International Opportunities: Work, Volunteer or Intern Abroad

The Study Abroad Office does not endorse any of the programs below; it is important to research the programs and find the one that fits best for you.  Please contact the appropriate programs/organizations directly for more information.

Check out the following international opportunities:


Work Abroad

The best place to start an international job hunt is at Northwestern University Career Services.  They have resources and counseling available concerning international work of all types: 620 Lincoln Street, 847-491-3700

Advice from the Study Abroad Office on Working Abroad:

One of the best ways to find work abroad (similar to finding work here in the U.S. after college) is to network.  Who do you know that has worked abroad?  Ask them how they did it and if they have any advice for you as a job seeker.  If you're interested in starting a career here but working abroad eventually, ask potential employers here in the U.S. if they have any positions within the company located abroad that you may be eligible for transfer to after working for their U.S. based companies for a year.

Above all, be persistent but flexible in your search.  You may need to do certain things to get your foot in the door, such as volunteering or interning in an unpaid position.  It will also help you significantly if you're proficient in more than one language.

  • BUNAC (British Universities North America Club)
    A work/travel organization offering short-term working holiday visas for recent U.S. University graduates in Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.  BUNAC also offers volunteer abroad programs in Peru, South Africa, and Cambodia.  With the exception of the Work Australia and Work New Zealand programs, participants must be within 6 months of their most recent term of study in order to apply for the working holiday visa (i.e. this is usually an option for recent graduates only).  If you are interested in working in New Zealand specifically, please also see the below section on Skilled Migrant Visas for New Zealand.
  • American Scandinavian Foundation
    A foundation that promotes cultural and academic exchange with Scandinavian countries through Fellowships and work exchange programs.
  • Monster.com
    Use this popular job and career search site to explore international opportunities.  Monster has job postings in a variety of countries, including the UK, Asia, and parts of Europe.  Most jobs in non-English speaking countries will require knowledge of the local language.
  • Transitions Abroad
    TransitionsAbroad.com offers expert advice, inspirational first-hand experiences, and practical resources for the student, freelancer, and professional who wishes to find a job overseas for the summer or for the coming years.
  • Skilled Migrant Visa to New Zealand
    Americans between the ages of 18 and 30 who have not previously traveled to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa may be eligible to enter New Zealand to work and holiday for up to 12 months on this program.
  • Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) 
    An immigration web site featuring a “points system” that allows for highly skilled migrants to apply for visas to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada if the prospective applicant scores a high enough amount of points. You can take the “points test” online to find out if you qualify for a work visa to any of the above countries.  Things that boost your points are degree qualifications, age (under 27 will boost your points significantly), current earnings (the higher your current salary the more points you earn).  Recent graduates will like not score enough points, but someone who has been in the professional working world for a few years may be eligible, especially if they have a Master’s Degree and a current competitive salary. 

Teach Abroad

  • JET Programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching)
    The JET Programme was started with the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations. It aims to promote internationalization in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level.
  • Teaching Assistantships in France
    Teach English in France.  Every year, the French Ministry of Education and the Cultural Services at the French Embassy offer between 1,000 and 1,500 teaching assistant positions in French primary and secondary schools and in Instituts universitaires de formation des maîtres (IUFMs) in all regions of France. Requires proficiency in both French and English.  Administered by the French Embassy in the U.S. cultural services. 
  • WorldTeach
    A non-profit, non-governmental profit run through Harvard and started by Harvard students in 1986 to benefit developing countries.
  • Inlingua
    Places people in a variety of countries as teachers of English.
  • CIEE (Council on International Education Exchange)
    CIEE Teach Abroad programs offer individuals with a bachelor's degree a unique and affordable opportunity to live and work in these fascinating countries and to gain insight into the life and culture in a way no traveler could. Teach abroad options for recent graduates include Chile, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and China.
  • Teach Abroad
    A search engine for teaching opportunities abroad.
  • Bridge Linguatec
    Bridge-Linguatec offers Teacher Training Certificate programs with certification available in both an International TEFL Certificate and the world-renowned CELTA.
  • Dave's ESL Cafe
    Dave Sperling created this site because he saw a need for more interactive ESL resources on the Web.  You can chat with other ESL teachers or students, find a job teaching English in another country, go through his list of FAQs, and find other information.
  • CELTA/DELTA TEFL (Cambridge ESOL)
    The CELTA and DELTA certificates are two of the most widely recognized TESOL qualifications in the world.  Sponsored by the University of Cambridge, their web site will give you plenty of information regarding the certificates and the locations/providers that offer them.

Volunteer Abroad

  • Peace Corps
    "To promote world peace and friendship by providing volunteers who contribute to the social, economic, and human development of interested countries; to promote a better understanding of Americans among the people whom Volunteers serve; and to strengthen Americans' understanding about other people, cultures and countries."
  • Volunteer Abroad
    A search engine for volunteer opportunities abroad.  Search by country and type.
  • Global Vision International
    Conservation expeditions, volunteer opportunities, wildlife projects and teaching placements around the world.
  • Idealist.org
    International job, volunteer, and internship search engine.  Browse by country or area of focus.
  • CCS (Cross-Cultural Solutions)
    Offers international volunteer and intern programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania and Thailand.
  • Buenos Aires Volunteer
    This is an NGO designed to provide individual volunteer opportunities in Argentina while also offering participants Spanish training and cultural immersion through various activities.
  • United Planet
    United Planet offers international volunteer and intern programs in 45 countries including Peru, Tanzania, India, China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jordan, Romania, and Japan.
  • Adelante Abroad
    Adelante offers a variety of volunteer placements for U.S. citizens in Spain, France, and Central America. 

Internships Abroad 

  • Internships in France
    This Northwestern web site offers contact information for internships in France through the French Embassy and other programs.
  • AustraLearn
    Facilitates students into internships as a special opportunity for U S and Canadian students. All internships are provided by GIS (Global Internship Services), an Australian based Educational Company.  
  • CDS International
    Founded in 1968, CDS is a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of international practical training opportunities for young professionals, students, educators, as well as labor, business and government representatives.
  • Mountbatten Internship Programme in London
    The Mountbatten Internship Programme promotes educational and business links between the USA and the UK.  The aim is to give graduates and young professionals the opportunity to gain practical and theoretical business experience, whilst also developing social and cultural awareness and understanding.
  • Adelante Abroad
    Adelante offers a variety of unpaid internships for U.S. citizens in Spain, France, and Central America. 

Governmental Opportunities

  • Foreign Service
    Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) advocate American foreign policy, protect American citizens, and promote American business interests throughout the world. They staff our Embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions devoted to strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity.
  • US Agency for International Development (USAID)
    USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. The agency works to support long-term and equitable economic growth and advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, agricultural and trade; global health; and democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance.
  • US Commercial Service
    The Commercial Service "promotes exports of goods and services from the United States, particularly by small businesses and medium-sized businesses, and it protects U.S. business interests abroad."