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Comparison of Work Abroad Programs

If you are interested in working abroad, numerous special programs exist that offer placements into a specific job (paid or unpaid) along with providing a work permit. Or they may simply assist in procuring a short-term work permit and help you with a job search once overseas. Work abroad programs are intentionally limited in duration. For instance, short-term volunteer programs may last from a few weeks to a summer or six months. However, teaching abroad or long-term volunteering (such as the Peace Corps which covers the volunteer's expenses) have one or two year programs.

The following table is a comparison of the general features of the four major categories of working abroad. This list will be helpful in beginning your assessment of which program will fit your needs.

For detailed information, see International Internships	Internships offer the most direct connection to international careers Internships are available in a wide range of locations and disciplines, equaled in this respect only by volunteer options Internships and service-learning programs for academic credit are plentiful (they charge tuition) International internships may be located abroad or in the U.S. with international organizations Paid internships are relatively rare Typical duration is for a summer or semester, though some programs may last a year For additional information, see Selected Work Abroad Web Sites for online resources of International Internship programs.
For detailed information, see Short-Term Paid Work Abroad	Typical types of short-term paid work abroad include restaurant work, temping, childcare (au pair), farm work, though enterprising students do find work of a professional nature Most short-term work abroad programs are for students or recent graduates Programs of this type offer the best chance for you to earn your way abroad, though there are up-front costs for program fees, airfare and initial spending money Programs are located primarily in Europe, along a small number of other locations Typical duration ranges from a summer up to a year For additional information, see Selected Work Abroad Web Sites for online resources of Short-Term Paid Work Abroad programs.
For detailed information, see Volunteering Abroad	Volunteering abroad is defined not so much by pay or lack of it, but by a motivation to serve Some study-abroad programs (for academic credit) offer volunteer experiences as an integral part of the curriculum, often called “service-learning.” Volunteers usually work together with ordinary, non-elite and sometimes disadvantaged local citizens Types of work range from areas such as education, health, environment, and small-business development to archaeology digs Locations worldwide Excellent career preparation for those interested in developing countries or careers with non-governmental organizations Typical duration is from 2 weeks to 2 years For additional information, see Selected Work Abroad Web Sites for online resources of Volunteering Abroad programs.
For detailed information, see Teaching Abroad Without Certification and Teaching Abroad for Qualified Teachers	Teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language (TEFL or TESL) is one of the most accessible options for long-term (1-2 years) working abroad A college degree is required by most programs Location of TEFL jobs is typically in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Latin America, where ever English is not the native language of the local population Experience tutoring or teaching is recommended Additional teaching abroad options are available for those with teaching qualifications at the K-12 or university level Typical duration is for at least one year, but some short-term programs exist that offer summer or semester-length placements For additional information, see Selected Work Abroad Web Sites, Teaching English Abroad and Teaching K-12 and University Abroad for online resources of Teaching Abroad programs.

Last reviewed: 5/07