CCSA alumni have learned to live and thrive in different cultures, and understand life outside of comfort zones. This type of international experience is now more than ever a critical element to bolstering employability.
Following is guidance and resources for integrating your study abroad experience into your career search.
Ways to Launch an International Career
Did you study abroad with CCSA and now would like to work in the field of International Education? We encourage you to explore the resources below for more information on joining the field.
NAFSA
NAFSA is the largest organization in International Education and a great starting point for any job search within the field. NAFSA has a national conference each year as well as regional conferences. There are 12 NAFSA regions across the US. If you know you want to stay within a particular state or region, you can attend a regional conference, which tends to be less expensive than the national conference. Regional conferences are held annually in October and November. They are a great networking opportunity and both the regional and national conferences offer volunteer and mentoring opportunities. NAFSA also has a career page where you can search by area of interest, location, etc.
Forum on Education Abroad
If you know you want to work specifically with Study Abroad, check out the Forum on Education Abroad. It is similar to NAFSA, but focuses exclusively on the work of sending US students overseas. They have an annual conference in March or April as well as a job directory.
The Institute for International Education (IIE)
The IIE is among the world's largest and most experienced international education and training organizations. They administer the Fulbright program, as well as the Boren and Gilman scholarship programs. For more information on their available positions, visit their careers page.
SECUSSA-L listserv
The listserv is a good way to familiarize yourself with the hot topics in International Education and learn about available positions. Many universities will post a job here and on the NAFSA Career Page either before they post on other sites or will not post anywhere else at all. You can receive a daily digest or get individual emails sent. Sign up here.
Fullbright Scholar Program (Research or Teaching)
If going back abroad again right after graduation is your dream, securing a Fulbright grant allows you to pursue an individually designed study or research project. You can also participate in the English Teaching Assistant Program.
For similar scholar programs for recent graduates, check out:
- Boren Awards (worldwide)
- DAAD – Study & Research (Germany)
- Luce Scholars (Asia)
- Princeton in Asia Fellowships
- AIF Clinton Fellowship (India)
- Leland International Hunger Fellows Program (Asia, Africa, & Latin America)
Teaching Abroad
Teaching at an American or international school abroad isn’t as difficult as it might seem. This way, you use your teaching degree as intended—to teach science, math, language arts, at the age level you are certified for. Teaching English abroad is also another popular way to go back abroad again.
Check out options like:
Government Work
Joining the Foreign Service is another way to find an internationally focused job, with the potential for overseas placement. Foreign Service Officers work in one of five different career tracks: Consular, Economic, Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy, and you have to pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) to be able to apply for these jobs.
Other related opportunities include:
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to make a lasting positive impact around the world. Upon completion of an intensive 2-3 months training, volunteers are dispatched to their destination where they spend 2 years creating positive change. Throughout service, Volunteers have regular opportunities to gain new skills related to work, language, culture, and safety. This training makes returned Peace Corps Volunteers highly in demand by corporate, nonprofit, and government employers seeking candidates with the skills required in today’s global economy.