What is an International Job?

International jobs and internships come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some options:

1. Live in a foreign country year round and work for a business or school.
2. Live in a foreign country year round and work for an American business
3. Live in a foreign country year round and work for the American government
4. Live in the United States and work for an international company
5. Live in the United States with occasional travel abroad
6. Live in the US and work with people of another culture
7. Do an international internship to gain international experience
8. Join the Peace Corp
9. Work or intern for an International Development Agency

Myths About International Work:

#1. I'll land a job in Vienna with IBM, travel all over Europe, and meet lots of interesting people.

Many international jobs actually involve very little travel. You might work in one location, perhaps an extremely isolated spot, for the entire duration of your assignment, with neither the time nor the income to do more travel. Some international jobs are based in the United States, requiring only occasional travel abroad. Many Federal employees spend much of their career in Washington, D.C. For those with international positions, the only travel they may ever experience is to and from their job site abroad.

#2. An international job is glamorous and exciting.

Some jobs are exciting, some are boring. Much of the excitement comes from learning about different cultures and lifestyles, and meeting new people. Not all places are glamorous; some are remote, even dangerous, with few luxuries such as microwaves, TV, VCR, etc.

#3. I'll start sending my resume as soon as I graduate and have the time. Then I'll have a "real" job and a "real" salary in no time.

College students are finding that even with a degree, it may take several months out of college to find a good job. International work may be even more challenging to find, as most companies do not have entry level jobs for international positions. Often times, only those employees who have been with the company and have proven their worth and expertise are entrusted with the international positions. Be prepared to begin with a domestic position and work on gaining competency and skill in your field.

#4. An 8-5 job will leave me with my weekends and Saturdays free.

Some jobs, particularly at the beginning, will expect long evenings and, yes, even weekends.

#5. I'll be making big bucks.

Some jobs may pay very well, others quite poorly. Often international living incurs unique expenses as well as lost income (i.e., job opportunities for one's spouse). Work with the government or non-profit organizations probably won't make you wealthy. The best reasons for working abroad are a love of the world and its different cultures and people and the desire to use your abilities to make the world a better place.

#6. English is the international language, and since I'll be working with other Americans, it won't matter if I speak another language or not.

No, it isn't always necessary to speak a second language to work overseas. But, you never know the opportunities you may miss by not speaking at least one additional language. The government foreign service doesn't require foreign language proficiency of its new recruits; however, it is required in order to advance. You will also find examples of international businessman and women who have survived without learning the language of the country they work and live in, but they may often wish they knew the language.

#7. I can change the world through an international volunteer and development job.

This is the Albert Schweitzer/ Mother Theresa syndrome. Development and volunteer positions offer many personal rewards and satisfaction, but most of these agencies are looking for people who have a realistic sense of what they can accomplish. Often workers have to face a lot of bureaucracy in the foreign countries as they try to accomplish their tasks and this can make the work seem less fulfilling at times.

#8. With my two years of teaching experience in Japan and my three weeks at a work camp in Spain when I was in high school, I shouldn't have any trouble convincing an employer that I'm international material.

True- you've shown that you've had some international exposure and perhaps adapt to different cultures well. But two years of, say teaching English classes, or three weeks digging ditches won't convince an employer that you are ready for the world of international finance. What will help, in addition to your internatioanl experience, may be your volunteer work as a budget officer for your local food bank or as a financial counselor in a community consumer credit organization. This may open the way to an internship with a larger non-profit organization or government financial institution such as the World Bank.

#9. Sure, my spouse and kids will have some adjusting to do, but once we're all moved in, they'll love it.

They may, and they may not. Adjustment is a very personal matter. International career place great demands on the nuclear and extended family. Although some people underestimate the challenges of an international career for a family, some families find an international experience unifying. Cultural and linguistic barriers often bring family members closer together. On the other hand, living abroad can be stressful and uncomfortable for some. A great deal of sacrifice and flexibility are necessary for a valuable international experience. Sometimes family members find this impossible. A family's particular circumstances and attitudes can significantly affect the success of one's international career. You can help your spouse and children prepare for an international experience by studying the country and language together, and by working out questions and problems in advance. Discuss your expectations, the benefits they can look forward to, and the sacrifices they may be expected to make. Remember, most companies aren't impressed when international employees request a transfer home after only a few months abroad.

#10. I have made a career decision when I say "I want an international job," or "I want to use my foreign language skills."

This is a common fallacy among students. It's like saying, "I like to work with people." You've identified a skill or interest you have, but now you need to decide how you want to apply that skill.