Getting a job abroad
and developing an international career is now a more attainable goal than
ever before. With the ease of travel and the speed of communication,
many U.S. companies find it easy to operate branches or headquarters in a
foreign country, and as a result, international job opportunities cover a broad spectrum
of fields. There are also a wealth of shorter-term job possibilities
and international internships available, to help you get started on an
international career.
For an overall look at international job opportunities,
students might want to look at web-based search engines such as
www.careerbuilder.com
or
www.worktree.com, both of which have an
"international" section. Books that might be useful to help you get
started include The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures,
written by Michael Landes (available in the UI Study Abroad Office library)
or the Directory of International Internships, published by Michigan
State University (also available in the UI Study Abroad Office library).
Another book focusing on international careers rather than on shorter,
international internships or short-term jobs, is International Jobs:
Where They Are, How to Get Them, written by Eric Kocher and Nina Segal
(look for the most current edition; the third edition is available in the UI
Study Abroad Office library).
More specifically, now that they have
discovered the world, many returned study abroad students often express a
particular
interest in jobs like ours—working in International Programs or Study Abroad
Offices. Below we have listed out some general requirements that
you’ll likely need, as well as skills that might be helpful in landing you a
great job in an international programs or study abroad office.
Generally Required for a Study Abroad Program Advisor
Position:
 |
Bachelor's
or Master's degree in a related
field |
|
|
International work or study
experience |
|
|
Computer software experience |
|
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Good people skills |
|
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Ability to "multi-task" |
Generally required for
a Coordinator Position:
|
|
Master's degree generally required,
in a related field |
|
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Significant international
experience |
|
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Experience working with a budget |
|
|
Organizational and management
skills |
|
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Fluency in a foreign language |
To start searching for a job in an
international programs or study abroad office, it helps to become familiar
with NAFSA, the Association of International Educators.
NAFSA is the primary
affiliation of international programs and study abroad offices worldwide.
You can also list your information in their
job registry.
Here you will also find information about the different sections of NAFSA,
you can sign-up to be on list-servs that include job announcements, etc.
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