International Careers: Getting Started

Accessibility to international internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities is growing. CEL staff members are ready to assist you in the process of considering, selecting, and applying for such opportunities. There are many different avenues for gaining international experience, so it is important to consider why, where, what/how, with whom, and how long you want to intern, work, or volunteer abroad.

Consider these questions to honestly and thoroughly evaluate your decision to pursue an international experience:

  • Why do I want to intern, work, or volunteer abroad? What is my motivation for seeking an opportunity overseas? What will I gain from an international experience that I couldn’t gain from a domestic experience? How does such an experience fit in to my career plans and goals?
  • Where do I want to go? What region of the world is of interest? What language skills are required to be successful? Do I want to be in a rural or urban setting? Is it safe for me to work or volunteer there? What types of cultural barriers must I overcome?
  • What type of work or volunteering do I want to perform? Do I want to work directly with people in a service setting? Do I want experience in a hospital, or in a corporate office? Which job or volunteer tasks will allow me to use and develop my skills? Do I prefer a structured or self-directed work/life setting?
  • What type of program or organization do I want to work or volunteer for? Do I want a faith-based or a secular organization? Should the organization focus more on community, the individual, or the bottom-line? What benefits are provided that would help me be successful (stipend, insurance, housing, etc.)?
  • How long do I want to be abroad (1 month, 6 months, 1 or 2 years, longer)? Can I afford to take time away from coursework or further education to pursue an international opportunity? What kinds of visa or work permit requirements are in place?

Additional Questions to Consider:

  • How will going abroad impact my relationships with family, friends, or significant others?
  • What impact will working or volunteering abroad have on my finances?
  • What personal health issues do I need to consider?
  • What preparations are needed before I can go abroad, and how long will they take (vaccinations, visa, passport)?

See also: Full-Time Service Opportunities.