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Home About the International Center Director’s Message About Our Services Locations and Hours of Operation Advising Hours Staff Advisory Groups Contact Us For International Students Frequently Asked Questions Events & Workshops Forms U-M International Student Organizations Prospective Students Newly Admitted Students Current Students For International Faculty, Staff, & Scholars J-1 Scholars J-1 Frequently Asked Questions H-1B Visa — Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation H-1B Frequently Asked Questions Faculty & Staff Immigration-Related Forms For U-M Departments Frequently Asked Questions Forms Hiring Foreign National Employees H-1B Visa – Temporary Worker Hosting a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Categories for U-M Faculty and Staff Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Online Tutorial SEVIS Business Processes Fee Schedule Immigration & Visas F-1 International Students J-1 International Students J-1 Scholars and Professors B-1/B-2 Visa—Business or Pleasure Visitor TN Visa E-3 Visa O-1 Visa PR Visa Hiring Foreign National Employees Using U-M Retained Immigration Attorneys U.S. Department of Homeland Security Address Notification Requirement Immigration-Related Forms Health Insurance Useful Links & Frequently Asked Questions U-M Health Insurance Office Hours U-M Health Insurance Requirement and Enrollment U-M Plan Coverage and Rates Alternatives to the U-M IHI U-M Health Insurance Standards & Insurance Waiver Using the U-M IHI Plan U-M International Student/Scholar Health Insurance (IHI) ID Card Doctor Visits and Hospital Stays What's Covered and What's Not What To Do If You Get A Bill From The Hospital or Doctor Travel Outside the U.S. Prescription Drugs Important Phone Numbers If You are Not Eligible for the U-M IHI Plan Health Insurance Information for Canadian Students and Scholars Health Insurance Forms Dental Care Taxes & Social Security Tax Laws and Filing Requirements Tax Software Instructions, Forms, & Publications Tax Assistance Information for the Current Tax Year Choosing a Tax Preparer Getting a Social Security Number/Card Getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Applying for a refund of Social Security/Medicare tax withheld in error Life in Ann Arbor Housing Transportation Driver's License and State Identification Card Banking Telephones Health Care Children Safety, Laws, and Legal Counseling Cultural Adjustment, Counseling and Community Services Recreation for Students, Adults, and Children Classes for Adults and Children Entertainment, Cultural Activities, and Shopping Travel Miscellaneous Information Cost of Living Study, Work, Travel Study Abroad Work Abroad Travel Abroad Basics Health & Safety Diversity Services Peace Corps Overview Location, Hours, and Contact Us Local Events Resources For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers U.S. Dept. of State International Visitor Program	home \| study, work, travel \| work abroad \| is work abroad for me Is Work Abroad for Me? An international work or research experience will be both challenging and rewarding. Workplace culture and norms will be different from what you are used to. While working abroad, be mindful of expectations regarding workloads, timeliness, and supervisor/employee interactions. Depending on where you go organizations may be less task- and goal-oriented than in the U.S. You may find a generally slower pace of work and life in many regions of the world. The following qualities can help ensure you have a productive and successful work experience abroad: Willingness to engage, listen, and observe Willingness to work collaboratively with your supervisor and host organization. How can you be helpful to them? What can you learn? Humility Flexibility and tolerance for cultural differences Independence Ability to cope with feelings of loneliness, isolation or homesickness Responsibility for your own safety, health and welfare Sense of humor Ability to tolerate personal and professional setbacks Ability to tolerate ambiguity and lack of (or different) structure in your everyday environment Rewards and Benefits of Working Abroad While the challenges may be greater than for study abroad, so are the potential rewards. Students and graduates who have worked, interned, volunteered or conducted research abroad have reported many rewards including: Increased confidence and competence Deep understanding of the host country's culture (though you may need to reflect and read on your own to conceptualize this understanding) Immersion in and faster acquisition of a foreign language; some programs include an intensive language component at the beginning Insight into possible career choices Last reviewed: 02/13

Is Work Abroad for Me?

Rewards and Benefits of Working Abroad