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. Options are not just limited to western Europe either. 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.

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.
• Arcadia University summer internships - Arcadia University arranges summer internships in England, Scotland, Australia and elsewhere for students interested in gaining experience in theater, political science, hotel management and a variety of other subjects.
• Association for International Practical Training - AIPT places technical students in 64 countries for summer and long-term internships.

Volunteer: Many organization need your help overseas. In return you receive instruction and valuable hands-on experience that you can't get over here.

• Institute for International Cooperation and Development - IICD offers 6-20 month volunteer programs in Africa or Latin America, and trains students to work on sustainable community development projects.
• 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.
• Crossroads Africa - Operation Crossroads Africa 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.
• IVPA Resource List - A listing of other Internet links on volunteering and internships.
• Cross Cultural Solutions - Cross-cultural Solutions is a nonprofit organization that sends volunteers abroad to provide humanitarian assistance.
• Lifelong Educational Alternatives and Programs (LEAPNow) - A source for low-cost internships, volunteer positions, work exchanges, and experiential academic programs in over 120 countries and the US.
• 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.

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.
• SOWK summer program - Students in human services majors can spend four weeks in Limerick completing SOWK 490 and gaining field experience in social services agencies.