INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
FOR U.S. C ITIZENS
Hola Talofa
Goeie Dag
`
Xin Chao
Selamat Datong
Ni Hao Privitani
Salaam
Bonjour
Hujambo
Zdravo
Konnichi Wa
Kumushtaka
Hello Shalom
Suksabai Jie Te
Ahoj
Dzien Dobry
Namaste
Apa Kabar Merhaba
Guten Tag
www.uh.edu/ucs
713-743-5100
ucs@uh.edu
Mingala Ba
Location:
Student Service Center 1
Room 106 (First Floor)
#524 on the UH campus map
P: (713) 743-5100
W: www.uh.edu/ucs
E: ucs@uh.edu
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INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT
FOR U.S. CITIZENS
INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEER EMPLOYMENT
O
ne of your best opportunities for building an international resume is with an internship or by
gaining volunteer experience. If you are currently enrolled in college, you may want to check
with the Study Abroad office (www.uh.edu/studyabroad). They can help you decide upon
programs that may count towards your degree. There is the possibility of combining an
international internship along with your study abroad program. Going abroad before you graduate
from school can help you improve your language skills as well as get a head start on networking for
an international job. If you have already graduated or cannot participate in a study abroad
program, there are other options.
Internships
S
everal programs exist to provide you with a temporary work permit that will allow you to be
employed for three to six months. While these programs do not provide jobs, they do offer
the opportunity to legally apply for jobs in participating countries.
Work in Britain
Sponsored by British Universities North American Club (BUNAC), this program enables
full time U.S. students to work in Britain for a period of up to six months. You may
work at any time of the year; there is not a deadline for application and it is possible to
work your six months shortly after graduation. The program is authorized by the British
government and allows you to accept any position and to be paid at the prevailing wages.
 Website: www.bunac.org
 E-mail: info@bunacusa.org
Work Abroad
This program of the Council on International Educational Exchange is very similar to the
above program. In addition to Britain, it includes Ireland, France, Australia, New
Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada and Germany. Most participants take paid seasonal
positions but it is possible to land a more professional position. The Council also has a
program of international volunteer projects as well as a “Teach in China” program.
 Website: www.ciee.org
 E-mail: contact@ciee.org
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IAESTE – International Association for the Exchange of Technical
Experience
IAESTE provides international on-the-job training in 60-plus nations for students in
engineering, computer science, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, architecture
and agricultural science. Applicants are expected to be junior-standing or above, which
includes masters and doctoral students. Most countries do not require that you speak the
language. Your salary should cover living expenses, but you are responsible for travel,
insurance, application and participation fees.
Since this is an exchange program, there are as many positions for U.S. students as there
are positions in the United States for students from other countries. If you can locate an
employer in the U.S. who will hire a student from another country, you can greatly
increase your chances of finding a position.
 Website: www.iaeste.org
The American-Scandinavian Foundation’s (ASF) Training Program
Work assignments, usually two to six months, from late spring through fall, are available
for American students majoring in engineering, computer science, chemistry and
business. Positions are located primarily in Finland and Sweden. The trainee receives
sufficient income from the trainer to cover living expenses during the period of training
but is expected to cover the cost of round-trip airfare. ASF offers short-term training
placements and work-permit assistance for “self-placed” Americans who have arranged
their own assignments in Scandinavia. There is no Scandinavian language requirement.
 Website: www.amscan.org
 E-mail: info@amscan.org
International Cooperative Education
Work as a paid intern in Europe or Asia. This program was originally developed to assist
language majors to become more fluent. However, it is open to other majors as well.
 Website: www.icemenlo.com
 E-mail: info@icemenlo.com
AIESEC
AIESEC is a student-run international organization dedicated to increasing cultural
understanding and cooperation through running an international paid internship
program. Thousands of quality international internships are available in 88 countries and
in the following areas: marketing, finance, market research, accounting, auditing,
management, education, computer systems, and many more.
The student chapters in Houston periodically hold seminars to educate students about
their program.
 Website: http://aiesechouston.weebly.com/
 E-mail: houston-president@aiesecus.org
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Volunteer Programs
Council on International Educational Exchange – sponsors volunteer projects
in four categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Archaeology
Construction and Renovation
Nature Conservation and
Social Service
There is fee for the program as well as insurance coverage. The hosting program
provides accommodations.
 Website: www.ciee.org
 E-mail: contact@ciee.org
Transitions Abroad is a portal with a wide variety of resources for working overseas.
 Website: www.transitionsabroad.com
POST GRADUATE: CAREER AND FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
The Peace Corps
The Peace Corps actively recruits University of Houston graduates. To qualify, you must
be at least 18 years of age, in good health, a U.S. citizen and a college graduate. The
length of service is two years. Volunteers from all degrees are needed. The Peace Corps
provides Volunteers with training, a monthly living allowance, transportation to and from
the country of service, medical and dental care, and 24 days of vacation per year. In
addition, after completion of training and service, Volunteers are given a stipend to help
them readjust to life after the Peace Corps.
Opportunities to volunteer fall under these categories: education; youth and community
development; health; business information/communication technology; agriculture;
environment and food security.
 Website: www.peacecorps.gov
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
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Local governments of Japan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
Ministry of Education and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations,
sponsor this premier program.
Two options exist. Most participants will be Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) which,
although helpful, does not require Japanese language skills. Those who have a high level
of proficiency in the Japanese language may be Coordinators for International Relations
(CIR) in local government offices. ALTs work in local public Japanese schools
(elementary, junior high, and high schools) across Japan, team-teaching English with
Japanese teachers of English. All majors are welcome. A teaching certification is not
necessary to become an ALT, however, participants must have a bachelor’s degree and be
a native English speaker.
In addition to round-trip airfare, a salary and benefits, participants receive orientation and
training and are otherwise well taken care of. Participants are paid generously enough so
that most are able to either pay off student loans, save or invest for the future, or do a
substantial amount of traveling. The initial contract is for one year but may be renewed.
Since the JET Program is an “exchange” program, successful candidates are not only
willing to teach about American culture, but should also be interested in learning about
Japanese language and culture.
The application deadline is in November
and candidates are notified by the following
April or May. Your senior year is a good time
to apply, but alumni are also considered.
Applications and additional information are
available at University Career Services. In
addition, the Japanese Consulate usually hosts
an information session at UCS in October to
explain the program. The JET program is eager
to include University of Houston graduates and
several have participated.
 Website: www.jetprogramme.org
 Website: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET (for
U.S. citizens)
Teaching Overseas
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Many opportunities exist for U.S. citizens interested in teaching English overseas,
particularly in Asia or Eastern Europe, for one or two years. For most of these
opportunities, host country governments facilitate the process of receiving a temporary
work permit. Listings are regularly posted on the bulletin boards across campus.
The majority of teaching opportunities abroad are for English teachers. Simply being a
native speaker of the English language with a college degree may be all you need to find a
job and obtain working permission in many countries of the world. Formal credentials in
teaching English as a second language (variously called TEFL, TEFOL, TESL, TESOL,
or ESL) can be obtained in one-month courses.
Government Employment
Working for the U.S. Department of State is an exciting and extremely
competitive option for those who are interested in working overseas.
Information about the Foreign Service Officer Test, as well as student
opportunities can be found on online.
 Website: www.careers.state.gov
Qualifications for International Employment
W
ith the exception of jobs with employers such as the U.S. Government and various nonprofit international organizations and agencies, qualifying for overseas opportunities is
extremely difficult for U.S. citizens attending or recently graduating from undergraduate
institutions. There are several reasons for this difficulty, and they apply equally to paid and
volunteer positions as well as post-graduation and summer opportunities abroad. Most
governments have very strict employment regulations against hiring citizens from other countries.
Overseas opportunities are generally sought by citizens from many countries, resulting in applicant
pools becoming larger, more global and, therefore, more competitive. Without substantial work
experience or advanced training, U.S. undergraduates tend to aim for entry-level opportunities that
are likely to be filled by qualified job-seeking citizens of the host country. Gaining official
permission to work in a foreign country may depend on the marketability of your skills vis-à-vis the
demand for those skills in that country’s job market. Regarding the hiring of U.S. citizens, U.S.
companies overseas are subject to the same hiring restrictions as host country employers. Citizens
of other countries are likely to confront similar problems and restrictions when searching for
opportunities outside their countries of passport.
Improving Chances for International Employment
T
raditional paths to overseas career opportunities include earning an advanced degree, for
example Law, Business, International Affairs, and/or working your way up within an
organization and positioning yourself for an international assignment. Success in the international
job market, however, depends mostly on the critical skill(s) you develop and the relationship of
those skills to the job market where you are applying.
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STUDY ABROAD
U
niversity of Houston offers a number of study abroad programs as well as information about
others not directly connected to UH. Contact the Office of International Studies and
Programs (OISP), 501 Ezekiel Cullen, 713-743-9167 for additional information.
RESOURCES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH
www.transitionsabroad.com - This site offers
a great deal of fine information as well as
links to other travel and work abroad sites.
www.indeed.com/worldwide-Sign-up for free
job agents based on keywords, company
names and/or country
www.escapeartist.com - This site is full of
information about living and working
overseas.
http://intlorganizationjobs.state.gov/iva/
default.aspx
Working at the UN and other agencies overseas.
www.eslcafe.com/jobs - A well-known
website in the ESL world with information
from jobs to lesson plans.
www.state.gov/careers - The home page of
the U.S. Department of State has a lot of
good information for one interested in
overseas employment.
www.idealist.org - Just as the name indicates,
this website specializes in humanitarian jobs, www.monster.com/geo/siteselection - For
many of which are overseas.
international positions in business and
industry.
www.quintcareers.com/
Global_job_resources.html - A very good www.campuscareercenter.com - Both career
career resource site that posts international
and intern positions.
jobs as well.
www.overseasjobs.com - Features overseas
www.FirstGov.gov - The home page of the
jobs and international employment
U.S. Government.
opportunities for professionals, expatriates,
and adventure seekers.
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/
Travel/International.shtml
www.studyabroad.com - Online source for
This U.S. Government website provides relevant
information on Study Abroad Programs.
information about traveling overseas.
This is a commercial service listing more
than 400 study abroad programs in 100
countries.
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www.iie.org - The Institute of International
Education offers extensive assistance to
persons seeking international experience.
Included at this website is information about
Fulbright Assistantships.
www.mountbatten.org - Arranges one year
business internships in London for U.S.
citizens.
The article “Essential Skills for International Careers,” in Planning Job Choices 2002 offers
advice about resumes and interviewing both in the United States and abroad, as well as
expectations of many foreign employers. It also offers the following:
OISP
501 Ezekiel
Cullen
713-743-9167
“An international career is a series of jobs that requires employees to
conduct their work across national borders or between at least two cultures
within a single country. Notice there’s nothing here to say that ‘international’
means working and living outside of the United States. For Americans, the
trend in the international job market is for entry-level positions to be in
locations within the United States, for mid-level positions to involve travel to
other countries, and for employees with the most experience and/or most
desirable skills to get the overseas assignments.”
(continued)
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“The employee who displays ‘cross-cultural competence’ has an
understanding of the international business environment, plus the skills and
knowledge needed for applying these effectively in new situations.
…there are some skills that some employers say are essential for those
working in an international environment (in alphabetical order):
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ability to learn
adventurous spirit
creativity
curiosity
functional skills
initiative
language skills
sense of humor
sensitivity, adaptability, and flexibility
strong interpersonal skills
tenacity
willingness to take risks.”
April 2014