Work Abroad Program

Working abroad is a great way to experience a different culture, gain work experience in your field of study, and work for outstanding companies and organizations. You will get a different perspective on how to live and work and you will learn different ways of approaching and solving problems in a professional environment. Working abroad is sure to be a great experience both personally and professionally.

Work Options

International Internships

Internships usually are not paid
The type of work is more directly related with your field of study
Duration is generally one summer or semester to up to one year
Many internships offer learning programs for academic credit

Short-term Paid Work Abroad

The types of jobs include restaurant work, temping, childcare, farm work, and similar fields
These programs are more frequent in Europe
Typical duration is from a summer up to a year

Volunteer Work Abroad

Volunteering is for those who are motivated and willing to serve paying less attention to compensation
The fields are usually in the education, health, environment, and small-business sectors
Great opportunity for those interested in development and non-governmental organizations
Duration is usually two weeks to two years

Teaching Abroad

This option is a long term commitment of one to two years
A college degree is usually required

Paid Teaching Positions Abroad:
Spain Cultural Ambassadors Program: Would you like to spend a school year in Spain? Getting to know its culture and people while improving your Spanish and collaborating with other foreign language teachers in school tasks? The Spanish Ministry of Education offers you Paid English Teaching Assistant Positions available all over Spain. Apply Online from November 1 to March 30, the program period is from September to June of every year. You can contact them at norteamericanos@educacion.es

France Teaching Assistant Program: Are you ready to expand your cultural horizons and share your language and culture with French students? The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers you the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages.

Korea Teach and Learn in Korea (TALK) program: Teach and Learn in Korea, also known as the “TaLK” Program, is a unique scholarship opportunity for undergraduates who are seeking a personal, professional and educational experience in Korea. Applicants must be Native English Speaker. At the time of application, all applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and have completed at least two(2) years of undergraduate study OR have obtained an Associate's degree.

Korea EPIK program: EPIK, affiliated to the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was established in 1995 with the missions to improve the English speaking abilities of students and teachers in Korea, to develop cultural exchanges, and to reform English teaching methodologies in Korea. This program is just for English Native Speaker that has already accomplished a Bachelors Degree and has the ability and willingness to adapt to the Korean Culture and lifestyle.

Chile English Open Doors Program: Join BridgeTEFL, the Chilean Ministry of Education, and the United Nations Development Program as an English teacher in the English Opens Doors Program. You'll teach English to elementary or high school students, assisting a local English teacher. You'll live with a host family, become a member of the community, and learn about a new culture. You'll walk away with a killer resume, professional contacts, lifelong friends, and a new perspective. Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime?

Japan The Jet Program: Enables local authorities to employ foreign youth for the purpose of improving foreign language education as well as promoting international exchange at the local level. After completing their time on the Program, many former JET participants use their experiences in Japan to continue enhancing relations between Japan and their home countries.

Agencies/Programs

There are many agencies that can assist you in the search. Some of these programs can assist you with getting work permits, visas, health insurance or provide you with information about companies within the countries. See below for some work abroad programs.

CDS International

CDS International is a historically German-American organization founded in 1968 in New York City by its then German counterpart, the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft. It is a nonprofit international exchange organization offering many exchange programs such as internships, fellowships, study tours, seminars, and language and cultural training programs. CDS currently serves close to 3,000 participants from more than 80 countries and, in addition to its headquarters in New York City, has regional representatives in Washington D.C., California, and Michigan as well as in Berlin, Germany.

Internships

Internship Program in Germany is for seniors or graduates and arranges paid internships for 3-12 months. There is a program fee.

Internship Program in Argentina offers unpaid 3-month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates or a combination 1-month Spanish language course followed by a 2-month internship. There are program fees.

Summer Internships

Schott Summer Internship Program provides training opportunities (paid placements) at Schott Glass in Mainz, Germany for American students (completed junior year) and recent grads in business/marketing & sales, engineering, information technology and physical sciences. Language training will also be provided if necessary. There is a program fee.

Summer Internship Program in Spain offers unpaid 3-month internships for students. There is a program fee. All internships are unpaid; however, participants are invited to apply for funding through the CDS International Scholarship Fund. The program runs from the end of May to mid-August.

Summer Internship Program in Germany offers paid 3-month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.
There is an administration fee for the program. Three program options are available:

1 month language course in Germany in June, followed by a 2-month internship with a host company
3 month internship with a host company
2 month internship with a host company, starting in late-May or late-June

Fellowships

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 18-24. Application deadline is mid-December for the following academic year. 75 participants are selected.

Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program offers a 9-month professional internship program to individuals with graduate degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Law, Political Science, Public Administration/Policy, and Mass Communication/Journalism. All expenses paid; no application fee. Application deadline is mid-October for the program beginning the following September. 20 participants are selected.

Émigré Memorial German Internship Program is a fellowship program that provides American and Canadian students the opportunity to intern at the Landtage - German State Parliaments. It runs three times a year - fall, spring and early summer - for one to three months. EMGIP candidates must be able to fully communicate in German. There is an administration fee.

Transatlantic Renewable Energy Exchange provides students with an opportunity to complete a three-month paid internship focusing on renewable energy, improve German language skills, and experience German culture firsthand. Duration: 3 months, June-August (6-month internship option is also available, but a stipend is only provided for the first 3 months).

Alfa Fellowship Program is a professional development exchange program placing qualified American citizens in work assignments at leading Russian organizations in the fields of business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, and government. Applicants must be proficient in Russian and possess a Master's or higher and have at least two years of experience working in their chosen field. This competitive fellowship accepts 10 people each year.

CRCC ASIA

The CRCC Asia Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience in Beijing. Fluent English is the only language requirement. Field include but are not limited to: Finance, PR, Human Resources, Marketing, Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Logistics, Environment, Education, IT, Law, Engineering, Advertising.

DAAD-GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE

DAAD offers a wide range of opportunities to students, scholars, and higher education institutions of the United States and Canada, from undergraduate students to faculty, for study and research in Germany.

BUNAC

BUNAC offers US students and young people work/travel programs to Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Global Experiences LLC

Global Experiences LLC provides a tremendous opportunity to gain invaluable practical work experience, learn new foreign language skills, and cultural immersion opportunities that are second to none.
Experience life as an international intern in Italy, Australia, Spain, France or the UK.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad in partnerships with RIT offers you the chance to intern in two of the world most exciting and important destinations – Shanghai, China and Sydney, Australia. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has over 20 years experience sending students on a wide variety of international education programs, including international internships. Our internship program has thoughtfully been designed to give you the best career development opportunity available. You will gain valuable global skills that are high in demand in today’s competitive job market. Each individual’s internship experience is unique, and we recognize that students have personal goals and aspirations. Our Discovery Model combines the design of our programs, along with the support of our North American and overseas staff, to offer all participants the unique advantage of discovery in 5 key areas: personal, academic, cultural, social, and professional. Not only do our participants enjoy our personalized services, but they also benefit from our knowledge of the region and our on-site locally based staff members.

IAESTE

The IAESTE Internship Program places university students into paid technical internships in approximately 40 of our 80+ member-country network. Internships are open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing a degree in science, engineering, mathematics, architecture, computer science, or other technical fields. Non-U.S. citizens studying at American universities are also encouraged to apply. The majority of internships are 8 to 12 weeks during the summer, but longer placements of up to one year may also be available. Language skills are not required, but are preferred.

The Education Abroad Network

The Education Abroad Network Internship Abroad Program collaborates with top industry leaders in these countries and provides students with an all-inclusive internship experience! Take advantage of our connections in Australia & China. We provide housing, language courses if necessary, on- site arrival orientation, airport pickup, cultural activities, and internship placement as well as support services throughout the application process and during the internship.

Passport to India

The Passport to India is a U.S. State Department and India government initiative to promote work abroad opportunities in India. Passport to India works with foundations and businesses in two ways: by encouraging the funding of existing internship programs in India that are seeking to expand, and by encouraging companies to commit to sponsoring American students for internships in their own India-based facilities.

Travel Information

Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State website will allow you to check the status of a country’s travel advisory, as well as important tips and information for students. You can also find additional information about a country from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate.

Language and Culture

Speaking the native language is not always a requirement for working overseas, therefore check with the company that you are targeting. Be aware that you are entering a new country and a new culture. Find out as much information as you can about the country you are visiting including language, cultural do’s and don’t, economic problems, and national attraction. Talk to other students and family members who have traveled to these countries. You can also visit the International Student Support Services to find out if we have any current students attending RIT from that country. This is a great way to gain first hand knowledge about your destination.

Documents

Prepare for the unexpected! One of the obstacles that you will probably encounter in preparing for an international work experience is the documentation.

Passport – If you don’t already have one, apply for a passport. The cost for a new passport is $85 and it typically takes about 6 weeks to arrive. If you’re in a hurry, you can pay an additional $60 and the cost of overnight delivery to receive the passport within 2 weeks.

Visas/Permits – All countries require special permission for foreigners to work in their countries. For co-op students, Visas are fairly easy to obtain. If you’re looking for full time employment, a Work Permit Visa is usually available only through application by the employer offering you the position. When filling out the application, they must prove that you have unique skills or abilities not possessed by local citizens.

For additional information regarding passports, visas, immunizations and testing, and additional fees, visit the U.S. Department of State site.

Currency

We do not recommend you travel with US dollars. Travel with Traveler’s checks. If they are lost or stolen they can be replaced, and they are accepted in many countries. Have local currency with you when you arrive in that country, so you can pay for transportation and other expenses. Credit cards like Visa, Master Card and American Express are widely accepted around the world. Your ATM debit card might work overseas as well, but check with your financial institution before leaving the US. For information on currency conversion click here.

Housing

When working overseas, housing is usually the responsibility of the student or individual looking for a job. Available accommodations will vary by country and specific locality. There are certain organizations that specialize in providing housing, for a cost, to a student on internship or co-op assignment. Below are links to some of these organizations as well as general search sites.
move.com – Online database of apartment rentals for U.S., Canada and other countries.
liveabroad.com – Resources for overseas living, geared towards full time work assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How would I benefit?

Obtain co-op credit for your work
Gain valuable work experience and develop new skills
Understand global issues by experiencing them first-hand
Expand your cultural horizons
Develop your foreign language skills
Expand your professional network
Make new friends

What should I do first?

Review the Work Abroad Program Handbook
Attend a “Getting Started on Work Abroad” workshop
Complete the Work Abroad Student Questionnaire
Meet with any of the primary contacts in the Co-op Office and Career Services

How can I best prepare?

Think about the countries you wish to work in
Determine when you would like to work abroad
Find out what kind of work you would like to do
Take language courses appropriate to your target country
Make sure your passport is up-to-date
Start your search early
Invest enough time working with our office to find the right assignment to meet your needs

What is the cost?

Cost varies depending on your destination
By using the work abroad agencies, work permits and service fees may be included. Most do not include plane fare, or room and board
Some overseas jobs may pay enough to cover living expenses, but plan on taking enough money
There is No Financial Aid to work abroad.

When should I start looking for a work abroad opportunity?

Start looking at least 6 months before you are due to co-op or looking to move overseas. This is not a short process and can take a long time to establish the connections and get the paperwork needed to work abroad. If you don’t already have one, get a passport. Research countries, organizations and processes by usings sites like Going Global (which is available as a link in RIT Job Zone). It contains more than 10,000 job resources.

Who is eligible to work abroad and what are the requirements?

For students: At the time that you become eligible to co-op, you are eligible to work abroad. For students enrolled in engineering or technical programs, we do recommend that you pursue these opportunities after your first of second co-op. You will have the advantage of having work experience and will be better prepared to approach the international work environment. RIT

RIT doesn’t have a formal “work abroad” program, so there are no special requirements. The same requirements that are needed for your program apply to an overseas co-op.

For alumni or graduating students: Other than the travel document requirements, there are no specific requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

Not necessarily, but it will depend on the company or organization that you’re working for. Most large corporations will have some English speaking employees and can actually benefit from hiring an English speaking student or full time employee. Other companies may want you to speak their native tongue in order to conduct business and deal with co-workers and customers. Find out what the language requirements are for a specific company before making any commitments.

Have other students worked overseas?

Yes. Most of the overseas jobs have been at students’ home countries or have been set up through organizations such as IAESTE. Want to learn about some of their experiences? Click here

Contact Us

Your contacts in our office responsible for developing our Work Abroad program are Maria Richart mjroce@rit.edu and Louise Carrese ltcoce@rit.edu -- if you have any questions about working overseas they would be happy to assist you!