Work Abroad Opportunities

There is more than one way to have an international experience. Working abroad is an option that many US students choose in order to get overseas experience and work experience at the same time. Usually the work needs to be arranged prior to departure, and if a work permit is necessary (which it almost always is) that also needs to be arranged. However students may choose from a vast variety of work options, some paid and some voluntary.  Opportunities exist worldwide.

There are three basic types of work abroad, and we have listed some resources below under each type in order to help you get started on your search. Remember that if you choose one of these options, you should come by the CIE office so that you can access our work abroad library, and so that we can help you make your arrangements.

Please note that the following list is only for informational purposes. Not all providers and organizations are affiliated or endorsed by Frostburg State University.

Internships

Internships generally last for three to six months, and are arranged through a university or organization. Here are some internship resources:

  • Council internships - The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE or Council) is a good source for information about a variety of work abroad experiences.

  • BUNAC - The British Universities North America Club has operated a reciprocal program for over 36 years, providing work opportunities for US students in Britain, and for British students in the US. Application forms for British work permits are available in the CIE Office.

  • World Endeavors - World Endeavors provides international internship, study abroad, volunteer abroad, and customized group programs in over 20 countries around the world, with a focus on building meaningful connections between our participants and their host communities.

  • Cultural Vistas     -  Cultural Vistas has used career exploration to facilitate connections between Americans and international visitors for more than 60 years.

  • Alliances Abroad - They offer you a choice of either an internship, for those who want to explore a career in a foreign country, or a work program, for those wanting to simply earn money while experiencing a different culture. Many of the Internships provide a stipend to cover some living costs. Paid positions teaching English are available for students and college graduates in Cameroon, China, Jamaica, Mexico, Taiwan and Thailand. Community service programs are also available.

Volunteer

Many organization need your help overseas. In return you receive instruction and valuable hands-on experience.

  • Global Volunteer Network - GVN provides volunteer opportunities in local community projects throughout the world, including Alaska, China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Uganda, and Vietam.

  • Peace Corps - The Peace Corps is a long-established organization that trains individuals to work abroad in developing communities.

  • Global Crossroad - Operation Global Crossroad is a US-based, international, private voluntary organization that sponsors cross-cultural exchanges and small-scale development projects in Africa and the Diaspora.

  • International Volunteer Programs Association An up-to-date search site for international volunteer and internship opportunities.

  • Volunteer Forever - Cross-cultural Solutions is a nonprofit organization that sends volunteers abroad to provide humanitarian assistance.

  • WorldTeach - WorldTeach is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based at Harvard University's Center for International Development. WorldTeach was started in 1986 with the mission to improve the quality of education in developing countries. We currently send volunteers to Namibia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and China.

  • United Planet - United Planet (UP) is a nonprofit public charity devoted to enhancing cross-cultural & geographical understanding in order to promote peace, friendship, & economic prosperity among cultures.

  • World Endeavors - World Endeavors provides international internship, study abroad, volunteer abroad, and customized group programs in over 20 countries around the world, with a focus on building meaningful connections between our participants and their host communities.

  • American Jewish World Service - We pursue lasting change by providing financial support to local grassroots and global human rights organizations working in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and by mobilizing American Jews and others in the U.S. to advocate for policies that will benefit people in the developing world.

  • Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations - Volunteers work around the world in community development.

  • Amigos de las Americas - Amigos de las Américas inspires and builds young leaders through collaborative community development and immersion in cross-cultural experiences.

  • Amerispan - AmeriSpan's Volunteer/Internship Program offers placements, in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and the Caribbean. They offer placements in such areas as Social Work, Environmental Work, Working with Children, Education, ESL, Business, Healthcare, and much more.

  • Earth Watch - Join research scientists conduct scientific investigations all over the world. Expeditions are held year-round for 2-3 week intervals.

  • Global Service Corps - Live in Kenya, Costa Rica or Thailand while working on such community projects as health education, teaching and environmental experiences. Short and long term assignments are available.

  • Global Volunteers - Global Volunteers offers one to three week volunteer experiences in rural communities in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Eastern Europe, and the South Pacific. Volunteers will work on human and economic development projects.

Work-Study

There are programs which combine both academic study and work. Some of these programs can be very demanding on your time, so you must be prepared for an intense experience.

  • Partnership in Learning - PIL has programs throughout Europe and Asia combining study with volunteer service and internships.

  • World Endeavors - World Endeavors provides international internship, study abroad, volunteer abroad, and customized group programs in over 20 countries around the world, with a focus on building meaningful connections between our participants and their host communities.

  • Campus Career Center - searchable database allows students to search for employment opportunities worldwide.
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