By Will Penn
Let’s face it, in today’s economy it’s tough finding a good job these days! Have you ever caught yourself day dreaming of foreign lands, or frozen drinks on a deserted beach? Then you might want to follow the example of thousands of people who are finding short-term work abroad. University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences released a study that almost twice as many 2009 grads found gainful employment overseas when compared with the class of 2008. Often times working a year abroad will provide you with time to decide on a career path or contemplate on going to graduate school. Not only does it allow you time to think about your future it can also provide you the ability to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, as well as generate an international Rolodex.
This site will offer you international travel guides and ideas for work abroad. There are several placement agencies like InterExchange and the Council on International Educational Exchange that can also aide you help in navigating overseas openings as well as provide counseling services if you find yourself struggling with cultural differences. Bill Nolting, assistant director for education abroad at the University of Michigan International Center, recommends finding programs with a strong support network and a track record of happy alumni.
You will be able to find many jobs that offer a modest salary, and some (like au pair jobs) will even cover your room and board, as well as air fare. English instructors in Japan, can earn 3.6 million yen (or about $44,000) a year in the government-sponsored Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
Boston College graduate Greg Schafer, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., took a job teaching English for an institute in Yilan City, Taiwan. Schafer decided against a summer workshop in publishing (the major in which he graduated) to try his hand at teaching for international students. In an E-mail, he stated the difficulties of adjusting to a Taiwanese classroom make the idea of teaching in America ” like going back down to tee-ball after a year in the majors.”
These days, 18-to-30-year-olds represent most of the people working holiday rep jobs, some older adults are attempting to jump-start new careers and often they will take overseas volunteer posts, like helping to build community schools or offering assistance to various humanitarian efforts.
Determine your goals. Knowing where you want to go, what you expect financially and what housing expectations you have for work abroad, this will make the whole process go more smoothly.