“Earning Abroad” Information Sheet
Compiled by Phillip Romine ‘07
Teaching English
These days, it seems the most common way to earn a buck abroad is teaching English. There is a plethora of programs available. Soc/Anthro majors have found the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program particularly alluring the past few years.
For the JET program directly, go to
Other Opportunities
Chiang Mai University in Thailand also offers English teaching directly through the University. For more information on these—as well as other—programs, contact either Tom Williamson in the Soc/Anthro department, or Professor Emeritus Mike Leming. If you wish to meet with Professor Leming, please keep in mind that he will be gone 2nd semester in Thailand. Professor Leming can be reached via email at leming@stolaf.edu. Professor Williamson’s extension is 3875, and his email is williata@stolaf.edu.
Another good place to look is larger universities’ websites. Places like the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin-Madison, or Indiana University have abroad contact people in all academic areas. Explore and see what you turn up. Countries across the globe are looking for English teachers; one must only figure out the proper channels and means of communication. Many of your best resources are right here in the Sociology/Anthropology department. Make an appointment with one of them; they are more than willing to help you any way they can.
Global Missions
The ELCA offers service opportunities to members, ages 19-30, to serve in international locations, including Argentina, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, the Middle East, the Philippines, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. It requires a 1 year commitment. You would start in mid-August 2007. Though you would need to raise a minimum of $3500 of support, once you’re placed abroad, travel, lodging, board, insurance, and allowance are provided.
L. DeAne Lagerquist in the Religion department mentioned a grad from 5 years back by the name of Andy Willis who spent 2 years in Israel. Contact her if you would like to get in contact with Andy or other grads who went a similar path. Her extension is 3175 and her email is lagerqui@stolaf.edu.
BUNAC
BUNAC ( Britain, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada) offers work opportunities in Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as volunteer opportunities in Cambodia, Peru, and South Africa. Their website is full of step-by-step information on applying, accessing eligibility, and finding a job in each of the countries mentioned.
Additional Web Resources
The information and websites listed above should prove helpful in beginning to find paid pathways abroad. Keep in mind that, though feasible, it is much easier to get abroad and stay abroad legitimately through a program of some kind. Solveig Zempel from the Norwegian department, also the Fulbright Scholarship Advisor for St. Olaf, mentioned that it is extremely important to investigate visa/work permit regulations for the country where you wish to work. Most countries only allow you 90 days of leisure travel before your presence in the country needs to be registered. If you work any length of time, you will need some sort of work permit. Google the country of your choice, find its immigration or labor office, and do some investigation.
Here are some other websites to poke around:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/index.shtml
http://www.malagainformation.com/sic/
http://www.jobsabroad.com/search.cfm
https://www.i-to-i.com/Home.aspx?tabindex=4&tabid=136&subtabindex=0&subtabid=1535&ci=en-us
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/teaching_english_abroad_news.shtml
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/au_pair_jobs.shtml
The best of luck as you search for global work opportunities. Remember, your professors, especially in the Soc/Anthro department, are more than happy to offer you their time and expertise. And don’t be afraid to make contacts at other institutions as well: send an email, make a phone call, visit a state university around your hometown.
