frequently asked questions
Work Abroad Overview | International Experiences |Recommended Sites | Work Abroad Agencies
I
am interested in finding an overseas job. When and how do
I get started?
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 reading
books on the topic like Going Global which is available
in our resource library. It contains more than 10,000 job
resources. The Internet is another great research tool, be
sure to visit our working
abroad sites page for some great links.
What
are the benefits of an international experience?
Working abroad is a great way to experience a different culture,
gain work experience in your field of study, and work for
some outstanding companies and organizations. You will get
a different perspective on how others live and work, and the
different ways of approaching and solving problems in a professional
environment. Whether you work or study abroad, it is sure
to be a great experience both personally and professionally.
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!