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Work Abroad Web Sites

* Denotes a highly recommended resource.

Primary Work & Study Abroad Resources

Web sites in this section are some of the most useful for students and graduates. They list internships, volunteer, work abroad and study abroad programs with or without academic credit.

* University of Michigan International Center's Education Abroad Office
This site includes articles explaining the types of work abroad programs and how to find them, selected listings of programs, and very comprehensive annotated links and print resources for study, work and travel abroad. U-M students can benefit from the office's individualized advising, presentations and specialized library and online directory). See these introductory articles:
* GoAbroad.com
A very comprehensive and up-to-date web site with excellent search provisions. Web site's design allows continuous updates by program providers. Most listings give extensive information. Search possible by country or subject. Provides addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for all programs. Links to program websites for only some programs. Listings also bring up country-specific travel information. One of the best sites for those looking for a broad range of education abroad options.
* How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas
Author: Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. 2002. Penguin-Putnam. This highly-recommended book provides a comprehensive overview of volunteering abroad, including evaluations of the pros and cons of over 100 volunteer organizations. Twelve chapters cover topics such as: Is Volunteering Overseas Right for You, Pros and Cons of the Peace Corps, Doing it Without a Program, Overcoming Financial Obstacles, How to Be an Effective International Volunteer, and Staying Involved When You Get Back. This book is absolutely essential reading for anyone considering volunteering abroad!
* Institute of International Education Passport (IEE)
The IIE publishes some of the most comprehensive information on study and work abroad programs available anywhere, and their site is one of the best to start with. Two search features are available: IEE Passport's Advanced Search lets you check off the program characteristics you're interested in, such as location, language of instruction, or if the program offers a special "FORMAT" such as internships, volunteering, or field research. IEE Passport includes all the listings from the IEE books Academic Year Abroad and Vacation Study Abroad.
* International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA)
An essential resource for those interested in international volunteering and service learning. IVPA is a professional association for administrators of international volunteer programs, as well as advisers and students interested in this type of international experience. Their web site lists programs for volunteering abroad, some of which offer academic credit, and has extensive links to relevant resources. Organizations that are members of IVPA are encouraged to follow IVPA's Principles and Practices.
* Michigan State University's Directory Of International Internships
Author: Charles A. Gliozzo and Vernicka K. Tyson, 2003. This book lists over 500 internship programs offered by 165 organizations, for academic credit, for pay, or simply for experience. Most are located abroad, though some are with international organizations in the U.S. Includes useful cross-indexes for both subject and location. Available only in hard copy from: International Media Center, Michigan State University, Post Office Box 710, East Lansing, MI 48826-0710; Telephone: 517.353.9229.
Studyabroad.com
Internship and Volunteer abroad programs
Teach Abroad Programs
Site includes many listings, but information in each is limited compared to some sites (does not provide cost information, for example). Provides addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses. Links to program web sites for only some programs. Search possible by country, academic subject, or both, but no other variables; advertisers come first in the search results.
The Electronic Embassy
This site collects the home pages of all U.S.-based embassies. While these sites are not specifically about study or work abroad, many countries do provide cultural and educational exchange information, in addition to essential information for travel and work (visas, etc.), on their web sites. Note, however, that these sites rarely mention internship, volunteer and work exchange programs which can be found in the other resources mentioned here.
* Transitions Abroad
Editors: Clay Hubbs, Gregory Hubbs, and Sherry Schwarz. Contributing editor: William Nolting. Transitions Abroad magazine (founded almost three decades ago) was the first to cover all education abroad options from work and study abroad to educational travel. The on-line version includes an unparalleled wealth of in-depth information, including first-hand reports, annotated guides to resources, and listings of programs. Has excellent search capabilities. Try searching by country, region, and/or other topics. The major sections of this site include:
* University of California-Irvine, International Opportunities Program
This was one of the first university-based web sites on working abroad. Also has links to many other useful sites. Information on both academic and non-academic internships. Extensive directories (not databases) for:
The World at Your Fingertips (University of California-Irvine)
An instructional site on how students and advisers can use the Internet to research options for education abroad.
* University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center
A comprehensive, longstanding university web site unique for its databases on work abroad and scholarships, with outstanding search provisions. Each entry contains full information, including links to web sites.
Searchable Databases
Articles
* University of Wisconsin-Madison: Go Global! The International Careers web site
An outstanding university-based web site that includes selected resources on:
* U.S. Department of State
While not a directory of programs, this site provides essential information from the diplomatic branch of the U.S. government for everything from travel safety advisories to crisis assistance for U.S. citizens abroad, and contact information for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Also lists foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. The Department of State offers 1,000 internships annually as well as career positions. Country background notes, travel advisories, and countless other articles make this site one of the most valuable sources of international information on the web. Frequently-consulted parts of this very comprehensive web site include the following:
U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (formerly U.S.I.A.)
Official information about all Fulbright programs (for study, research, and teaching abroad), about other official exchange programs, and some information about U.S. government regulations concerning international educational exchange. See:
* Washington and Lee University, Office of International Education
Author: William Klingelhofer. This site, by an expert on work abroad formerly at Harvard University, provides an excellent overview of working abroad including internships and public service abroad and teaching abroad with links to programs.

Fundraising, Grants and Scholarships, Postdoctorates

Even paid work abroad involves a start-up investment to cover expenses such as program fees for work permits or placements, airfare, and initial living expenses. Scholarships for undergraduates and for non-academic work abroad are relatively rare. Study abroad internship programs may offer scholarships of their own, and it may be possible to use financial aid (as long as the program will count towards a degree). Funding for graduate students, postdocs and professionals tends to be more readily available. For other options, fundraising through job savings, family, friends, hometown organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis and others, and religious organizations may be more effective than scholarships per se. The sites of A.M.S.A.and WorldTeach have "non-traditional" fundraising suggestions useful for anyone.

Funding International Internships and Research (for U-M students only)
 
* American Medical Student Association (A.M.S.A.)
This site lists overseas internship and volunteer programs, including options for premed and other health sciences. See the International Health Opportunities section. Site includes an excellent online guide to fundraising, Creative Funding Guide, useful for all students.
* Fulbright fellowships and teaching abroad programs
There are actually several different Fulbright programs. The Fulbright Student Program offers both scholarships and English Teaching assistantships, and is for graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni; Fulbright Scholar programs are for university faculty and international education administrators; the Fulbright Teacher Exchange is for currently-employed K-12 and community college teachers.
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Grant (M.H.I.R.T.) and University of Michigan M.H.I.R.T. Program (U-M students only)
Formerly a program of the Fogarty International Center, now at the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The program sends minority undergraduates and medical students abroad to do health-related research.
* Reference Service Press
R.S.P. publishes of some of the best hard-copy directories of scholarships for overseas opportunities, which include grants for all levels of students as well as for postdoctorates and professionals. See:
* Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
The Rotary Foundation provides the largest single U.S. scholarship program for study abroad. Programs are available for all levels of study, from high-school, undergraduates and graduate students to alumni and professionals. Generally not for use with study abroad programs sponsored by U.S. institutions. Application possible only through local Rotary Clubs. Deadlines (locally determined) may be as much as one and one-half years in advance. Web site provides scholarship information and lists Rotary Clubs worldwide. Note that individual Rotary Clubs may sometimes consider modest funding requests outside the framework of the formal scholarship program. An article on how to apply for Rotary Scholarships written by a Rotary Scholar from the University of Michigan.
* University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center - External Scholarships Database
An excellent, free online database of scholarships. Search categories include study, research and internships as well as location and other variables.
* WorldTeach
Ideas for non-traditional fundraising from this teach abroad organization.
Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Information on several multi-year scholarship-internship programs for students, especially women and minorities, interested in careers in international affairs.

Worldwide Short-Term Paid Work Abroad Programs

Organizations in this section offer work permits and placements into short-term paid jobs or on-site assistance in finding them. Jobs typically last a summer or a semester though some programs offer permits for up to 18 months. In most cases, these programs are allowed to operate on the basis of official reciprocal agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments.

Short-Term Paid Work Abroad (for U-M students only)
 
A.I.E.S.E.C. - U.S. and A.I.E.S.E.C. Worldwide
A.I.E.S.E.C. (from the French acronym for the International Association of Students in Economic and Business Management) is an international student-run organization which offers approximately 5,000 paid internships each year in business and other fields in over 80 countries. Site has links to chapters worldwide. Note that application for A.I.E.S.E.C. internships is possible only through campus chapters. (U-M students should apply through the U-M student organization A.I.E.S.E.C. - Michigan.)
* Association for International Practical Training (A.I.P.T.)
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (I.A.E.S.T.E.)
This non-profit organization offers several different programs:
  • I.A.E.S.T.E. - Michigan (U-M students should apply through this U-M student organization)
  • I.A.E.S.T.E. offers engineering and science internships in over 80 countries for students. (Apply by January 1).
  • Work permit service / U.S. Reserved Offer Program, provides work permits in numerous countries for non-technical and technical fields for students who find their own internships.
  • U.S. Professionals, provides work permits for up to 18 months in Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Malaysia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom for university graduates who find their own placements.
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Web site of this non-profit organization includes a comprehensive directory of study and language programs in all the Scandinavian countries. A.S.F. offers internship placements. A.S.F. can also assist with short-term work permits in Scandinavian countries for those who have job offers.
* Work Abroad with BUNAC
Non-profit organization BUNAC operates the Work in Britain program, with 6,000 U.S. participants, the largest of all work abroad programs. The program provides a work-permit and job-search assistance. Also offers work in Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Volunteer in South Africa and Peru. The BUNAC handbook has a great selection of addresses for potential internships in Britain, which can be used to arrange interviews when they arrive. For students and recent graduates (within one semester of graduation) only, except for Australia and New Zealand, which are open to non-students over 18 and up to age 30 (Australia) or age 35 (New Zealand).
Camp Counselors U.S.A., Outbound Program
Non-profit organization offers programs for American students and non-students: Work in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, or Europe.
* C.D.S. International
Non-profit organization offers a variety of paid internship programs in Germany, Spain, Argentina and Russia for students, graduates and professionals. C.D.S. can also assist with short-term work permits in Germany for those who have job offers. (For U-M students only)
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals
Consists of two months of intensive German, four months attending a technical school, and a five month internship. All expenses paid; no application fee. Specified age of participants is 18 to 24. Application deadline is mid-December for the following academic year.
C.D.S. Internship Program
For seniors or graduates and is of three or six months duration.
Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program
Offers high-level internships for those holding graduate degrees.
Alfa Fellowship Program in Russia
Offers high-level internships in Russia for those holding graduate degrees.
Summer Internship Program in Germany
Offers paid three month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.
Summer Internship program in Spain
Offers unpaid three month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.
Summer Internship program in Argentina
Offers unpaid three month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.
C.I.E.E. Work Abroad Program (closed)
As of January 1, 2006, C.I.E.E. no longer offers Work Abroad programs outbound from the United States, with the exception of the Teach in China/Thailand programs, which are still offered.
* InterExchange
This non-profit organization offers a variety of placements for students and non-students. Apply four months in advance of desired departure date. Opportunities include:
  • Work Abroad in Australia, New Zealand and Norway.
  • English Teaching in Spain.
  • Internships in Belgium, Costa Rica, Great Britain and France.
  • Au Pair (child care). Placements in France, Germany, Spain, and The Netherlands.
  • Volunteering in Costa Rica, Peru and South Africa.
* International Cooperative Education program
Program provides mostly paid summer internships in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Japan, China or South America for students and recent graduates who have studied the appropriate language: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese. Apply by February.

Worldwide Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering may be the best option for working in less-developed countries, or to work for social causes anywhere. And volunteering does not necessarily mean unpaid work; see the Peace Corps, for example. Duration of volunteer abroad programs may range from two weeks to two years or more.

Volunteering Abroad (for U-M students only)
 
* How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas (authors' web site)
Author: Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. 2002. Penguin-Putnam. This highly-recommended book provides a comprehensive overview of volunteering abroad, including evaluations of the pros and cons of over 100 volunteer organizations. Twelve chapters cover topics such as: Is Volunteering Overseas Right for You, Pros and Cons of the Peace Corps, Doing it Without a Program, Overcoming Financial Obstacles, How to Be an Effective International Volunteer, and Staying Involved When You Get Back. This book is absolutely essential reading for anyone considering volunteering abroad!
* Idealist (a resource by Action Without Borders)
This site lists of tens of thousands of non-profit organizations. Has searches for volunteer, internship and job opportunities. Search possible by country, type of work, and many other variables. The "browse by country" section lists organizations according to their work focus. Note, however, that not every volunteer abroad program is listed here, so you'll still want to check hard-copy volunteer directories such as How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Abroad. Site includes organizations worldwide, not only U.S. based organizations.
* International Volunteer Programs Association (I.V.P.S.)
An essential resource for those interested in international volunteering and service learning. IVPS is a professional association for administrators of international volunteer programs, as well as advisers and students interested in this type of international experience. Their web site lists programs for volunteering abroad, some of which offer academic credit, and has extensive links to relevant resources. Organizations that are members of I.V.P.S. are encouraged to follow I.V.P.S.'s Principles and Practices.
* Peace Corps
Sometimes overlooked because of its designation as a volunteer program, Peace Corps is one of the largest work-abroad programs for U.S. citizens. It provides some of the best-paid opportunities in over 70 countries in less-wealthy regions such as Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, as well as Eastern Europe and the former U.S.S.R. Program is funded by the U.S. government, while projects are determined by the host countries. Volunteers receive all expenses paid (for a standard of living at the level of local people), training, health insurance, and a "resettlement allowance" of over $6,000 after completing the two-year assignment. Even if you're not interested in the Peace Corps, this web site has lots of information about international work and careers. See Peace Corps Career Resources.

For U-M students and anyone in the southeast Michigan area, there is a Peace Corps office located in the International Center. Peace Corps office on U-M campus.
* Quaker Information Center
In addition to Quaker volunteer abroad opportuunities, this very comprehensive web site includes links to hundreds of organizations sponsoring overseas volunteer, internship and study programs with a focus on social justice, relief, and development. See Other Sites with Volunteer Opportunities and Workcamps Sponsored by Quaker Organizations and Others.
Response
A comprehensive, online, searchable directory to Catholic and other Christian overseas volunteer organizations. (Focus on areas such as social justice, relief and development.)
* University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center,
Outstanding university site includes searchable databases:
* Volunteers for Peace
V.F.P. offers over 2,000 low-cost, short-term (a few weeks) volunteer abroad programs. The V.F.P. site also has extensive links to other international volunteer organizations.

Worldwide Teaching Abroad: Teaching English

Teaching abroad is one of the most accessible options for longer-term work abroad, typically for a year, though some programs offer short-term placements. Teaching English as a second or foreign language (T.E.S.L., E.S.L., T.E.F.L., E.F.L.) may be an option for college graduates without a T.E.S.L. credentials. Alternatively, other options are strictly for professionals with at least a Masters in Teaching English.

Teaching Abroad for Qualified teachers
 
Teaching Abroad Without Certification
Lists U.S.-based programs for teaching abroad that do not require professional T.E.S.L. credentials
* Dave's E.S.L. Cafe, E.S.L. Cafe's Web Guide, E.S.L. Cafe's Web Guide: Jobs
This site has a staggering amount of well-organized information about teaching English as a second language, either abroad or in the U.S., as well as job databases. Useful for those with and without T.E.S.L. credentials. A highly recommended resource for anyone interested in working abroad.
* French Cultural Services (English Assistantships in France)
This program of the French Ministry of Education may place 1,500 Americans with some knowledge of French into English assistant posts in French schools. Job involves 12 hours of English conversation classes per week and a monthly salary. Timeframe of positions is from October 1 to April 30. Earlier applicants (by December) are more likely to be accepted.

Additional Information on France Assistantship.
* Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships, Fulbright Student Programs, Institute of International Education
Program for recent university graduates to serve as English Teaching Assistants in Belgium/Luxembourg, France, Germany, Hungary, Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. The Fulbright Student Program also offers scholarships for study abroad.
* Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (J.E.T.), J.E.T. Alumni Association
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program is administered by the Japanese government and is the largest single program for teaching English. Graduating seniors and university degree holders eligible. Also offers positions for those who have studied Japanese as Coordinators of International Relations. This web site, by the J.E.T. Alumni Association (J.E.T.A.A.), has links to the J.E.T. program site. It also has extensive information about international jobs (great links to job search sites worldwide) and a good discussion about career choices after teaching abroad. You can also subscribe to J.E.T.-L, a discussion group by participants (returned, current and prospective), from this site. Useful for anyone interested in teaching abroad.

Interviewing for the Japan Exchange and Teaching program An article written by a former U-M participant.
O-Hayo Sensei
Listings of E.S.L. and other types of teaching positions in Japan.
* Peace Corps
Sometimes overlooked because of its designation as a volunteer program, Peace Corps is one of the largest work-abroad programs for U.S. citizens. It provides some of the best-paid teaching opportunities in less-wealthy regions such as Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe and the former U.S.S.R..
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (T.E.S.O.L.)
Web site of the largest U.S. professional association for E.S.L. teachers. An essential resource for qualified professionals, though less useful for students.
U.S. State Department, Office of English Language Programs
Official information about U.S. sponsored programs for teaching English abroad. Of use especially to qualified E.S.L. teachers (Masters degree in T.E.S.L.).

Worldwide Teaching Abroad: K-12 and University

Teaching in international K-12 schools usually requires teaching certification. Teaching at the university level usually requires a Ph.D. or terminal professional degree, though there are some options available for advanced graduate students.

Teaching Abroad for Qualified teachers
 
Teaching Abroad Without Certification
 

K-12 Teaching Abroad

Fulbright Teacher Exchange U.S. State Department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Teaching exchanges (reciprocal) for currently employed K-12 and community college teachers.
International Schools Services (ISS)
Non-profit organization publishes a directory of international K-12 English-language schools and organizes job fairs (IRCs) for certified teachers for these schools.
* Ohio University, Language Teacher Resources
This site of the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) has a comprehensive collection of web sites for finding language teaching positions and courses, both abroad and in the U.S.. Site also has a guide to web resources for those studying foreign languages.
Overseas Digest
Site includes overseas teaching positions and contains valuable information for Americans working abroad. Be sure to see the Better Business Bureau article on this site: Overseas Job Scams.
University of Northern Iowa's Overseas Placement Service for Educators
This university-sponsored service organizes an annual job fair for certified teachers for international K-12 English-language schools, and publishes information about these schools.
U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools
Site describes English-language K-12 schools abroad, opportunities for teaching abroad and gives links to relevant organizations.
* Teaching Abroad for Qualified Teachers
Lists options for K-12 and university-level teaching.

University Teaching Abroad

* Chronicle of Higher Education
For academicians the Chronicle is the best source of job listings. Much of site accessible only to subscribers. Also check with discipline-specific professional associations.
* Fulbright Scholar Program, Grants for U.S. Faculty and Professionals, Council for International Exchange of Scholars (C.I.E.S.)
Overseas teaching and research positions for those qualified to teach or to do research in universities, as well as study tours for international education administrators.

Last reviewed: 1/09