Preparing to go Abroad - Deciding Where to Go and Why

Going abroad is a wonderful experience.  Whether or not your goal is to work internationally long term, employers look highly upon those who have gone abroad to travel, study, research or work.  Below are some questions you might ask yourself before going abroad:

What are your goals for going abroad? Cultural experience, career development, or both?
If your goal is to simply gain experience abroad, make sure to look at all possibilities available to you.  Be creative and flexible when looking for opportunities abroad.  Volunteering, researching, or even something such as working in a pub or hotel can provide fantastic skills and benefits later in life.  At minimum, your communication skills and cultural understanding are enhanced, but other benefits could include a greatly expanded network of local citizens who can help you later if you look for longer term employment.

If your goal is to gain career oriented skills, know that your search may take a bit longer than you think.  The idea of "internships" is fairly unknown throughout most of the world. Local students either continue to study during the summer months or are more likely to work in retail or hospitality.  In countries where internships are more common, such as Germany, the students tend to be in their last year of study and the internship usually lasts for 6 months or longer.
Does this mean you can't get any internship abroad?  Of course not, it simply means networking with those abroad who are familiar with the concept of internships (alums abroad, family, friends) and approaching organizations with a clear understanding of what your goals are in working for the company and how they can benefit from it, become even more important. 

Do you want to get paid while abroad?
If yes, you will need a work permit.  Each country has different regulations regarding who can work in their country.  Work permit information is available at each country's immigration or labor websites, or from the country's consulate or embassy located in the U.S.  The general rule world wide is that countries must hire their own citizens before hiring someone from outside the country, unless that person has special skills that can't be found by someone local (this is why teaching English abroad, can at times be the easiest method of employment.) Some countries have a category of work permit for short-term employment for students, recent graduates or younger professionals.  The length of these work permits vary by country ranging from 4 months to 12 months.  These countries may be easier to find employment in because the work permit may be obtained without an offer of employment first.  The longer work permits generally require an offer of employment first, yet employers may be unwilling to hire someone without a work permit because of the sometimes long process to get one.  Thus creates a "catch 22" when looking for work.  You can't get a work permit with out a job and you can't get a job with out a work permit.  Again, this is where networking and establishing relationships with organizations is crucial. Organizations that know you may be more motivated to apply for a work permit for you.

If you do find paid employment abroad, many times it is at the minimum wage which will just cover your cost of living.  Many going abroad will just "break even" due to conversion rates and higher living expenses in other countries.

Where do you want to go?
You may think that being willing to do anything or go anywhere is helpful, but it can be very overwhelming to try to do a job search world wide.  If you can't narrow down to a specific country, try to narrow to a specific region of the world, or language.  Next, you will want to learn as much as possible about that country. As stated previously, different countries work permit regulations can hamper your ability to get paid work in your country of choice.  Other factors to consider in narrowing your choice of country are the cost of living in that country, common industries, and general lifestyle. 

Are you ready to approach international employers?
Depending on the country you are going to, the application materials you submit to an employer may look very different.  For example, in France, some employers prefer cover letters that are handwritten.  In Germany, it is not uncommon to be required to submit photocopies of your diplomas.  In many countries your date of birth and marital status is requested.  When approaching employers be sure to have you materials in a format they are familiar with. 

Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the overall job search methods and interviewing process is very helpful.  Talking to others who have worked or lived in your country of interest can be very helpful.  There are many international students at Stanford, asking them how they (or their parents, if they haven't worked in their home country) would find a job, can lead to great tips and insight.