Working or interning abroad gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in diverse fields at locations around the globe. These remarkable opportunities require a significant amount of prep work, but the resources below can help you ensure that the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Some benefits of working abroad:
- Enhance your resume
- Increase marketability to employers in a growing global economy
- Develop or enhance global network
- Gain real-world understanding of diversity and cultural literacy
- Demonstrate flexibility and initiative
- Improve language skills or learn a new language
- Develop a global perspective to benefit your future career
- Hear new ideas/learn new ways of approaching problems
- Experience a different style of work
Finding Opportunities
Start the process of looking for internships abroad by taking inventory of your personal interests, skills, passions and goals. Knowing yourself, what you bring to an internship and what you hope to get out of it can help you find a program that is a good fit. Here is a worksheet to help!
Two important criteria in your search process are location and field of interest. If you have a specific country or city in mind, you can focus your search in that area. If you have a specific industry, you can broaden the location of your search but focus on the industry. Consider factors such as cost of living, language, prominence of the industry you are interested in, visa regulations, health and safety advisories, acceptance of diversity and opportunities for travel.
The following resources are a great place to start:
- Handbook for Internships Abroad
- Global internships & research opportunities
- Funding & scholarships
- Preparing for travel
- UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
- Traveler’s Checklist
Additional resources:
Global Job Boards
GoinGlobal provides resources students need to fast-track their international goals. Their Career Guides provide expert career information for 120+ global locations. From pre-departure advice to employment listings, GoinGlobal has something for you.
Additional Global Job boards include:
Application Materials
In addition to the Career Center’s many resources on writing resumes, CVs and cover letters, here are some tips for international application materials:
- For country-specific tips on resumes, check out the “Country Career Guides” on GoinGlobal.
- Be aware of cultural context for words and positions. In New Zealand, professors say they’re “on staff,” while in the U.S., staff usually refers to administrative work while faculty refers to professors. In many Muslim-majority countries, women working at a “bar” could be interpreted as prostitution. It’s important that your application materials are culturally appropriate!
- Remember, there are many different ways to write a resume and cover letter. At the end of the day, your goal is to convey your information effectively and follow all instructions from the employer.
Next Steps after Securing a Position
Here is a list of some steps you can take to prepare for your new international opportunity. Contact your new employer for additional information they may be able to provide.
- Start the visa requirements/application process immediately. Scheduling an appointment can take several months.
- Research the country and city where you will live. Read about the culture, weather, safety tips, money and health/vaccination requirements. Ask your physician to list your vaccines on a WHO yellow card, which is an internationally recognized form of vaccine record.
- Book your travel as early as possible to ensure you can find affordable tickets.
- Look for housing. Your new employer may have a list of preferred housing options they recommend.
- Make a budget to help you manage your money and make the most out of your experience.
Connect with a Career Center advisor for additional support.