I'm graduating from college next year and would love to work abroad for a year or two before I settle down into a career here. How do I find (and land) a job in another country?

ANSWER:

First off, get to know the work permit and visa requirements for any country you want to work in. Resist the temptation to book a ticket and head out with a plan to work under the table -- you don’t want any legal trouble. Instead, plan ahead and get with a program. Many organizations offer work and volunteer opportunities for new graduates. Not only do they provide in-country support, but it’s also an easy way to make friends.

Want to work in a local pub or customer service job? Check out BUNAC.org, an organization that provides access to work permits and local leads in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France, as well as volunteer opportunities in Cambodia and South Africa.

Want to teach? Check out the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme (known as JET), a popular program seeking American students to teach English in Japan. France also has a popular English teaching assistant program, run by the French Ministry of Culture.

Want a job in your field? Your chances will improve if you have specific skills, like a background in engineering or fluency in a foreign language. Take a look at global companies that offer overseas rotations as part of their training programs. Idealist.org offers international job listings in the nonprofit and NGO sectors.

The career office and study abroad staff on your campus can help you with the application process. I also recommend doing an advanced search for past employees and program participants on LinkedIn. Send them an email expressing interest in learning about their experience. Ask for an informational interview and learn the best way to apply. Then go for it! -- As told to Caroline Kinneberg
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