From Study Abroad to Working Abroad: What You Need to Know!

I studied abroad in Paris in Spring 2015 with AIFS. If I thought I loved France before, it was confirmed and grew even more while experiencing this city. It was just the taste I needed to make the jump from studying abroad to working abroad. From that point on, I looked for any opportunity to return long term. 

Here’s a few options I explored for working abroad:

1.    Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)*: 
This is the route I went. I was placed as an English Teaching Assistant in a hotel school teaching high school and associate-level students for the school year. You’ll work with the head professor to create lesson plans for small groups of students. It ranges from elementary to high school level. Your vacation time also lines up with the school’s so you have quite a few weeks free to explore Europe! It’s a rewarding and fun program; a great way to figure out what’s next after college. Applications open in October the year before the program starts. 

*This program is for France, but similar programs are offered in Spain and other countries. If you get TEFL certified, you’re able to work in schools around the world such as Peru and many more!

2.    Au Pair:  If you like working with children au pairing might be for you! It’s a great way to experience a country by living abroad and helping a family. You will be provided a room and some additional pay for helping out with the house, taking care of the child, and often helping with learning English. Each experience is different, because each family is different. I recommend going through an agency or if you know someone au pairing, ask them if they could recommend a family to you! I've also seen many find their second home with AuPairWorld.com. 

3.    Masters’ Internships:  A different route would be getting a masters abroad. Yes, this isn’t a job…at least, not right away. You are usually required to complete an internship which could get your foot in the door of an abroad company. This option takes some more time, and you’ll need to have some funds saved up while you complete your masters, but it’s definitely an option!
I must say if you plan on working while doing your masters, it’s very difficult to do. I tried during the start of my masters in France, and due to the prep work load, it left little time to hold a job. Tutoring English as a side gig is always an option, and can provide some extra cash as well but it’s good to have some funds saved up beforehand. 

4.    Hostels:  This is more of a short-term job. If you’re wanting to stay after your study abroad and see more of Europe for a few months, apply to work at a hostel. It’s not enough to cover your expenses long-term, but it gives you enough for lodging and a bit of money to eat and travel locally. Plus, what a great way to meet other international travelers!

5.    Working for an American Company Abroad:  Find a company that has branches in countries where you’d like to work. Often with this option you’ll need to work in the US for a couple of years, but then you could potentially be transferred to one of the abroad offices. This is a great option, because then you don’t have to worry about finding a company that will sponsor your (expensive) visa, because you’re at an American company! Plus, you could negotiate your contract to work there for a few months up to years. 

6.     Job Fairs:  If you’re still abroad in the country you want to work and live in, one option is attending a job fair. It gives you a great chance to network and find a job in person. Check out some job fairs near Paris here!

Source: Online Guide to Working Holiday Visas

7.     Working Holiday Visa:  European citizens have more options with this visa type, BUT Americans still have 6 options! With this visa, you could work in: Australia, Ireland, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea. The major requirements are you must be 18-30 years old, have a college degree, and it’s for temporary jobs. The goal of this visa is to be able to immerse yourself in a new country while being able to support yourself. 

1.    Stay connected!  Stay connected with your program's alumni network: join the Linkedin & Facebook groups, join other traveler groups to find any opportunity available! Sometimes people working abroad will post job openings within their company. Though there’s lots of competition, you can at least see what kind of positions are available and might even snag the job!

2.    Reach out to anyone working abroad.  Nourish those relationships with those abroad. Let them know you’re looking for work, and see what skills you can offer to their company if hiring. 

3.    Don’t get frustrated!  Getting that job abroad can take time. A lot of companies don’t want to sponsor a foreigner’s visa so you often need work experience and unique skills to set you apart. Be patient (and determined) and the right opportunity will come to you!

4.    Finding a company that will sponsor your visa can sometimes be tricky. However, there’s a program that could help! The French American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) training program for Americans in France offers a jeune professionel visa sponsorship for a contract between 3-18 months. Check out their website for a brochure and more info!

Are you currently working in another country?  What tips would you add to secure that dream job abroad?  Comment below!

bisous, 

Lyndi

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