There are many other ways to go abroad after you have graduated. Even on a tight budget, volunteer, independent study and work opportunities are available to you. Take advantage of them!

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, if you are lucky, it may help to provide some extra money for travel after you leave your job. Short-term work experiences include positions such as “au pairs” (nannies), farm workers, typists, wait persons, and youth camp leaders.

If you are a full-time student or a recent graduate (within the past six months), the work abroad program through the Council of International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is one of the easiest ways for you to secure legal employment overseas. CIEE can offer you a short-term work permit in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ireland or New Zealand. An organization called BUNAC can help you obtain a permit in Britain. Normally, work permits can only be obtained after you receive a job offer, but job offers only come after you receive your work permit! The CIEE and BUNAC programs cut through this “catch-22.”

Through CIEE or BUNAC, you can cut through this red tape and obtain documentation that allows you to work from four to seven months in another country. No special skills are required, but you must speak the language of the country. CIEE and BUNAC do not find employment for you, but if you’re resourceful and willing to be flexible in the type of job that you do, you should be able to find a position within a week or two.

Volunteering Abroad

There is a range of opportunities to volunteer abroad. Restoration projects, literacy campaigns, and teaching are just a few examples. Some programs charge a fee and provide services such as insurance coverage, meals, and even housing. Some do not charge a fee but provide no service; some provide free room and board in exchange for your work; some even pay a small stipend. Volunteer work opportunities may range from a few weeks to two or three years in duration. Volunteer work abroad is often service work and can provide you with a mini-Peace Corps experience. If you’re interested in development work, want to work alongside other foreigners and host nationals, and don’t mind rudimentary living conditions, you may want to consider this type of a program. There are internships and traineeships that are voluntary, as well.

One common volunteer option is participation in a work camp. These often involve groups of people from different parts of the world who participate in community projects in areas such as health care, education, environmental conservation, construction of low-cost housing, or restoration of historic sites. There are usually no special entry requirements for participants, other than a willingness to work. A fee may or may not be charged. In many instances, time is set aside for participants to engage in cultural activities, group discussions, or field trips. Work camp experiences are generally short term and during the summer months. GoAbroad.com maintains a good directory of volunteer programs on the Web.


Teaching Abroad

While teaching abroad is different in many ways from other overseas experiences, it too can be a tremendous learning experience. First and foremost, it is important to approach the experience with teaching, not travel, as your primary focus. It is an exciting opportunity to educate. When teaching abroad, your responsibility to your position and to your students is imperative. The opportunity to travel, while a wonderful aspect of teaching abroad, is secondary.

With that in mind, there are several kinds of teach abroad programs to consider. You can choose to work through a private, for-profit business or a non-profit organization. You can teach in a variety of subjects, from English to agriculture. It is important to remember that while your experience teaching abroad most likely will not be a profit-making venture, the non-monetary benefits you reap can be extraordinary.

A fine web site for more information on teaching overseas is Dave's ESL Cafe Job Center. Here a few other programs to consider:

• Skidmore College "Teach in China" program - Every year, Skidmore sends recent graduates and other alumni to teach English for one year at Qufu Teachers University and Sun-yat Sen University. Application deadline in November!
  
  Contact: Eliza Camire, Program Manager, 518-580-5355.

• The JET Programme - The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme seeks to enhance internationalization in Japan through the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and foreign countries. It focuses on creating ties between Japanese and JET participants and is run by local governments. Most participants are assistant language teachers and engage in language instruction under the guidance of teachers’ consultants or Japanese teachers of foreign languages. To apply, contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General closest to you. The Washington D.C., office is the Embassy of Japan, JET Office, 202-939-6772.

• WorldTeach, Inc. - WorldTeach is a non-profit organization that sends volunteers overseas to teach in developing countries. Subject areas vary from English to environmental education. While each participant must pay airfare and program start-up fees, the program subsidizes your expenses while you are working. They even have helpful fundraising suggestions to provide you with ways to cover costs. Harvard University founded and administers the program. You can easily find out more information and even apply through the WorldTeach web site at www.worldteach.org.

Other International Jobs

Perhaps you want to do more than simply work abroad for a short time; maybe you are interested in pursuing an internship or something more permanent. Here are several suggestions for getting started on the path to a successful international career:

• Skidmore College’s Career Services Office
  The staff in the Career Services Office can meet with you individually to discuss your skills and provide you with guidance in getting on the right path for an international career. They also have a lots of Web connections related to international internships and careers.

• International Career Employment Weekly
  This is a comprehensive source of information on international career positions.

• Maintained by the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Latin American Studies, Enlace is the Electronic Network for Latin American Careers and Employment.