Center for Career Development
Students & Alumni -- International Employment
Where To Find International Jobs
The nature of your job search depends on your goals. If you know the specific country or region in which you would like to work, the best way to start is to research American or International schools or employers in that country and write directly to the employer. In addition, there are agencies that screen and recommend candidates for positions in certain international schools and businesses. Many people do not know specifically where they wish to work. Candidates who maintain an open mind and are willing to be flexible in where they relocate have a far better chance of being hired. The good news, however, is that over the past few years, the number of available jobs has increased while the number of U.S. applicants has decreased.
Source: "Teaching Overseas, How to Land a Job in an International School", The Working Traveler.
What Are Employers Looking For
In general, international employers are seeking successful and optimistic people with real potential for weathering the often-challenging circumstances of working abroad. The most desirable candidate for an overseas position is the person who is flexible and open-minded, demonstrates a commitment to the field, and has a strong sense of humor. The number of years of previous experience and/or academic training that an employer may require can vary greatly depending on the field and position to which you are applying. Certainly there is some type of work for anyone who wishes to work abroad, regardless of experience and qualifications.
Your Resume And Cover Letter
As always, your resume should be clean, neat, and informative. The cover letter should give the reader insight into the strengths you have as a teacher and/or employee, your reasons for wishing to go overseas, and the levels and areas in which you would prefer to teach or work. It is helpful to include extracurricular activities because this information demonstrates your willingness to get involved in student activities and is often a very significant factor in the selection of staff by international recruiters. You should also indicate when and where you will be available for an interview.
What To Expect
Probably the most important point to realize when considering international employment is that there will be many cultural, professional, technological, linguistic, and economic differences between where you come from and where you wish to go. While this may seem obvious, it is vital to keep these differences in mind throughout your job search and when living abroad. The opportunity to work in another country should be viewed as a privilege and as an incredible learning experience. It is important to enter into it with an open mind. Working in an international arena demands being considerate of other ways of doing things and other ways of relating to people. Even day-to-day activities take some adjustment. Certainly research on the foreign culture can help to orient you to those differences. Good luck!
Internet Resources For International Employment
Several international placement agencies are outlined below.
Overseas Jobs Express features international job opportunities across many disciplines, including politics, law, and the humanities, for professionals and adventure seekers. Visit www.overseasjobs.com for more information.
Child Life
Operation Smile is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical services organization providing reconstructive surgery and related health care to indigent children and young adults in developing countries. Visit www.operationsmile.org for more information.
Peace Corps offers teaching positions and positions that aim to raise awareness of the need for health education and healthy environments. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
Education
English Job Maze is an international ESL/EFL job and information site. It also contains free TESL industry-related information for teachers, including 'Countries @ a Glance' - a comprehensive TESL guide to pay, taxes, visas, travel, etc. in 50 of the world's most popular teaching destinations. Visit www.englishjobmaze.com for more information.
Institute of International Education provides opportunities in over 250 programs within United States agencies and educational departments. Visit www.iie.org for more information.
International Schools Services serves American international schools overseas year-round by recruiting teachers and other educational personnel. Visit www.iss.edu for more information.
Teaching & Projects Abroad is a global organization that offers volunteer experiences (e.g. teaching, journalism, broadcasting, nursing, and more) in twelve different countries. Visit www.teaching-abroad.org for more information.
Friends of World Teaching offers jobs for teachers, counselors, special educators, school administrators, and more. Visit www.fowt.com for more information.
The International Educator offers jobs for teachers in American International Schools. Visit http://www.tieonline.com for more information.
Social Work
Action Without Borders offers paid employment, internships and volunteer positions in social work in 153 countries. Visit www.idealist.org for more information.
American Council for Voluntary International Action is a coalition of 165 non-profit organizations working worldwide. Visit www.interaction.org for more information.
People To People offers internships and volunteer positions in social work, education, healthcare, and childcare around the world. Visit www.ptpi.org for more information.
AustraLearn offers custom designed internships in social work, the arts, communication, and related fields throughout Australia. Visit www.australearn.org for more information.
National Association of Social Workers offers both domestic and international employment opportunities. Visit www.naswdc.org for more information.
Contact Center for Career Development
Mailing Address:
Center for Career Development
Wheelock College
200 the Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
