How can I obtain WORK EXPERIENCE or INTERNSHIPS OVEREAS???

Question

Hi People.

I have recently completed my MA from City University, and at this current moment in time I really DO NOT want to be in London. I would like to go abroad for some work experience or maybe a 3 - 6 month internship. I would like to go some place like New York or Japan.

Does anybody have any advice on how best to proceed?

Does anybody have any useful websites or does anybody know of any consultancies that specialise in overseas work.

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

I've spent several years working in the Far East (Japan/Hong Kong) and Europe, doing a variety of jobs, and have alot of experience applying for work permits, especially in the Far East.

It is unlikely a company in the UK would send you on an overseas posting without having worked for them there first.

The vast majority of charitable organisations, such as VSO, require a long term commitment, much longer than 6 months, as well as specialist skills (And I don't think they would send you to Japan or New York either!).
You don't say what subject you studied, what other experience you have, or what field you hope to work in. All these things are really important for us people answering to know really, to give better advice.

However, I would say your best option would be to travel to the country on a tourist visa, find a job while you are there (for graduates, finding work teaching English in the Far East is easy, although not always well paid)plus if company bosses can see you in person you are more likely to get hired. To get a work visa though, companies really need commitment from you for a year. When I found a job in Japan I had to leave the country and then re-enter on a work visa. So I went on holiday to a neighbouring country. It was the same procedure for everyone I knew, including business and financial consultants. This was my experience anyway.

P.S If you a an EU citizen have you thought about finding a job in the EU? It would be much easier to get short term employment.

Answer 2

Try KBR or Disney. Although it won't be new york. If you are European why not work somewhere else in Europe. There are tons of jobs for europe advertised on uk jobsites. Having said that, if you only want to do 3 months many UK companies will send you around to other offices overseas for a bit. Would help to know what you want to do. If you work for a big company like Deloitte for a year they will send you to wherever you want to go usually.

Good luck leaving the Truman Show.

Answer 3

Without knowing which fiend you are working in it's difficult to say, but I would say that you should register with international job agencies that will sort out your visa etc for you. If you don't mind what type of work you do, consider doing VSO or teaching English as this is especially needed in Japan).

If you have a profession try registering with any Institutions or Unions that represent your area as they may be able to give you advice. If you have access to the Uni still then talk to your careers advisory department as they may have contacts that you can use.

Good Luck :)

Answer 4

Write directly to the companies you're interested in and wait for their response. If none, then I'm afraid you'll have to work from where you live and hopefully someday your employer will post you overseas.