WORK ABROAD

The main obstacle to working abroad is obtaining a work visa. Most countries will not issue a work visa unless you have already secured a job in the country. The best option for short-term work abroad is to go through a student work-exchange program. For a fee ranging from $250 to $500, these programs will get you a short term work visa. These programs were not designed to launch participants into an international career, rather to provide a way for young people to essentially "break even" while traveling in a foreign country.

Teaching English is another option if you'd like to work abroad for a longer period of time. The best way to enter the field is to take a certified TEFL or TESOL course. Courses can be taken locally, or in the country you'd like to teach in.

The quality of TEFL/TESOL courses varies greatly. A good TEFL/TESOL course should be at least 100 hours long, and monitored by an external professional organization. Most course are four weeks long, and costs range from $1000- $3000. The CELTA (The University of Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the most prestigious and widely recognized TESOL certificate.

Transitions Abroad is an excellent resource for anyone going abroad. They have information and articles on work, teaching English, travel, volunteering and much more.

Work Exchange Programs

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) : Short term work permits for Australia, Canada Ireland and New Zealand. Also provides orientation and support finding work.

BUNAC : Short term work permits for Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

CCUSA: A smaller organization based in Sausalito specializing in short term work visas for Australia and New Zealand. They also have a unique volunteer program in Russia.

Teaching English Abroad

Language Corps : TESOL training and guaranteed job placement.

Trans World Schools: A variety of TEOSL courses

St. Giles International: Offers CELTA courses in San Francisco

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program : Teach English in Japan