Options for continuing your international interests…
If your advisor will approve it; you can do it. We have students who have combined programs to achieve academic goals and/or fulfill personal interests.
The College of Arts & Sciences offers a major in International Affairs.
The International Cooperative Education Department maintains reciprocal co-op exchange agreements with private enterprises, public agencies and institutions of higher education in several countries. These arrangements allow qualified undergraduates to be placed abroad for a six-month work assignment related to their field of study. The office is located in 202 Sterns, 373-3400, or on-line at http://www.coop.neu.edu/intcoopcontact.html.
There are hundreds of organizations that provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer abroad. One of the best-known options is the Peace Corps, a government agency devoted to world peace and friendship. Thousands of Peace Corps volunteers have been going abroad to help citizens of developing nations since 1971. There are also several options for short-term volunteer work such as Cross Cultural Solutions and Global Volunteers. However, don’t be surprised if some of these volunteer assignments come with a price tag. Some organizations try to control operating expenses by asking volunteers to pay for their own expenses. For more volunteer options consult the Directory on International Voluntary Service.
You can work abroad for several months at a time. A few examples include; pub work in Ireland, picking grapes in Greece, or working on a cruise ship. Also, BUNAC offers opportunities for short-term work in Britain and Australia. Career training jobs are more difficult to come by and involve a much greater effort on your part. There are organizations, like CIEE, which provide you with a visa that allows you to work for a maximum of 6 months to a year.
Teaching abroad is one of the most accessible and popular options for paid or inexpensive long-term stays overseas. However, this means that the higher-paying jobs, arranged in advance, are more competitive. Typical destinations are Japan, Korea, and former Eastern bloc countries. Proficiency in the local language is rarely a requirement. Dave's ESL Cafe has a staggering amount of information regarding teaching English as a second language. Also, Institute for International Education, Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships is a wonderful program for recent grads looking to teach in specific countries. Other resources include: Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, Overseas Teacher's digest, Worlteach, Inc, ENLACE, StudyAbroad.com, and English Language Teaching.
Career-related traineeships are usually arranged by universities (like coop), special internship organizations, or by businesses, governments, or nonprofit international agencies. These internships can be paid or unpaid. As Northeastern students you should take advantage of the services international coop has to offer. However, if for some reason coop cannot work for you, know that there are other options.
There is a distinct difference between working abroad and actually being in an international career. For example, those in international careers may not actually work abroad except for brief business trips. Also, international careers are notoriously competitive. Connect with NU alumni working in international careers by contacting Ketty Rosenfeld, Director International Cooperative Education Programs, 373-3466, k.rosenfeld@neu.edu.
You can directly enroll in a foreign university just like the thousands of international students who matriculate at Northeastern. Often tuition costs at foreign universities are significantly less than in the U.S. However, some schools are learning that international students can be a source of revenue and therefore charge them more money. If you are looking for specific certification, make sure that the degree you receive overseas will enable you to practice in the U.S. There are scholarship programs, like Rotary and Fulbright, which will support your international study.
There are many resources to help you learn about these opportunities: advisors (career services, coop, study abroad), books, organizations and web-sites. Some other helpful links and suggestions:
Much of the previous information was taken from NAFSA’S Guide to Education Abroad, Hoffa, Pearson, Slind eds., 1993, and William Nolting, University of Michigan International Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Mr. Nolting’s extensive lists of resources can be found on-line at http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/overseas.html.
