You might be thinking of taking some time out to travel after graduating – which can often be funded by working simultaneously. Depending on your nationality, there are a number of visa schemes to help you gain short-term employment outside your country of citizenship. Check with the embassy of your destination country to find out more, and see the website Anywork Anywhere for many examples and further resources.
People fluent in English are often in high demand as teachers around the world and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular option for experiencing life in another culture. It can also become a longer-term international career. Some countries will require formal TEFL qualifications and experience in order for you to teach, so it’s important to do your research on the teaching qualifications required in each country. Some countries such as Japan have specific teaching schemes such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) that will both train you and provide employment.
There are a number of organisations that offer international work experience. For example, the organisation AIESEC offers international internships in many different countries – ranging from eight weeks to 18 months. IAESTE is another organisation which offers international internship opportunities, mainly aimed at science and engineering students. The Careers Service runs internship programmes with summer opportunities around the world as well as shorter experiences each term in the UK.
There are organisations that ask for substantial fees to find you an internship abroad; do think very carefully whether this is the best route to international work experience, as you may be able to secure similar work by making your own approaches to potential employers. For the Careers Service policy on paid-for and unpaid experiences, please see our Internship Policy. For information on approaching employers directly, read our guidance on speculative applications
