Work Abroad
Want to earn some extra money while abroad? A short-term work program is a great way to combine your holiday break with some work experience. Not only will you improve your language skill by working in another country, but you will also be able to develop intercultural communication skills that are necessary in the global working environment. Finding employment overseas might seem daunting, but do not worry, this quick guide will you get started. Keep in mind that most short-term work will be in restaurants, childcare (au pair), farm work, or the hospitality industry. A job overseas typically lasts a summer although the duration varies depending on seasonal needs. Do not hesitate to take advantage of these opportunities specifically designed for students and young adults!
Grant Opportunity
Christianson Grant - Grant award of up to $10,000 for students who have arranged their own international volunteer or internship positions for six months or longer.
Quick Links: Independent Work & Travel - Work Organizations - Other Organizations
General Opportunities
CSU Career Center International Job Search
Job SearchStudying, working, or interning abroad offers opportunities for in-depth cross cultural experiences which can better prepare you for a more globalized work economy. Whether you’ve already had some experiences abroad, or are interested in pursuing overseas experiences, this section will provide valuable information to assist you in developing your international career/job-related interests.
Back Door Jobs
www.backdoorjobs.comThis is a great place for those interested in short-term adventure jobs working in the wilderness. Positions are available as trip leaders, rafting guides, and camp counselors.
iAgora
www.iagora.comiAgora is an online community of mostly international students who are interested in living and working overseas. Postings iAgora includes short-term internships as well as longer-term job positions mostly in Europe. Other sections of this website provide travel tips and help users find housing.
WorkTree
www.worktree.comMembers have easy access to thousands of job postings around the world. Registration is free.
4 International Careers & Jobs
www.4icj.comThis is a directory of jobs boards ranked by popularity for each individual country. It also contains country-specific links for information about temporary jobs, visas, salary, government positions, etc.
Independent Work & Travel
The United States does not have official working holiday agreements with most countries. However, a few are willing to issue US citizens (usually under 30 years old) short-term work visas. To find out more about a country’s immigration policies, visit its government website or contact the nearest embassy or consulate.
| Country | Duration of Visa |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Up to 1 year |
| Canada | Up to 6 months |
| Ireland | Up to 4 months |
| UK | Up to 6 months |
| Australia | Up to 1 Year |
Work Organizations
Because the visa process is often a hassle, several third-party agencies will help you obtain a work visa as well as employment. While these organizations require a fee, they provide a combination of services that may include housing support, travel insurance, visa support and other administrative services. The services provided by individual organizations vary.
BUNAC
www.bunac.orgBUNAC is the premier work and travel organization with programs in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Alliance Abroad
www.allianceabroad.comThis organization offers “Get Paid Escapes” to Australia, Chile, China, and England.
Interexchange
www.interexchange.orgInterexchange offers au pair placements in France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain.
Other Organizations
Here are some other organizations that can help you find a job in a more specified field. These organizations usually charge a small placement or registration fee for matching applicants with employers.
Au Pair Connect
www.aupairconnect.comIf you enjoy working with children, then a job as an au pair might be perfect for you. Au Pair Connect matches families with au pairs based on profiles that each party completes. Visitors can register free and browse potential families.
Cruise International
www.cruiseshipjob.netCruise International is a staffing agency that helps users find employment on major cruise lines.
Caterer Global
www.catererglobal.comThis is a great site for people who would like to work in the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, and bars from around the world post over one thousand jobs that visitors can browse through.
AgriVenture
www.agriventure.comThe International Agricultural Exchange Association provides young adults with horticulture, agriculture, and home management employment in over 12 countries. Participants are sometimes able to live with host families.
Paradise Work
www.paradisework.comParadise Work is a human resource network of airlines, hotels, cruises, and resorts that recruit bartenders, housekeepers, hostesses, chefs, etc. for their operations.
WWOOF
www.wwoof.orgWilling Workers on Organic Farms is a consortium of organic farms around the world. WWOOF compiles a directory of member farms around the world offering free room and board to volunteers.
