Returning Abroad
There are many other ways to go abroad again after you have studied off campus or graduated from Skidmore. Studying off campus is just the beginning!
Study off campus again
Many students will choose to study off campus more than once while at Skidmore. With planning you may be able to study off campus for multiple semesters or by combining semester study with short-term program options. See an advisor in OCSE to find a program and don't forget to consider Skidmore's travel seminars - short-term programs led by Skidmore faculty members.
Apply for a summer grant
Consider applying for a Skidmore summer grant for educational experiences or unpaid internships. SGA also has some additional funding opportunities.
Work/Intern Abroad
Many work options will be short-term work abroad where you can earn enough to cover your food, lodging, and day-to-day living expenses. This type of job probably will not pay enough to cover air transportation; but, if you are lucky, it may help to provide some extra money for travel after you leave your job. Short-term work experiences include positions such as “au pairs” (nannies), farm workers, typists, wait persons, and youth camp leaders.
BUNAC
If you are a full-time student or a recent graduate (within the past six months), an organization called BUNAC can help you obtain a permit for short-term work in Britain, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
Lead an International Trip!
Here are three examples of organizations that take high school students on educational and/or community service summer tours abroad. They offer summer positions as trip leaders in an area where you have experience and language skills. Visit their website for recruiting information:
Post-Grad Internships available through Study Abroad Providers
Some of Skidmore's approved program providers offer students have post-graduate internship options for students that studied on one of their programs.
Teach Abroad
While teaching abroad is different in many ways from other overseas experiences, it too can be a tremendous learning experience. First and foremost, it is important to approach the experience with teaching, not travel, as your primary focus.
There are several kinds of teach abroad programs to consider. You can choose to work through a private, for-profit business or a non-profit organization. Here are a few programs to consider:
- Language and Cultural Assistants Program in Spain: This program is managed by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, and the Education Office of the Embassies of Spain in the U.S.A. and Canada. Participants teach English in grades K-12.
- Teaching Assistant Program in France: This program offers young Americans the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages.
- The JET Programme - The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme seeks to enhance internationalization in Japan through the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and foreign countries. It focuses on creating ties between Japanese and JET participants and is run by local governments. Most participants are assistant language teachers and engage in language instruction under the guidance of teachers’ consultants or Japanese teachers of foreign languages. To apply, contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General closest to you.
- CIEE: This organization offers various opportunities to teach English around the world. Participants pay a program fee which covers placement, visa issues, and insurance.
- WorldTeach, Inc. - WorldTeach is a non-profit organization that sends volunteers overseas to teach in developing countries. Subject areas vary from English to environmental education. While each participant must pay airfare and program start-up fees, the program subsidizes your expenses while you are working. They even have helpful fundraising suggestions to provide you with ways to cover costs. Harvard University founded and administers the program.
- Dave's ESL Cafe Job Center: A fine web site for more information on teaching overseas.
Volunteer Abroad
There is a range of opportunities to volunteer abroad. Restoration projects, literacy campaigns, and teaching are just a few examples. Some programs charge a fee and provide services such as insurance coverage, meals, and even housing. Some do not charge a fee but provide no service; some provide free room and board in exchange for your work; some even pay a small stipend.
- Contact Skidmore's Office of Community Service Programs for local and international volunteer opportunities as well as alternative spring break programs.
- Peace Corps: Started in 1960 by Senator John F. Kennedy, Peace Corps is one of the most known opportunities to live, work and serve in another country.
- Cross-Cultural Solutions: This is a nonprofit organization offering programs in 12 different countries with over 200 different start dates.
- Habitat for Humanity: Habitat runs various international programs like the Global Village Program and the International Volunteer Program.
GRADUATE SCHOOL Abroad
Is the continuation of your academic career the next step? If you’re thinking about going to graduate school, your first two steps should be to talk to your academic advisor and pay a visit to the Career Development Center. They will help you to identify programs that match your interests and goals and get you started in the application process.
If you’re thinking about going to graduate school abroad, there are several things to consider in the application process. Pinpoint what you want to study. Next, determine which schools offer the best programs. (This is where your faculty advisor may be of particular assistance.) How will you finance your program? U.S. Federal Aid and loans may not be available.
Review the options for merit fellowships, scholarships and grants for graduate study abroad, administered by the Office of Academic Advising.
Additional Resources
For more information on short or long term work, volunteer, and study abroad opportunities check out these resources:
- Skidmore College’s Career Development Center
The staff in the Career Development Center can meet with you individually to discuss your skills and provide you with guidance in getting on the right path for an international career. They also have a lots of Web connections related to international internships and careers. You can also check out their link to the GoingGlobal database. - International Career Employment Weekly
This is a comprehensive source of information on international career positions. - Maintained by the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Latin American Studies, Enlace is the Electronic Network for Latin American Careers and Employment.
Disclaimer: While we are familiar with many of the resources listed, Skidmore College and the office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges do not endorse or recommend any organization or website in particular.
