Work or Teach Abroad

You can work or teach abroad after you graduate from UCSD or for short periods of time while you are still a student.

Paid work

Paid work abroad ranges from short term/fixed term (up to 6 months) to long term, international career-related job opportunities. Typical short-term work includes restaurant work, childcare (au pair), farm work, and temping. Programs who help you find work abroad charge a small fee to provide you with work authorization and possible job placement support but do not include expenses such as airfare, housing, and initial spending money.

Teaching English

Teaching English as a foreign language is one of your best bets for working abroad. Remember, as a college student or recent graduate, English is one of your most portable skills.

Work permits

In order to get paid work in any country, you will need special permission from that country’s government in the form of a work permit or visa. For more information on obtaining work visas, contact the country’s embassy in the United States (http://www.embassy.org).

Exceptions to the above include U.S. citizens with dual citizenship and citizens of other countries. For example, if you are a citizen of any country in the European Union, you are eligible to work in the European Union without a work visa. EU citizens should checkhttp://www.europa.eu.int/.

BUNAC, CIEE, and other work authorization programs provide you with a work permit and allow you work legally in the countries included in their programs, but for only a limited period of time. These programs function through a reciprocal exchange with the United States and are usually limited to full-time students and recent graduates.

Websites and program information

• JobsAbroad.com: An extensive website listing work programs by GoAbroad.com
• University of Michigan's Work Abroad Overview provides a good overview of student work abroad options.  Also, profession and region-specific programs and websites listed.
• University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center provides a good overview and list of programs: Information is available that is region and theme specific.
• Transitions Abroad.Com: A portal for living, working, volunteering, interning and studying overseas
• UC Irvine’s Center for International Education provides a comprehensive list of programs and websites for working abroad.

Teaching Abroad:  Websites & Program Information

• TeachAbroad.com:  An extensive web site listing teaching programs by GoAbroad.com
• StudyAbroad.com: Teach Abroad Programs: An extensive web site listing teaching programs by StudyAbroad.com
• University of Michigan's Work Abroad Overview and Resources provides a good overview of student teach abroad options, with resources for those with or without a teaching certificate.
• University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center provides a general overview of teaching abroad and a list of programs.
• Dave's ESL Cafe's Job Center:  A very comprehensive site containing links to job postings for those interested in teaching English as a Second Language worldwide
• Linguistic Funland: Job Opportunities and Information: Contains links to numerous web sites pertaining to teaching English as a Foreign Language abroad.
• Cal State University Northridge’s Employment Opportunities for Language Teachers: Contains listings of relevant web sites.
• O-Hayo-Sensei is a free electronic newsletter that lists positions for those interested in teaching English in Japan.
• Transitions Abroad.Com: A portal for living, working, volunteering, interning and studying overseas
• United States Student Fulbright English Language Teaching Assistantships

UCSD resources and programs

• UCSD International Studies Program maintains a comprehensive list of websites for individuals interested in pursuing an international career.
• UCSD Career Services provides information about international internships
• UCSD Peace Corps