Work or Intern Abroad this Summer
Ways to Gain Valuable Short-Term Work Experience in Another Country
Mar 29, 2009
A great way to spend a summer after high school, in college, during a holiday from work, or just in general, is by working or interning in another country. There are plenty of avenues to pursue for anyone hoping to spend a short amount of time, from a few weeks to a couple of months, getting work experience overseas.
Find a Job in the International Tourism Industry
A summer job in the hospitality or tourism industry is one way to go: Cruise ships, hotels/bed and breakfasts, theme parks, and resorts all over the world are often looking for help. Act early, though, as these jobs tend to get snatched up quickly! Check out organizations such as BUNAC (British Universities North America Club) and InterExchange to start getting ideas about available opportunities.
Work at a Summer Language Camp Abroad
Working at an English language camp also a great way to spend a summer. Camps are held all over the world. Typically there are several sessions throughout the summer, so for many programs you may be able to choose which session works best for you and your schedule. Duties can include coordinating activities, supervising campers, teaching, or managing an office, similar to what many camp counselors would do.
Become a Tour Guide in Another Country
Being a tour guide is another great way to spend a summer: From adventure tour leaders to city tour guides, it's a fantastic way to see more of the world and gain leadership, management, public speaking, organization, and countless other skills. Groups such as Contiki and Intrepid Travel are good places to start your research, as is a site like Transitionsabroad.com.
Pre-Departure Advice
Start planning for your trip early! Here is a basic pre-departure checklist:
- Save money in the months before you leave in the event that any payment from your job will not cover immediate costs.
- Make sure you know exactly what type of visa you will need to work in the destination country.
- Read up on where you are going, and if the country's native language is not your own, try to learn at least a few basic phrases of it.
- Familiarize yourself with your work program's guidelines (if applicable) and be sure you have all necessary items on that program's pre-departure checklist.
- And most importantly, if you do not have a passport, get one...now. You want to be sure you have it in your hands before you leave.
Working abroad for the summer is a great way to gain work experience that looks fantastic on a resume and can help develop valuable job skills. More importantly, though, it's a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, see new places, and enjoy an amazing adventure.
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