Your Research: See the recommended online resources on the next page for tools and advice for searching for jobs and co-ops abroad. Research your target industry to highlight regions with the greatest opportunity for your major. Just like in the U.S., different areas of a country or a region specialize in certain industries and fields.

Network: Research international chapters of professional associations to see who you may be able to contact for support. Search for Wentworth alumni on LinkedIn to see if any are located in or have experience with the countries you are interested in. Speak with your professors, friends, and family members for possible insights and/or connections.

Choose a Program, Go It Alone, or a Little of Both: There are a variety of great work abroad programs to choose from. Their value is that they typically provide host country resources in finding a job, housing, cultural activities, and general student support. For paid jobs, they may also provide support in getting the appropriate work visas. However, there is a cost for these programs.

If you choose direct outreach to an employer, you may avoid the cost of a program. However, your job search may take longer because it is long-distance. Plus, you forego host country support services.

You may choose to go it alone with program support. BUNAC (see p.2) offers a menu of work abroad services for specific countries. They can help with work visas for a nominal fee, while you focus on your job search.

Plan for Expenses: Be prepared for many international co-op jobs to be unpaid. Depending on your target country, student work visas may or may not be available. Plus, factor in travel expenses, cultural activities and program expenses (if any).

Additional Tips: The COF Global Education Opportunities Center provides students going abroad with accident and sickness insurance. They also hold Pre-Departure Orientation workshops. See your Co-op & Career Advisor for more information.

Recommended Online Resources

InternAbroad.com http://www.goabroad.com/intern-abroad

A directory of global intern/co-op programs.

TransitionsAbroad.com http://www.transitionsabroad.com

Articles, advice and program directory for international work experiences.

Goinglobal.com http://www.goinglobal.com/

Check out country career guides and links to country specific job boards.

myPerfectresume.com https://www.myperfectresume.com/how-to/career-resources/internat

International Job Resources- search for employment in specific companies and/or regions of the world. Also some helpful international job searching tips.

IASTE.org http://www.iaeste.org/

Intern programs in science and technology.

BUNAC http://www.bunac.org/

Offers a full range of work abroad resources for their target countries (England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and France). Their work visa services are highly recommended by Wentworth students.

U.S. Department of State https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

Travel advisories for Americans around the world.

The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/

Lists population, government, military, and economic information for nations recognized by the United States.

Global Edge https://globaledge.msu.edu/international-internships

The Directory is a reference guide for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to help match students with international internship opportunities offered by two- and four-year colleges and universities, governmental agencies, non-profit groups, private organizations, and corporations.

Resources for Converting Your Resume to a CV

GoOverseas.com https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/how-to-write-a-resume-for-anywhere-in-the-world

Blog post about resumes vs. CVs for different parts of the world.

Allaboutcareers.com http://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers-advice/cv-tips/international-cv

Article with basic CV writing tips.