International Relations – Work and Study Abroad

If you were interested in my article Entry Level Jobs in International Relations, I hope this article will be helpful. When considering an international work experience, you may have a variety of reasons for doing so. On one hand, there is an opportunity to learn a lot about another culture; on the other hand, you may want to enhance your resume with some international experience that could benefit you when applying for entry level jobs in the United States, or applying to graduate school. May be you just want to discover yourself, or learn more about who you are. No matter your reasons, if you’re looking to gain work experience abroad, then you should do so as a college student or recent graduate to find opportunities exclusive to you.

For those of you only looking to work abroad, there are benefits available for you, just like in international study programs. These include cultural immersion (interacting with the local culture), personal development, and learning a foreign language. Depending on your situation, opportunities for work experience in international relations may come from an internship, volunteering, or a program that might even offer compensation for your time away from home.
There are challenges to consider when it comes to working abroad. Some employers abroad may not hire you for an entry level job in international relations without an invaluable skill or professional work experience. However, this concern can be overcome by doing your research and finding the right program that will allow you to gain some international experience, for example, by way of an internship.
The law is also a challenge to working abroad. If you want to work abroad, you will need a visa. Visas allow people from one country to work or live in another country for an extended time; all countries require their citizens to have a visa for work abroad programs. Specifically, you must have a work permit visa, which may only be available to you if you have an entry level job offer on the table. You must fill out an application, and your employer has to prove that your skills and abilities make you the most qualified person for the job over the local residents. Because of the cost and the time of this process, it may be hard to get a job if you don’t have a work permit on hand. Employers can get in trouble for hiring anyone without a work permit, however, student work exchange programs could provide an alternative to working abroad.
Some individuals may choose to work and study abroad. The best way to bring these interests together is to find an international study program with an internship or service-learning opportunity as an essential part of that program. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of working and studying abroad:
Advantages
-Provides logistical assistance and a structured learning environment
-Provides the quickest way to achieve fluency in a foreign language
-For those interested in working abroad, the opportunity to study abroad can allow you to explore job opportunities and network with potential employers
-Possible credit towards your college degree
-Possible financial aid for study abroad and scholarships
Disadvantages
-Cost
-Unless you’re getting credit for your degree, studying abroad may be impractical
Hopefully, I’ve given you some insight into what it could be like to work abroad, or work and study abroad. For more information, visit the source below.
Source
http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/work/overview.html

Originally posted by William Frierson