The Best Work Abroad Resources

For Students, Recent Graduates, and Beyond

Student Work Abroad Resources

"We all know we’re living in a global economy, for better or for worse. But if you actually want to work, intern, or volunteer in another country, or plan for a long-term international career, you’ll need the best possible information. Fortunately, there are some excellent books, organizations, and websites that can provide real help—if you can separate the best from the rest, which we do here."

—Resources compiled and edited by William Nolting, Univ. of Michigan International Center

Note: Work abroad programs and resources along with many expert articles and first-hand accounts on international careers, short-terms jobs abroad, internships abroad, teaching English Abroad, volunteer work overseas, and teaching K-12 and University abroad are constantly added and updated throughout TransitionsAbroad.com.

Work Abroad Resources for Students and Recent Graduates

International Careers

International career resources offer help in planning for a "global" lifetime, which more often than not develops in several stages. Typical home-base location for American citizens: U.S.

Internship Abroad Programs

Internship abroad programs include information about work, study, and travel options worldwide.

Short-Term Paid Work and Internships Abroad

Short-term paid work and internships resources are for casual work abroad, often—though not always—for students or recent graduates, and generally not career-related. The positions last from a summer to six months. Typical location: Western Europe. Look into these a few months before going. Internships Abroad here are like the international careers they can help open up, may be either located in the U.S. with international organizations, or overseas. They are often unpaid. Start your search early, as applications can be due three to nine months in advance.

Teaching Abroad: K-12 and University Level

K-12 and University resources for teachers with credentials. Typical locations: worldwide. Major K-12 job fairs are in February (apply in November).

Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad may not require any special credentials other than having English as your native language and a year's commitment (and usually a college degree). Typical locations: Eastern Europe and Asia. Apply as early as December prior to the fall you want to start.

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering options are the best choice for working in developing countries or for social causes anywhere. Many do "pay," at least room and board, and it may be possible to defer educational loans during the volunteer assignment. Typical locations: Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America, and North America (with international volunteer organizations). For summer workcamps apply March-May. For long-term options like the Peace Corps, apply six to nine months in advance.

International Job Listings

International job listings include newsletters specializing in international job openings in all sectors, but advertised jobs tend to be only a fraction of those actually available (see internet resources for more).

Key Work Abroad Publishers

Key work abroad publishers resources is a list of just that—organizations and book publishers that are essential to finding jobs overseas.

Tesolmax.com: Top Jobs Teaching English Abroad