Does anyone have experience with a work abroad program?

Question

I'm in the US, looking for a legitimate work/volunteer abroad agency. I'd love to hear from someone who has actually experienced this type of program. What sort of work did you do? How much did it cost? Was a BA required?

Answer 1

There are tons of things you can do and tons of places you can go. You don't necessarily need a B.A. but it all really just depends on what you do and what you are willing to do!

Lately, all over the world there is the trend now of teaching EFL abroad. Some countries require an undergraduate degree, others not. Sometimes they prefer a master's to work at a university. Or you could be teaching English to children in a village somewhere having to create your own supplies. You could have to pay for this, they could provide you housing, they could pay you very little, or you could make a lot. But this question can be answered elsewhere on another day.

You will have an easier time teaching English all over the world if you have an EU passport, and if not, then everywhere minus Europe ( though possible) is open to you.

The service industry, including working in hotels, hostels, and restaurants are also possible. Some programmes require a service fee, others don't.  

A lot also has to do with where you want to work and what you want to do. Various government institutions overseas, for example the EU Commission, also accepts graduate students for a well-paid internship of 6 months. NATO as well.

I have personally done some work overseas, taught English in Asia, and have held internships in Europe. I've never paid for anything because I sometimes feel the for profit agencies are a bit dodgy.

Ask yourself some questions like;

Where do I want to go?

How long do I want to stay there?

Am I willing to learn the language?

Do I want to pay or get paid?

How will this support my CV \ resume?

Do I want to save money?

How can I benefit from this?

If you were able to answer most of the questions, then I suggest checking out a few of these helpful but generic sites that could lead you in the right direction.

For Teaching English

http://www.eslcafe.com/ -  Dave ESL  

Every teacher knows it. Tons of job postings of both paid and unpaid positions. Be careful though of recruiters.

http://www.goabroad.com/ -  Go Abroad

Tons of stuff, Jobs, Internships, Teaching Positions, Volunteers jobs!  Some things you have to pay but other ones not.

http://www.peacecorps.gov/  -  Peace Corps

  My friend worked in Africa with them for three years and loved it. They don't always require a BA but they have 2 year or longer commitments!

Check out other things, like the UN website, or also simply either go to the city you want and / or google the city and volunteer.

Don't forget about churches and other institutions, like NGOs.

You have a lot of work ahead of you, and a lot of decisions so good luck!