Teach, Intern, Volunteer, and Work Abroad

There are a variety of ways to go abroad or away after you have graduated. Even on a tight budget, work, volunteer, internship, and teaching English abroad opportunities are readily available to you. The information below is intended to provide you with ideas to help you consider which option is best for you. However, before researching any opportunity, consider the following:

• What do you hope to gain from the experience?
• Where do you want to go?
• Would you like to utilize any language skills? Are you proficient enough to work in that language?
• How long would you like to stay abroad or away?
• How important is it to be paid? Can you support yourself financially?
• How will the experience relate to longer-term academic or career goals?
• What type of working visa, if any, is required?

International Work and Volunteer Opportunities

Internships

Internships abroad are a good way to build on the skills and knowledge you have already developed while gaining professional experience and networking within your field of interest. You can intern abroad as an undergraduate or after you graduate. Both options can help you gain practical experience, explore new career options, and strengthen your resume. You can participate in an internship as part of a study abroad program or find a position through a placement provider such as Cultural Vistas.

Volunteer Abroad

Restoration projects, literacy campaigns, farming, and teaching are just a few examples of the many volunteer programs abroad. Some programs charge a fee and provide services such as insurance coverage, meals, and even housing. Some provide free room and board in exchange for work. Volunteer work opportunities range from a few weeks to two or three years. If you’re interested in development work, want to meet other foreigners and host nationals, and don’t mind rudimentary living conditions, consider volunteering with the Peace Corps. Peace Corps can be a great opportunity to engage in a volunteer experience. To learn more, visit our Peace Corps webpage. 

Teaching English Abroad

There are many opportunities to teach English abroad through established programs. Most programs prefer a commitment of one academic year, though some offer summer or semester possibilities. In general, a bachelor’s degree is required, although in most cases you do not need to be an English major. Organizations are more interested in your ability to speak native and fluent English. Volunteer and paid teaching opportunities can be found throughout the world.

Short and Long-Term Work Abroad

Short-term work abroad (less than one year; typically, 4–12 months) usually involves working in an unskilled job, where you can earn enough to cover your food, lodging and daily living expenses. This type of job probably will not pay enough to cover air transportation, but it may help provide some extra money for travel after you leave your job. Short-term work experiences include positions such as “au pairs” (a person who does domestic work for a family, possibly taking care of children in exchange for room and board and a chance to learn the family’s language), farm workers (through organizations like WWOOF), typists, cruise ship staff, hospitality workers, and youth camp leaders, among others. If you are a recent graduate, some of the easiest ways to secure legal employment overseas include work abroad programs like the British Universities North American Club (BUNAC). Long-term work abroad opportunities can be very career-focused opportunities. Usually obtaining a longer-term work visa requires sponsorship by an employer. For more information on obtaining work visas, visit the immigration website of the country in which you would like to work.