Working Abroad

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Working abroad can mean anything from getting a summer job abroad as a part-time waitress before you commence your fall semester abroad to gaining an internship with a global corporation to even teaching aids awareness to people in Malawi through a volunteer program abroad like the Peace Corps.

Whether you work or volunteer abroad you’ll gain a better understanding of your host country’s culture and become more proficient in their language than if you sat on the sidelines and watched the work world pass you by.

Working abroad will also separate yourself from your competition as you gain valuable life experiences that will continue to benefit you throughout your career during and after college.

Volunteer As a Type of Work Abroad

When you volunteer abroad you are making the decision to help your fellow man with only gratitude as payment. The experience you’ll have is worth much more than money because:

• When you decide to make a difference in the world you’ll return a changed person
• You’ll get to experience a culture very unlike your own, especially when you volunteer abroad in an impoverished nation like many in Africa or South America
• You’ll also gain life skills that you might not get otherwise

There are many different ways you can volunteer abroad. The first is to volunteer with organizations established to better living conditions for the less fortunate and in developing nations.

Organizations such as these below are all reputable organizations that can provide placement to volunteers throughout the world:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Peace Corps
• United Nations Volunteers
• BUNA

Since you won’t receive compensation for most volunteer programs abroad, and you may have to provide for your own transportation, lodging and food, you must have a financial plan. Although volunteering abroad is very noble, you need to assess whether you can feasibly afford to live in a foreign country working for free.

Even with the savings you can find on travel through your ISIC card or on a prepaid international calling card through a company like Communications Fidelity you still may need financial help.

Keep in mind that many grants and other types of financial aid are available for almost every age, demographic and religious belief out there. The U.S. government even offers some federal student loan forgiveness to Peace Corps volunteers.

Workcamp = Affordable and Memorable Work Experience

Want a summer job abroad that you’ll never forget? Get a job in a workcamp.

Workcamps are a great way to:

• Live in another country
• Get to know its people
• Learn their culture and language better

These short-term opportunities, such as those available through the organization Volunteers for Peace, usually provide food and shelter in exchange for a nominal fee and your hard work. Keep in mind it is a nominal, aka small, type of payment.

What you’ll get in exchange is an unforgettable experience where you’ll live and work with other foreign volunteers for a few weeks. Together you’ll help to make the lives of people in developing nations better.