Hi Karen,

MyWorldAbroad is a big site. And building high-level international skills is a big undertaking. But to answer your question: We have options for users who are in a rush and just want the essentials, and we also have options for those who are able to invest slightly more time in order to get the comprehensive experience of our full range of advice and resources.

From our perspective, the ideal approach to MyWorldAbroad is to learn with the guide over an extended period of time, revisiting topics, re-evaluating your skills as you build experience. For this, you would visit “The 4 BIG Things” menu item on the top line of our homepage. This will guide you to the most comprehensive version of the site.

It’s also possible to access crucial information in a shorter amount of time. For this, you’ll visit the “What do you want to do?” menu item from the top bar of the homepage. This version of the site allows you to access only the information you absolutely need for your chosen international adventure.

Wishing you success in your international endeavors and we hope you visit us often! You can also check out the articles listed in In a Rush? (for registered users) for the most essential, quick-to-access international advice.

All the best,

Jean-Marc

Hi Ariana,

Everyone has heard the term “culture shock” but many don’t know about its twin “re-entry shock.” Did you know that the cross-cultural learning experience continues when you get home after your time abroad? We’ve heard from so many students, interns and volunteers who have had the very same experience. Coming home from an enriching and life-altering experience overseas is difficult. You feel like you have changed, but everything at home is still the same. You want to talk about everything you experienced, but people from your home country might get bored of hearing about it. And, as you say, all you want to do is go abroad again, but you just can’t.

But re-entry is a process, just like adapting to your home in India was a process. Now is the time when you learn more about your home culture, build your adaptability skills, and put all that you learned abroad to use.

Did you know that MyWorldAbroad has an entire section dedicated to the experience you are going through? We recommend that you take a look at it. Don’t despair! You will adjust to your new life at home, and what’s more: you’ll find cross-culturally enriching activities and job prospects within your reach.

• Top Tips: Re-Entry (for registered users)

Good luck!

Jean-Marc

The value of your relocation package is heavily tied to your industry, with NGOs and small firms providing less compensation than multinationals, national governments and international organizations. The best advice I can give you is to speak to others who are currently working in your field in your host country (ideally those working with your prospective employer). Ask your employer for references from their employees posted abroad. Research the norms in your industry by contacting your trade association. Speak to other expats  and research relocation services. See the resource lists Expatriate Networking Sites and Relocating Abroad (for registered users).

Keep in mind that no employer is likely to meet all your expectations. Relocation problems are just part of the process when you move abroad. You are going to run into things that you will not be happy with. Experienced international employees learn to take these relocation problems in stride and remain loyal to their employer (even if the air conditioner has not been working for more than two weeks!).

Best regards,
Jean-Marc 

Dear Allison

There are always risks associated with being abroad. In my personal opinion, the rewards are generally much greater. When I meet college students, I can quickly tell that some of them are not risk tolerant and they should therefore travel or study only in more Westernized nations, in order to ease in to the process of cultural adaptation. For other students, I know at first glance that they could thrive no matter whether they were in Kenya, India or Hong Kong.

Each individual must assess his or her personal level of risk before traveling. Get up-to-date with the latest areas of major conflict or tension. Maintaining a level of caution is always wise, but I would also suggest not to get caught up in the paranoia created by media sensationalism of bad events abroad. The world has never been more accessible, and there have never been more opportunities to travel, work or volunteer in unusual, challenging and interesting locations. In the end, it is up to you to decide your tolerance for risk, based on careful self-examination and an assessment of your possible destinations.

For more information on coping strategies while living overseas, see [chapter:13] and [chapter:15] (for registered users).

Hope this helps,
Jean-Marc

There are fewer and fewer free volunteer NGO experiences to be had. Students almost always have to pay an NGO or a private company to find a volunteer placement position abroad. Some NGOs (especially faith-based NGOs) require that you fundraise to meet your travel and accommodation expenses. Students can save money if they arrange their own placement directly with a third-world NGO, but this is only recommended for those who are very independent and have a high degree of risk tolerance. Students who do choose this route, however, often have more powerful and meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

If you are short on funds and want a more structured experience (with less risk), consider teaching English abroad to finance your stay and seek out volunteer experiences while living in your host country. If you want to teach abroad during the summer months, consider Chile or another South American country. Think about intensifying your cross-cultural learning by pursuing language learning, travel and professional networking while you are abroad. All of these experiences can help students maximize the “professional value” of their time abroad, and the experiences can be subsidized by teaching English.

A summer abroad usually entails periods of two months or less abroad, and while it can be a great start to building your International IQ, it should be noted that this short amount of time is usually not enough to get the experience of full cultural immersion. Students who wish to gain long-term cross-cultural skills should go abroad for four or more months. Consider working in the US for the first two months of your summer break to save some money, and then go abroad for four full months (i.e. take the fall semester off and create a gap semester abroad for yourself).

Check out Volunteer Abroad and NGOs & International Development (for registered users) for more info. 

Hope this helps.
Jean-Marc

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your interesting question. You’re right: It’s not possible to learn everything about a country from a guide book. And it’s not possible to fully prepare yourself for all the unexpected experiences you’ll have abroad. But your advisor is right: preparation is a key part of a successful go abroad experience.

From planning your finances to finding out everything you can about the local language and culture of your host country – you will not regret putting in the time to research and learn what you can. Even if your plans and perspectives change in the first days of your journey, you should still invest time and effort into preparing yourself beforehand. (And don’t forget that understanding your own culture and potential biases is also a component of preparing yourself for an international experience.)

From our perspective, the ideal combination for a globetrotter is a mix of preparation, ambition and adaptability. Being prepared and informed before traveling doesn’t close you off from having new or unexpected experiences. In fact, by being better informed and more aware of the social and working cultures of your host country, you may be open the doors to opportunities you would not otherwise have had.

MyWorldAbroad has plenty of information that might inspire you to learn before you leave. Check out the following articles (for registered users), and search through the sections in our guide that are associated with the type of experience you will have abroad (e.g. intern, work or volunteer):

• Before You Leave: Researching Your Host Country
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• [idlink:0093: %title]

Good luck on your journey.

Jean-Marc

Hi Chris,

You can probably make your way through much of the world by communicating with basic English, or by simply using gestures and other signals to make yourself understood. But it’s much more satisfying when you can go beyond the basics and talk to locals in their own language. And in most European countries, you will find that they appreciate it when visitors make the effort.

Instead of hopping and jumping between many countries in a short period of time, why not get to know one or two countries particularly well? This way, you can plan to learn some of the languages, get to know some of the cultural traits, and make a deeper connection with the local way of life.

In short, it’s not crucial for you to be fluent in the language of your host country, but it can significantly enrich your experience if you plan to spend any length of time there. And it will also mean that you are able to communicate with locals rather than sticking with tourists. And don’t forget to think long-term: More languages means more professional opportunities. Regardless of what your plans are for your first trip abroad, you should have a plan to learn one or more languages for the sake of your future career.

Check out our articles (for registered users):

• Language Learning & Your International Career
• How to Learn a Language

Best wishes,

Jean-Marc

Hi Katie,

Absolutely! Throughout MyWorldAbroad you’ll find quotes and sample applications from students who have successfully lived, worked, interned, volunteered or traveled abroad. And we’ve collected over 80 Q&As with them in our popular Stories from Abroad section. We are sure that you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this section. And when you have your own adventure abroad, we hope you contribute your story to the section! See the full collection here.

Good luck!

Jean-Marc

Hi Nick,

I often meet students who are studying international affairs or other liberal arts programs, and many aspire to work as diplomats. The main obstacle for breaking into this field is the incredible amount of competition involved. The good news, however, is that there are literally hundreds of related positions which require the same type of training and education as diplomacy. If you are a keen internationalist with strong grades, consider researching positions within the following related areas: academia, associations, banking/finance, public service (federal & state/provincial), communications & government relations, conflict resolution, environmental policy & management, gender, human rights & human security, intelligence, international development, international law, international organizations & the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, Parliament Hill, private sector & consultancies, research, social policy, trade, etc. 

The first step in finding a job in one of these areas is to target the positions that most interest you and then begin envisioning yourself performing the associated duties. Study individual job descriptions to get an idea of the ins and outs of various positions. I recommend visiting the The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs: "NPSIA Works: Career Futures" site. NPSIA is Canada’s leading international affairs school and it has put together a list of approximately 60 job descriptions being performed by its alumni. In reading these jobs descriptions, you’ll discover the wide range of jobs available to those with international affairs training and be able to identify the types of international affairs positions that interest you. This site is highly recommended for both Americans and Canadians. You might also look at Positions in International Development (for registered users) for general ideas.

Best wishes for your international career. You have many options to choose from!
Jean-Marc

Hi Fareed,

In the new world economy, everyone needs global career skills, no matter their location and no matter their vocation. (Read Thomas Friedman’s book The World Is Flat if you get the chance!) I myself run a small business and regularly find myself tapping in to the international resources that are available to me as a result of online connectivity. Last month, for instance, I searched online for “Animation Design Asia” and found an animation artist in Vietnam who created a complex set of characters for my Web site. The whole process took just three days and I paid just $150 for a job well done. That scenario necessitates both me and the hired designer being open to the idea of working internationally, across borders and cultural boundaries.

North American employers have already started to realize just how powerful the new “flat” global economy is, and they have begun hiring based on international and cross-cultural communication skills. These employers are, like me, also opening their horizons to a potential world of employees and professional contacts. For American employees to succeed in the new global economy, they need to be prepared to develop the relevant skills and to build develop international relationships. Can you put together a multiethnic project team? Can you work across time zones? The flexibility and communication skills involved in tasks like these are becoming important credentials for those wanting to succeed in the modern workplace. 

Apart from all this, the experiences that you have overseas will expand your intellect and deepen your worldview. A mature candidate with a high International IQ is a strong hire for any company back home, no matter what the industry. In short, the answer to your question is yes! Get international experience, and make the most of it. See Selling Your International Skills and also consider consulting Job Hunting When You Return (for registered users).

Good luck,
Jean-Marc

Hi Tim,

The short answer is: Yes. The international job hunt is an ongoing process, and in all likelihood, you will find that by building professional networks and connecting with international employers and experts in your field, you will begin opening doors to future success. Did you know that most international jobs are never actually posted to the public? Word of mouth, networks and personal connections are still important for professional success, even in this interconnected, online word.

This is a huge topic, and we deal with it extensively in the MyWorldAbroad site. Building networks, making contacts and inquiring about international positions are all part of a successful job hunt. Check out the articles (for registered users) here:

• Debunking the Myths: The Real Deal on International Work
• The Importance of Networking
• Targeting & Researching International Jobs
• Top Tips: Social Media for Career Success

Good luck!

Jean-Marc

Hi Jason,

The skill set that’s required to succeed in a cross-cultural or international environment is different, and more extensive than for a regular domestic job. Not only does an employee need to know about their field and the practicalities of their job, they must also have excellent cross-cultural communication skills, knowledge of the international goings-on in their industry, an understanding of the issues particular to the region they will be dealing with in the new international position, be highly personally and professionally adaptable, etc.

The international job interview is therefore more extensive, and often slightly different from a domestic job interview. When interviewing for an international job, for example, an employer has every reason to ask about your personal life, because your personal situation and motivations for going abroad can impact your job success.

Learn more about the differences between domestic and international job searches and interviews in the following MyWorldAbroad articles (for registered users):

• Top Tips: Interviewing for an International Job
• Before, During & After the Interview

We wish you every success in your job search!

Jean-Marc

Hi Macey,

There are few recruitment agencies that will find you an international job unless you working in a highly specialized area of expertise such as: senior executive, engineer, health care worker or some types of teaching position. You may be able to find some placement agencies working with casual or manual labor positions, but these aren't going to give you the maximum professional development potential while abroad. You may have to find work on your own by making direct contact with international employers in your line of work. If you head abroad to find work on your own, make sure you plan in advance. Save some money, make some contacts, research your destination. The more you know in advance, the better positioned you will be to make headway when you land on the ground. You will find the suggestions in Landing a Job: The Road to Teaching Abroad  (for registered users) pertinent to your queston.

In terms of your second question, it is your international employer who will be responsible for your health benefits and general well-being when abroad, not the recruitment agency.

Cheers,

Jean-Marc

Good question! My short answer is to first assess the student’s tolerance for risk. 

1. If your student has a high level of risk tolerance, than they can make direct contact with overseas employers online or they can get on a plane and find a job when they arrive at their destination abroad. It is easy to find a job teaching English overseas (except in English-speaking or Western European countries.)
2. If the student wants to have a less risky adventure (and many students can’t tolerate a lot of risks), then it is far better to go with an organization such as Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). They generally provide good value for your money and, most importantly, security and a verifiable track record. 

In short, when it comes to teaching abroad programs, you are often paying for the certainty of having a specific type of experience. There are many options to earn money teaching English, but the programs may be less structured, and the student might have to set up his own accommodation. Remember, there are over a billion people in the world who want to learn English, and teaching is one of the easiest ways to go abroad (and earn money). Check out Top Tips: Teach English Abroad and  Top Tips: Teaching Abroad as a Licensed Teacher (for registered users) as well. 

All the best,
Jean-Marc

P.S. Check out this Quick Guide: Teaching English Overseas: A Stepping Stone To International Careers .

Hi Patrick,

There is good news: The 50+ generation has never been healthier, more active or more qualified to work or volunteer overseas.

Retired and soon-to-retire individuals like yourself are now looking for adventure in addition to security; they want professional satisfaction as well as personal rewards. Whatever your reason for going abroad, we highly encourage it. And the opportunities are more numerous than you might think. In an age when countless young people are seeing the value in gaining international experience, many international organizations, volunteer operations, NGOs and businesses are actually happy to make contact with workers who have extensive experience and know-how. As a 50+ worker or volunteer, you bring with you the value of maturity and experience, and the determination to go abroad and make your goals a reality. Isolate what it is you really want to do or achieve abroad, and then start making contacts. 

Check out our articles (for registered users) on this very topic, and search through the guide for success strategies:

• Why 50+ Workers Should Go Abroad
• How to Acquire International Experience Later in Life

Best wishes,

Jean-Marc