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Job Search:
Employment Abroad

An International job search involves many of the same techniques of a Domestic job search. However, there are some strategies that you need to be aware of if you decide to pursue this direction. Obtaining a work permit (if required) and communicating with companies abroad takes more times and patience that a domestic search may require.

Strategies

Network!

The first step is to decide where you want to go. If you have studied abroad before, and want to return to the same location, make a list of everyone you met there, and contact them. Let them know that you are interested in working in that location, and see how they can help you.

If you have not already, join the LinkedIn community (www.linkedin.com) to start searching for BU alums or other connections that can help you with with international networking. The Career Advisory Network (www.bu.edu/alumni/can/search/login) is another tool to help you find alumni who are working or living in a given location, national, or worldwide. This is a great way to touch base with BU alumni who have also pursued an international career. They are good resources for making the move abroad, and may even provide some job leads!

Turn that resumé into a CV:

For the majority of the world, a resumé is called a "CV". The CV is very similar to the American style resumé, but has certain differences in each country. CVs are often more descriptive, but converting a resumé to a CV is relatively easy. The best way is to do an Internet search to find sample CVs for the country you are going to. However, if you plan on applying to American companies operating abroad, in most cases your American style resumé will be fine. Check the Pardee Library (www.bu.edu/library/management/index.shtml) for books about writing a CV for a job abroad.

IMPORTANT!!!

Remember, like any job search, the international job search takes time and effort. You will be most successful if you conduct a multi-faceted search, tapping into many different resources, rather than relying on one. It takes time and effort in order to be successful, but in the end the hard work is worth it. Research and networking are incredibly important in the international job search, but more importantly, follow-up is key. Because you are thousands of miles away, you will most likely have very little face-to-face contact with prospective employers.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Work Abroad

Do you want to work abroad for summer break, or are you interested in working abroad for a year or more? Even a short time spent working abroad can be extremely valuable. During your international job search you need to take into consideration how long you want to work abroad and structure your search accordingly.

Short Term Work Abroad, Internship, or Volunteer Experience

The easiest way to obtain a job abroad is to go through a program such as BUNAC (www.bunac.org) or AIESEC (www.aiesec.org/AI). If you are a current full-time student, or a recent graduate, then you are eligible for many of these types of programs. For a reasonable fee, these programs can provide you with legal working papers in a number of countries, and also provide support services.

Volunteering is another way to work in a country of interest. This can also be a way to build your network when trying to find a paid international position. For more information see Employment Abroad Resources.

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Long-Term Work Abroad

If you are interested in more than just a short-term experience abroad, there are many international careers you may want to pursue. However, to obtain a long-term career overseas, you will need to obtain legal working documents for the country to which you will be traveling. This process can be very easy, or very difficult, depending on your situation.

Things to take into consideration when conducting an International Job Search:

1. What passports do you hold? If you hold dual-citizenship with another country, working abroad may become much simpler for you. For example, if you are an American that holds dual citizenship with Ireland, you would be entitled to work in any country in the European Union. If you only hold U.S. citizenship, do some research and see if you might be eligible for dual-citizenship in another country. In some cases, if your great-grandparents were born abroad you may be eligible to apply for dual-citizenship with that country. You can research this by checking with the appropriate embassy in the U.S.
2. Sponsorship — If you do not hold any other passports, you will need a company to sponsor you to work abroad. One option is to join a US company that has international offices. Although you would probably not be able to start your job internationally, once you are in the door and prove yourself, let the organization know of your international interest. Check the Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries (found through the Pardee Library at www.bu.edu/library/management/eres/about/usfirms.html) to find American companies that operate overseas. This will narrow down the search and help you target businesses that match your interests.
3. Work abroad programs — There are many work abroad programs that can obtain a work visa for you and provide support for a reasonable fee. Many of these have time limitations, but they are a great way to make the initial move overseas. BUNAC is one of the most popular ones; they have programs in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and soon South Africa. BUNAC programs in the UK allow you to work abroad for as long as 6 months, and in New Zealand for a year. A short-term work experience can be used to gain experience and make contacts, and can lead to a long-term job.

International Teaching Jobs

There are many international career fields available for college graduates today. An example of this is Teaching English as a Second Language. There is a job market for this in almost every non-English speaking country in the world, particularly Asia. There are many programs that will pay for your flight and accommodation, and pay you a salary or stipend. Teaching English as a Second Language is a great way to work in another country, as in most places the only requirement for this is that you speak English!

Remember:

Like any job search, the international job search takes time and dedication. By executing a multi-faceted job search you increase the odds that you will find that job or internship abroad that you have been dreaming about. Working abroad can enhance your resumé, allow you to learn about a new culture from the inside, and be a life changing experience.

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Annual Asian Diversity Career Expo

Asian Diversity, Inc. holds an annual career fair, often in New York, which is attended by many multinational companies from Asia. For more information, visit www.adiversity.com.

Boston Career Forum

DISCO's Career Forum is a job fair specifically targeted to Japanese-English speakers with a bachelor's degree or higher in North America and Europe. Visit www.careerforum.net for more information.

European Career Fair

Held every February. Advance registration begins in October and ends in March. For Internships and Permanent Jobs, primarily in Europe, but also in the US and other countries. Pre-registration recommended but not required. Visit http://euro-career.com/ for more information.

MBA Global Career Forum/Master Employment Conference

Annual interviewing event exclusively for foreign nationals, dual U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. For more information, visit http://www.globalhrprograms.com/imba/international.html.

National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)

31th Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans, LA
September 22-26, 2009
For more information, see www.nbmbaa.org.

National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)

19th Annual Conference and Career Expo, Minneapolis, MN
October 8-10, 2000
For more information, see www.nshmba.org. Working or volunteering abroad can be a valuable personal and professional experience. However, it can be difficult to arrange. It can be slightly easier to find work if you are already there. Check out the resources below and network with alumni, friends or family overseas.

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Employment Abroad Links

Working or volunteering abroad can be a valuable personal and professional experience. However, it can be difficult to arrange. It can be slightly easier to find work if you are already there. Check out the resources below and network with alumni, friends or family overseas.

General

Craigslist — www.craigslist.org

Jobs listings from more than 50 countries (click on the country link and then go to Jobs section)

Escape Artist — www.escapeartist.com

International job listings, links to embassies, and information about living abroad.

Going Global — www.goinglobal.com

International job listings and information listed by country.

Idealist.org — www.idealist.org

A project of Action Without Borders, a global clearinghouse of nonprofit resources, including jobs, internships, mailing lists, and nonprofit resources by state and country.

International Careers Consortium — www.intlcareers.org

ICC was founded by a group of career and international student advisors from the Greater Boston Area which seeks to further the interest of both American students considering international careers and international students who want to work in the U.S. or abroad in countries other than their own. Site includes an excellent resources section.

JobsAbroad — www.jobsabroad.com/search.cfm

Monster Global Gateway Search Site — www.monster.com/geo/siteselection.asp

Overseas Jobs Web — www.overseasjobs.com

International job listings and links to other International job search sites.

Peace Corps — www.peacecorps.gov

Peace Corps has three goals: to help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women, to promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served, and to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

The Riley Guide: Resources for International Job Opportunities — www.rileyguide.com/internat.html

Includes lists for multiple countries or regions

Boston University Libraries Research Guide — www.bu.edu/library/guides/pml/career/international.html

Links to databases for company research and job search information. An invaluable resource

Boston University Department of International Relations — www.bu.edu/ir/graduate/current/links/

Extensive list of resources and additional links

Teaching

Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program — www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jet/

The Japanese government offers university graduates the chance to spend a year or more living and working in Japan while team-teaching in Japanese public schools as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or assisting local governments as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs).

Short-Term Jobs / Internships / Volunteer Opportunities

Short-Term Jobs

BUNAC: Work in Britain — www.bunac.org.uk

The British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) aids US students and recent graduates with procuring work permits in Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) for up to 6 months. Participants locate their own jobs, primarily in the service industry.

Internships

Association Internationale des Etudiants Sciences Economiques (AIESEC) — www.aieseconline.net

Nonprofit, student-run organization that offers a work/exchange program. Over 5,000 students from 87 countries participated in full-time, paid business internships (lasting 2-18 months) last year.

CDS International — www.cdsintl.org

Umbrella organization offers training international internships ranging from 3 to 18 months in business, engineering and technical fields

Internships International — www.iivnetwork.com

Quality unpaid internships in a variety of fields throughout Europe, as well as Asia, Australia, Mexico and Chile. For current graduate students and recent college grads.

Volunteer Opportunities

Idealist.org — www.idealist.org

15,000 service organizations "under one roof." The most comprehensive nonprofit and volunteer resource listing on the web.

International Volunteer Program (IVP) — www.ivpsf.org

Provides students the opportunity to do volunteer internships in France or the UK with tourism offices, summer camps, hospitals, environmental projects and local city governments. Room and board provided during work period.

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By Country / Region

Africa

Asia

Australia

China

Czech Republic

Egypt

Europe

France

Hong Kong

India

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Latin America

Netherlands

Russia

Singapore

South Africa

Switzerland

Thailand

United Kingdom

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