3. Go to the American Embassy and investigate the requirements for employment in your country of choice. Find out about the necessary paperwork, visas, etc., you would need if you returned to the country for work.

4. Visit potential employers such as American organizations with international offices. Find out if they hire Americans and what the typical entry-level positions are. If they say you must apply for work first in the United States, find out whom you should contact. Keep a list of your resources and findings for when you return to the States. If an organization is particularly appealing, ask if you can do an internship before you return to the United States.

5. If you have an area of interest, consider investigating related companies. For example, if you are interested in advertising and you are living in London, why not visit a British advertising agency? You can make an appointment to speak with someone in the agency who is willing to talk to you about the business. Explain that you are an American student and are not looking for employment, but merely want to learn about the field of advertising in England. Please be sensitive to any cultural differences, however. In America this behavior is quite acceptable, but it may be considered too bold in some countries. Be respectful and pleasant and write a thank- you letter to the person with whom you spoke.

6. Visit the career center of the college where you're studying, if one exists. Notice the job announcements on the bulletin boards. Not all schools will have a career center, but in general, British, Canadian, and Australian schools have placement offices.

Here are some tips to help you when you return from your study abroad program.

When you return:

1. Be sure to send thank-you notes to the individuals you connected with while abroad. Postcards are a quick way to keep in touch and convey a sense of your homeland.

2. Create a plan of action for finding your international job. Visit your college's Career Center and ask for assistance with the international job search. Check their library for books related to international employment. Continue to research websites and other resources for assistance.

3. Prepare your resume in a style that fits your country of choice. Translate your resume into the native language of the country in which you want to work.

4. Conduct an information interview with alumni from your institution who are currently working abroad or who work in international-related fields.

The international job market is tough, but the wonderful opportunities are well worth the extra effort. Tell everyone you know that you're seeking an international job. You'll be surprised at who can help you. One of our Dickinson students played in a handbell choir. While introducing herself to the audience after the concert she mentioned that she had just returned from Moscow and was seeking a job in Russia. The husband of one of the audience members just happened to be developing a new sales initiative in Russia and the student was hired immediately to return to Moscow and help with the program!

Be positive, be committed, and don't get discouraged. If you're armed with good information and solid job-seeking skills you will succeed!

Dr. Katharine S. Brooks is Director of Career Services at Dickinson College. Dr. Brooks has been helping clients find international jobs for over 15 years. She has traveled extensively in search of international opportunities, received a grant to study international hiring practices, and has supervised American students conducting internships in Dublin, Ireland.