Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with international

Working Outside the US with a US Law Degree?

plaidrabbit — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:04:01 -0800

How does an attorney, educated and licensed in US law, get hired in other countries (preferably Canada) that need someone who knows US law? First of all, I have to apologize if this has been asked before. I did a seriously thorough search through the archives, and I got nothing about lawyers and working abroad. So, having said that...

I'm trying to consider all of my options when it comes to the whole "getting a job" thing after I graduate law school next May. I'm currently completing judicial clerkship applications, doing an internship right now and an externship in the fall, and everything else I can think off. I also understand that most markets (hell, the entire US) is "tight," and getting any type of job is going to be tough.

I have lived in Canada in the past, and really enjoyed it. I also was in Ireland for six weeks last summer, and really enjoyed that as well. I would love to live and practice law in these areas, but I also know that getting licensed in those areas is nigh on impossible without re-attending a local law school/university. What I would like to do is advise companies based in these countries on contracts, business deals, corporate law or securities regulations regarding US law and its affects on their (hopefully international) business dealings.

Problem is, I've got no idea where to start. I did find some articles on getting hired in China, but I desire to live there about as much as I desire getting punched in the face. I am also thinking that I might have no luck doing this as a fresh graduate, and have a better shot later on when I can do a lateral move if I want. Does this matter? Do firms in other locales like young lawyers, thinking they're more likely to learn more of the local law system?

Any ideas? If there's anyone who actually does this for a living, and can tell me how they got into it, that'd be superb.

Tell me about academic job websites across the globe!

handee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:54:15 -0800

Do other countries have an equivalent of the UK's jobs.ac.uk, where pretty much all academic jobs are advertised?

How can I book specific flights?

jimw — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:41:58 -0800

If I know exactly which flights on which airlines that I want for a two-airline, two-hop international trip, how do I book them? My employer was happy to book my flight through the corporate American Express account for an upcoming trip (LAX to RIX through CDG), but decided to throw my wife to the wolves. Now we are trying to get her booked on the same flights, but travel agents we have talked to (including American Express's consumer travel agents) can't seem to duplicate the route.

The two airlines involved are Air France (actually a Delta codeshare on my ticket) and airBaltic. It is airBaltic that has stymied some of the agents, and the Delta/Air France flight for others.

Are we just having bad luck with travel agents, or is this something they just can't do? Any recommendations of agents that can work this magic would be appreciated.

Alternatively, if we just book the two round-trip flights (LAX-CDG and CDG-RIX) for her through each airline's website, are we going to run into trouble getting her luggage all the way through?

What website offers the best baby registry service?

micketymoc — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:33:23 -0800

What site offers the best baby registry service? Special difficulty - the parents-to-be are in the Philippines, the friends and relatives are scattered everywhere else. We want to sign up with a baby registry service that offers the least trouble and best value for international gift-givers. Our family and friends are scattered all over the world, specifically New Zealand, Vietnam, Singapore, South Africa, and in the US: New York, Michigan, California, and Massachusetts.

What site would that be, and why?

gas explosion in apartmen short film - name?

dabitch — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:46:07 -0800

Trying to find a Japanese short film "Tension" that I saw at the Rotterdam Film Festival 1999 or 2000. I saw this film at the Pathé Schouwburgplein either 1999 or 2000. The director was there and ready to answer questions after the screening.

The story: in a grey apartment block, inside a cramped apartment someone leaves the gas on while cooking. Each family member is doing something that theoretically could spark the gas to explode - sister is blow drying her hair, little brother is playing with a toy that sparks, someone is lighting matches - etcetera and so on. Tension builds, the edits get faster, matches are lit (gas does not explode), toy guns are shot (gas does not explode) and all sorts of other things go on until finally, the whole apartment blows up in the most amazing slow-mo explosion you've ever seen (and as I recall set off by an item you didn't suspect would be the one to set it off). We even get a nice shot from outside the apartment building watching the whole floor go kabloom.

Now, I can't for the life of me find out what this film is called or who directed it. Ring any bells?

How to call a UK 0700 number from the USA?

w0mbat — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:32:46 -0800

How do I call a UK 0700 number from the USA? My mother is in hospital and I'd like to call her tomorrow. I'm familiar with the normal rules (01144 + drop the leading zero) but it doesn't seem to work for these 0700 numbers. My mother is in an NHS hospital in London, and they issue patients with personal phones in their rooms that have these 0700 numbers. I think it's a special case premium rate UK number on which the hospital makes a profit.

Ping Pong Cellular Telephony: Chinese phones and US SIM cards

msbrauer — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:13:41 -0800

Phone from China, SIM card in the US: what do I need to know to make sure I have a working cell phone when I return to the US for a month or two this summer? My girlfriend and I are currently living in China and will be returning to the US for a month or so this summer. We would both like to have cell phones while in the US without having to get on a plan or buying separate phones for the two countries. I've never dealt with SIM cards in the US.

The best solution I envision is being able to purchase prepaid SIM cards when we arrive in the US, pop it into our phones, and start making phone calls. How plausible is this? My cell phone is a Nokia 2100, which I believe is EGSM 900, GSM 1800. Because it works with both of the major providers' SIM cards in China, I believe it is also unlocked. What other specifications are important?

My girlfriend, on the other hand, needs to purchase a new cell phone and would like one that works in both countries. What specifications does the phone need to have so we can be assured it will work in the US?

Taxes begone!

Static Vagabond — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:19:22 -0800

Can I avoid paying PA sales tax if I'm buying from and for an international location? We're making a large purchase on equipment and would like to avoid paying sales tax on that purchase if possible.

We're based in the Turks and Caicos Islands (a 'tax-free' haven), and the company we're buying from is in Pennsylvania, the equipment would be delivered to us, on island.

So, is it possible? If so, who would I need to speak to, to allow that to happen?
The PA company hasn't dealt with international orders before, and so the people I've talked to there aren't clued in with what's possible.
If it's on them to act, then I'd at least like to get a little list together for them to make it a simple process.

How do I best submit my short film to as many festivals as possible?

Elle Vator — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:27 -0800

A comprehensive short-film festival submission calender: Does such a thing exist? I am in post production on a non-verbal short film. It could be considered a dance film (it involves dancers), an experimental film (in involves a woman going through a series of effect-driven physical transformations, breaking apart into many people and then coming back, whole and powerful) or a music video (it is the length of a song and the song is amazing) but I consider it to be a non-verbal dramatic narrative short about becoming who you are. It could be considered to be the story of any immigrant, anyone who has gone through adolescence or experienced a spiritual/physical transformation.

It is the best thing I have ever made in terms of production values and I want to submit it to all the festivals I can. It is the type of film that may garner awards in the right forums. Is there a resource - a website, perhaps - that lists all the festivals looking for short content and their deadlines?

I would also be interested if anyone has any tips as to how I could seek out international distribution. The lyrics of the song are not in English or French (Portuguese, in fact), though the production is based in Canada. You don't need to understand the words in order to get the meaning of the piece. What that means to me is that this film has global distribution potential.

Thoughts?

CIDA international youth internship

ouchitburns — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:27:35 -0800

Anyone have any information about or experience with CIDA internships? Has anyone here ever gotten a CIDA international youth internship? The website is really uninformative, and i can't find any info on the web. I am wondering how competitive it is, and whether it is hard to get one? Is this the last year? And if you do get one, when do you usually find out, roughly?

American seeking work in the Netherlands

korres — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:07:39 -0800

I'm an American living in the U.S. and searching for a job in the Netherlands (with the intention of moving there permanently). My chances for success are slim, I know. What can I do to improve them? There are basically two ways for a non-EU citizen to legally work in the Netherlands: an employer can sponsor you (after proving that no EU citizen can do the job), or your Dutch partner can sponsor you.*

I have the best Dutch boyfriend in the history of Dutch boyfriends, but he doesn't qualify to sponsor me. So I'm searching for a job the work-permit-less way: wading through listings at NL job search Web sites and applying directly to companies with specific openings (with my fingers crossed).**

However, as the rejection e-mails are flooding my inbox, I'm wondering if there's something I can do differently with my resume to convince potential employers that I'm worth the time, effort, and money involved in hiring a non-EU citizen. I feel like I've done the basics -- my resume is typo-free, every bullet point starts with a verb, and I tweak the keywords to match the job posting when I can -- but I have no idea if it's ever going to help me make the international leap.

Some background on me, if it helps: I have a bachelor degree in Management Information Systems and a bachelor degree in English. I started my career in 2003 as a programmer using proprietary tools. In 2004, I transferred into corporate communications, so I have about four years' experience doing a combination of technical writing, editing, and marketing copywriting. I'd prefer to stay in the world of corporate communications (although at this point I'd be thrilled to land an IT job; I just don't think I could compete with someone with more experience). I'm totally open to companies outside the software industry. Oh, and I don't speak Dutch. I'm studying, but the reality is that it'll be a few years before I'm fluent, and I don't think it'll ever happen without more immersion.

International recruiters/hiring managers: What makes you choose one candidate over another? Extra skills beyond what was listed in the job posting? Professional organization memberships? Certifications?

Folks who have successfully landed jobs in countries other than your native land: What was the key to your success? Was there a point in your job search where you changed tactics?

Dutch employers: Want to hire me? I'm really great!

Bonus question: How does one stay positive during a difficult job search? I'm starting to lose hope and it's really affecting my emotional and physical health.

* There's also the highly skilled migrants program, which enables registered employers to bring in employees without work permits; but the job seeker has to find a job with a registered employer first, so I don't see how it affects one's job search.

** Most employment agencies (including Undutchables and Dambusters) can't help, because they won't consider applicants who don't already have work permits.

TaxesFilter: Moving abroad, not raising flags

sirion — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:04:29 -0800

TaxFilter: Student abroad (moved in August), and don't want to get red flagged/audited due to sudden drop in income! How do I tell the IRS I moved? I moved to Austria in Aug 2007. I was making pretty good money teaching music (self-employed) in the US, and stopped working altogether after I moved. What's the best way to make all of this clear in my tax return and do whatever I can to not raise flags? (An audit when I'm in another country would be a royal pain in the ass)

I figure being self employed is almost enough of a flag on its own without having a sudden unexplained drop in income.

Where in the world am I?

mcarthey — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:14:02 -0800

Can I find coordinates by address? I would like to know if it's possible to locate a set of GPS coordinates by typing in an address? Specifically I am looking for international addresses (South America). The maps that I have been able to find online are not specific enough for South America to allow me to use them.
Thanks for any help!

A job in computers that lets me travel a lot?

giggleknickers — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:32:48 -0800

I want a job in computers that involves a lot of travel. I study computer engineering now (in Germany). I want to see the world and make a career out of it. I'm preparing for my career and I'm trying to figure out how I might go about getting a job where I get to travel a lot. I especially want to travel to East Asia.

What I'm doing right now is learning Chinese, in the hopes that that will make me more attractive to employers who send their workers around the world. I'm also signing up as a "guide" to the exchange students who come to my university so that I can expand my international network (plus, I enjoy it!). I don't have money to go on an exchange program myself, unfortunately.

So, this question is sort of a two-parter. 1) What kind of jobs are out there for people with my qualifications that let you travel a lot? 2) How can I make myself the best qualified for traveling jobs?

Thank you!

Safe way to transfer money

Julnyes — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:40:05 -0800

How to handle an international refundable payment so that all parties are satisfied? I will be staying in an apartment rental on my upcoming trip to Paris.

I went through a website that a friend has used before, but the person renting the apartment is new to the site. They are asking for a security deposit upon our arrival that will be refunded at the end of our stay in case of damage, etc to the apartment.

I am a little uncomfortable just handing over a stack of euros in an envelope to a complete stranger. What steps should I take to maximize a safe transaction for all involved.. Should I request a receipt? Give him the deposit in some other format? personal check? international money order? Should I also request a list of items that would result in the money not being refunded?

The most COMPLEAT working abroad thread EVAR. Or, help me get out of Jersey already!

twins named Lugubrious and Salubrious — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:17:53 -0800

I'm looking for resources on doing paid farm work (preferably in Scandinavia, but anywhere else in Europe is fine, too). I want to work on a farm in Scandinavia for a couple of months. From what I can tell, it's incredibly hard for non-EU people (I'm American) to get working papers to go there, so my options are these (in order of most to least wanted):

1) Drill through the process and end up on a farm in Scandinavia for a couple of months. Anyone have any experience with this? How can I make this process easier?

2) Work doing something else in Scandinavia for the next couple months. My options are pretty limited -- haven't finished college yet, don't really have any marketable skills as far as I'm concerned. Past jobs have included office work, temping, waitressing, cashiering. Could I actually get away with doing something like teaching English?

3) Work in another English-speaking country in Europe where it's easier to get a visa/permit. I'm ok with this, but I've never had a driving need to visit the UK, Scotland, or Ireland.

4) Volunteer to work on a farm in Scandinavia. As far as I can tell, the papers process might still be pretty complicated. Plus, my money situation is really tight; I'd really like to be compensated in some way, not just in food and board.

So the priority here is to basically a) get to Europe this summer b) get paid, although the preference is on Scandinavia, and farm work (the only widely offered job I can see myself being qualified for).

Any suggestions? Are there positions or locations that I've overlooked?

My research has basically turned up these sort-of relevant threads:

How feasible is it for me to live and work abroad?
money for living abroad?
How do I get a job outside the UK? ASAP.
How can I move to Spain for couple of years?
Summer programs
How to find jobs around the world?
Travel jobs
12181

and a handful of links basically pulled from these pages:

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/farm_jobs_agriculture.shtml
http://www.pickyourown.org/jobsonfarms.htm

Any other suggestions? TIA.

International Health Care Volunteering.

ackeber — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:57:07 -0800

How can I find a summer program where I can provide medical care overseas, without any actual medical training? I'm looking for a summer program where I can perform actual medical duties to impoverished nations.
An example is a friend who went with her aunt to Mexico in order to help doctors fix cleft palates on children.
For so many reasons I want to experience this.

I have no medical training, but 3 years of a&p/gross anatomy, and I'm a very motivated worker and fast learner.

So, now what? How do I do this?
I don't mind if it isn't paid, but it would be nice to have my airfare paid for as I am a broke college student.

Any help is so very much appreciated.

Job hunting from overseas: good or bad idea?

QueSeraSera — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:22:15 -0800

Job hunting from across the ocean: in a foreign country, looking to move back to home country. Which is better? Apply and interview from here, or quit current job and search from there? I've been saying it for years, but I'm finally ready to move back home after a great stint abroad. I've selected the location, now all I need is the job. I'd really like to begin inquiring from here, but friends have suggested that I should pack up and search from there. Which would maximize my chance of getting the job I want?

Apply from here:
PROS
- Security. I continue working my job, less crazy-making for me.
- Gainfully employed people are more attractive prospects. (?) "I'm a serious professional."
CONS
- Interview logistics. Can't drop everything and pop in for a chat, time zone nightmares, might turn off employers.
- I need at least one month of lead time to settle my affairs here. Is this a deal breaker?

Apply from there:
PROS
- More convenient for the employer.
- I would be able to start right away.
- Make me appear to be a confident risk-taker and go-getter. (?)
CONS
- Unemployment. Gap in my resume. Money worries.
- Major stress = less than my ideal confident, professional self.
- Setting up shop in a new city, may not be ideally located for new job.

Other details:
I live in Japan, relocating to the West coast of the US. (Most likely not my home state of residency.)
I am unmarried and have no dependents.
I will be able to plan some trips for in-person interviews.
Will be targeting specific companies and industries. Some with a similar job description to my current position, some a slight stretch, but none are entry-level.
My current job experience here will be directly valuable to future employers (I'd be bringing something extra to the table compared with the typical in-town hire).
Relocation package not required but would be welcome, of course.

I'd appreciate opinions, anecdotes and suggestions from both sides of the fence (job seeker, HR/hiring manager). Thanks AskMe!

Ebay seller in Texas buyer in Europe how can both be protected

stereo — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:32:09 -0800

How can an ebay seller in Texas sell something to me in Europe with both of us being protected? I'm currently in France, and a Texan ebayer has interesting prices. In the US, he sells only to certified Paypal buyers. Ebay doesn't protect him if he sells to me in continental Europe.

The seller has 99.7% positive feedback and hundreds of positive ratings. He has suggested sending a money order, but ebay's buyer protection wouldn't cover me, and why wouldn't my $420 (shipping anywhere included) vanish?

Western Union costs $30 and isn't much safer. Escrow.com costs $50. I have a brother with a certified Paypal account in Berkeley, CA, but he doesn't fly over until August. Is there something else we could use?

Where to go?

jourman2 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:11:23 -0800

So I've got this new job and two weeks between finishing one job and starting the other. I'd like to travel for a week of those two, but to where? I realize that that its kind of a vague question but here are my parameters. I gave my two weeks notice today, so Friday the 11th is my last day of work. I'm in New York and I'm really up for going anywhere (I've got a valid passport). I'd like to keep the trip in 1000-1500 or less range and I'd like to go internationally. I've traveled a bit (just to various parts of the US and Canada + England and a few parts of the Middle East), but certainly not extensively. I'd like to make definite plans soon, so lets hear what you all have to say.

Thanks.

Should I return the iPhone I just got as a gift but won't be using for the next 2 months?

gramcracker — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:26:15 -0800

Should I return my iPhone? The ex gave me one as a gift yesterday as an early graduation present, but I'm leaving for Guatemala for 2 months tonight. I won't be using it in Guatemala, so it'd essentially sit unused for 2 months, in which time maybe the 3G version would come out?

I'd a) worry that it would be stolen and b) have to use it on international roaming, which would cost thousands of dollars and just ain't happenin' or c) would have to unlock it illegally and believe this can turn it into an iBrick (I haven't read a whole lot on this option).

It's unopened in the box right now, and I'd imagine I could return it to the Apple Store for a store credit? I'd like to have an iPhone eventually, just wonder if I should just get it when I return to the US, in the off-chance that the 3G upgrade would happen while I'm gone (or maybe even in June), which I could wait for.

20 Euro cents per minute is quite outrageous

cmonkey — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:28:29 -0800

Is there a better option for international phone forwarding than Skype? I would like to have a US phone number redirect to my German phone number, but Skype's rates to German mobiles are quite high. Are there any other options?

Panamaniacs, tell me about Panama!

attercoppe — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:57:39 -0800

My wife-to-be and I are going to Panama for our honeymoon. Following are a whole slew of questions about Panama! These are leftover questions from my research via the internet, Lonely Planet et al, and a guy we know who is from Panama (who tends to be evasive and inconsistent in his answers). (Some of these have been partially answered in other Asks.)

What's the best/cheapest plastic to take? A credit card (and if so, which one) or our regular debit cards (one is US Bank, one a regional bank)? Since Panama uses US dollars, I assume that there would be no currency exchange fees either way, how about ATM fees, international transaction fees, etc?

Where should we stay in Panama City the first night we get in? We'll be arriving about 10pm on a weeknight, can we wait and find a hotel that late or should we make a reservation ahead of time? We'll probably also stay there the night before we leave, as our flight out leaves at 7:30am. Bonus points for cheap!

Any recommendations on places to stay in or near Los Santos province, and/or near Bocas del Toro? Again bonus for cheap, also for long term, near the beach, and private.

Any "just jump in" sort of missions/social outreach opportunities in late May/early June? Not looking for the typical package deal, just something like a soup kitchen, orphanage, construction (or whatever) where we can simply show up and go to work. We'd prefer something Christian, but other options are great.

Wherever we go from Panama City, should we fly (quick but more expensive) or bus it (cheap but long and possibly cramped)? Or other?

Any cultural things we should know? Tipping, handshaking, whatever.

Any other advice you can give! Thank you hive mind!

Debit/Credit card fees in Europe

timory — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:55:53 -0800

How do I avoid excessive credit card/ATM fees when traveling in Europe this summer? I'll be studying abroad in Europe for 6 weeks this summer, in 6 different countries. I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle money out there. I know that it's best not to carry cash or use local currency exchanges, but is there any particular credit card or bank that I should apply for to avoid conversion fees and other surcharges? Ideally I'd just be able to get cash out of most ATMs without having to pay an arm and a leg for each individual transaction.

Right now I have a checking account (debit card) with PNC Bank, and a credit card with Bank of America, just FYI.

How can I best involve myself in the Social/Political cause against Water Privatization?

albernathy0 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:05:30 -0800

How can I best involve myself in the Social/Political cause against Water Privatization? I am 20 years old, a junior at the University of California San Diego. I am an International Studies Sociology major, but over the last couple of months I've been thinking about important issues that I want to work in and the world's water crisis has been at the top of my list. I was thinking originally about finishing my sociology degree while taking math/science/bio courses so that I could be eligible for a Hydrology graduate program. As I was looking into Hydrology programs, to see if this would cut it, it seems that they generally prefer pure science majors, such as Geology/Bio/Chem/Engineering. I am not particularly math/science oriented, I am much more of a humanities sort of person, so I am very confused about what I ought to do.

Another question I'm facing is if getting a Hydrology Degree is the best way I can address this problem. I want to be apart of the solution, but I want to be able to be apply my particular strengths to the cause, which I feel are not mathematical or scientific.

If I were to finish my sociology degree are their career possibilities involved in this?

Please help.
As I am supposed to pick my classes at the University of Chile soon...tomorrow. But I will have a month to alter my schedule.

University of California Davis has an undergraduate hydrology program, and I was thinking of possibly transferring. But that obviously is a step ahead.

Thank you all for the helpful comments. I would especially love to hear from actual hydrologists.