How to find jobs around the world?

August 28, 2005 7:46 AM

How do I find work outside of the United States?

I'm graduating in eight months (MS Comp Sci, GC Comp Forensics) and want to get out of here for a while. What are the best ways to find jobs available to Americans in other countries? The only language I speak fluently is English, so that probably cuts my choices down quite a bit. I'm thinking about applying to the JET Program in Japan, but more options are always better.

posted by gaelenh to Work & Money (6 answers total)

You can work in Ireland. Or go through Council to work in Aus or New Zealand (I used them when I first came out to the States from Ireland, they were helpful and efficient).
posted by jamesonandwater at 8:13 AM on August 28, 2005 [1 favorite]

Up With People's WorldSmart Leadership Program is often looking for people to join their crew (road staff or office staff). You'll get to travel around the US, Japan, and Europe with them.

you don't necessarily have to be alumni; we have at least two people on staff who aren't alumni. You also get to work with people from all over the world.

(disclaimer: I am currently a student on the program. Loads of fun!)
posted by divabat at 8:18 AM on August 28, 2005

The British Universities North America Club runs a deal where you can buy a six-month UK work permit, as long as you enter the UK no later than the end of the calendar year in which you graduate. This might buy you enough time to find a job where someone will sponsor you.

Your university's career office or its study abroad office may also have some good resources for you.
posted by Vidiot at 12:19 PM on August 28, 2005

Previously on AskMe.
posted by scazza at 4:33 PM on August 28, 2005

I did the BUNAC thing Vidiot mentioned in 1999. You're technically not supposed to get a "career" job (most of the other people I met doing it were working in pubs or temping), but there's not a lot they can do to prevent you. I found I.T. company willing to hire and sponsor me for a proper work visa. Unfortunately one of the requirements back then was that you had to have two years' post-grad experience in your field (which, as a recent graduate, I hadn't), but just as my six months were about to expire the Home Secretary announced that the UK was falling behind in I.T. and so he relaxed the rules. We re-submitted and I was granted a three year visa pretty easily. So just be aware that there might be restrictions on letting you stay...
posted by web-goddess at 7:02 PM on August 28, 2005 [1 favorite]

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer and highly recommend the program--though the application process took 12 (!) months when I went through it in 1995. I thought the length of the application process was intentional to weed less passionate folks out. It was an amazing opportunity and I highly recommend it. Given your background, have you checked out Geek Corps? I've read good things about them. The advantage of doing a more structured program is the support you get in the field. I got amazing language, culture and medical training as a Peace Corps Volunteer and knew the organization would take care of me if disaster--personal or natural, struck.

An alternative is just picking a place you'd like to be, and just going--seeing what you can find once you're there. Expenses will vary according to location. It's worth finding out where others like you gather so that you can start establishing a network. Information tends to be better once you're on the ground. Warning--it takes time to get used to a place and is even more challenging to come home--but it's one of the greatest things I've ever had the privilege of doing. Good luck!!!
posted by teddyb109 at 4:13 AM on August 31, 2005