Your college career is (almost) over, and you’re still looking for that first job after college. Yipes! Rather than freak out and stick your head in the sand à la ostrich, it’s time to pull up your big kid pants, grab your passport, and do some sleuthing for jobs abroad after college.
Some of your friends are still finishing up final exams while others have already started full-time positions. But you’re somewhere in between; no longer a student (technically) but not yet into your career. You’re out there, floating, hoping to get a job after college, desperately trying to find that current of success that everyone else seems to be cruising down.
Before you launch into a full on existential panic attack, take a deep breath, friends, because we’ve all been there. Instead of over-stressing about getting a job after college, why not take advantage of this temporary career break? Use this time to do something for yourself before your life is taken over by a full-time job. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider working abroad! Can’t afford it? We saw this coming. That’s why here at GoAbroad, we’ve dedicated a section of our website to assisting you with finding jobs abroad for recent graduates.
8 steps to finding jobs abroad after college
Resume complete? Check. Cover letter ready? Check. Experience? Uh oh.
Getting a job after college with little work experience is HARD. You could stay at home applying for jobs you don’t want or working menial jobs you despise just to start your career. However, working abroad will make your life WAY more interesting and meaningful!
Three to five years experience is NOT entry level, whateverjoblisting.com.
1. Figure out your why.
What is drawing you to look beyond your current zip code—WAY beyond your current zip code—to find jobs? Is it because you love the idea of getting paid to travel (who doesn't?!)? Is it because you've heard rumors that you can make a surprising amount of money and even pay down your student debt (yup—it's true!)? Is it because you want to learn new skills, like mastering a second language, grow your network, boost your resume, or all of the above?
Before seeking jobs abroad after college, know what your chief goals and motivators are. This will help influence your job hunt!
[Why Work Abroad? 9 Legit Reasons]
2. Decide where you want to go.
Your recent college graduate jobs abroad options will vary depending on where you decide you want to move abroad. As you spin the globe and consider your options, also consider things like the local cost of living (it's harder to save money in, say, Tokyo, than it is in Guatemala), what jobs you are most attracted to (don't move to the UK if you want to teach English abroad), and how easy it is to obtain a legit work visa. Here are some resources for you to peruse as you decide where to work abroad after college:
3. Choose your ideal job title.
Where will YOU find jobs abroad for recent college graduates? Take your pick!
Now that you know you're fully invested in the experience and have selected (at minimum) the region you'd like to work, now you need to figure out what job you want to actually have abroad.
Some of the best jobs for college graduates with little experience abroad are teaching English, au pairing, interning, or working in hospitality. But don't ball up your past strategies and toss them in the garbage just yet — that resume and cover letter will come in handy to fulfill the application materials required for jobs abroad! If you’re not keen on interviews, we got you covered there, too, with interview tips. Keep reading, our soon-to-be-hired friend.
4. Double check your qualifications.
Some jobs will require you to be a Native English speaker, have specific certifications, such as the completion of a TEFL course, or ask that all applicants have particular experience in a given work-area, oftentimes through classes or internships. Don't set off to apply for jobs abroad after college if your qualifications don't meet the minimum!
5. Start your job hunt online & submit some applications.
With more than 1,000 post college jobs abroad programs on GoAbroad, you’re sure to find something in anything from fine arts to business to environmental studies, and more, to pay for your time spent abroad. Traveling abroad after college will fill your life with unforgettable experiences. Just imagine being surrounded by ancient temples in China, fairytale palaces in Germany, or towering mountains in Sweden! Plus, the skills you learn abroad will be highly valuable to employers that you can’t learn at home, such as learning another language and gaining cross-cultural communication skills.
Since there are SO many opportunities out there trying to help you figure out how to get a job abroad after college, it's important that you already have your deal-breakers and non-negotiables in mind. Don't choose a work abroad program that doesn't offer you the exact experience you want! Click the link below to read our advice on how to best choose between job opportunities abroad / work abroad programs.
[How to Choose Between Work Abroad Programs]
If you're planning on living abroad for an extended period of time, you can search for full-time, salaried jobs on GoAbroad in your field of choice (just use the drop-box to narrow down your options based on country and job type). Finding and applying for full-time jobs out of college abroad can be a challenge, so if your heart is set on living in a certain country, our best advice is to use a job placement company to help you find work. These companies will find jobs for you to apply for and make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork for living and working in that country. Using a company such as this may require a fee, but it also guarantees that you’ll find a position that fits your interests and skill-sets.
You'll be living your dream life abroad in no time.
6. Save up your money.
It might sound odd at first, but paying for an organization to help you find legit job openings abroad can be worth the investment. That's why we recommend saving money and budgeting for your experience abroad ASAP. A combination of hard work, delayed gratification, and the help of loved ones can make your first few weeks abroad less financially stressful. Here are a few strategies to pay for moving abroad after college.
7. Prepare prepare prepare!
Once you've squared away your dream job abroad and have saved up a good chunk of money to carry you over the transition, you're ready to focus on further preparations! Just like moving for college after high school was a bit overwhelming, so too will hightailing it abroad feel familiarly unfamiliar. Here's a collection of resources to help you spend your last few weeks at home having more fun and stressing less—
8. GO!
You did it—it's time for all of that hard work for preparing for post college jobs abroad to pay off. Start your work day on the right foot and you'll be hitting the happy hour specials with your new coworkers in no time. Want more advice? ?
[The Busy Student’s Guide to Finding Work Abroad after Graduation]
Most popular jobs abroad for recent college grads
You’ll never have more fun with English in your life.
Teach English
Teaching abroad is a popular way to travel abroad after college and earn money without racking up on travel expenses. If you’re a native English speaker and looking for your first job after college, you can teach English abroad. The benefits of teaching abroad are endless, from gaining new skills to making new contacts. Since so many institutes from across the globe are hiring English teachers, hours, salary, and requirements vary. Most programs don’t require teaching experience or a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as Foreign Language), as you can get these on the job abroad. If you’re looking to earn more money and get hired quicker, becoming certified in TEFL is a good idea.
Current TEFL jobs for recent college grads:
- Say Ni Hao to students in China with GeoVisions: China is in high demand of English teachers. With a degree in education, you could be earning as high as $2,500 a month! Those extra bucks will come in handy to do some major exploring of temples and landmarks in this ancient country. Not bad for your first job out of college.
- Czech out CIEE to teach English abroad: Even if you have no teaching experience, you can earn your TEFL certificate and get paid to teach English while immersing yourself in the fairytale-esque beauty of Prague. Many placements even offer rent-free accommodation!
Become an Au Pair
Coloring with children is always a perk.
Like English teachers, au pairs are in demand and can find work in almost any country. For most programs, au pairs are required to be in good health, have some child care experience or a degree in early childhood/family development, at least a high school diploma, be between the ages of 18 and 30, and able to pass a background check. With most au pair jobs, you would live with a host family and take on the responsibility of caring for the family’s children while parents are at work. Like many jobs abroad, au pairs abroad usually earn enough money to pay for living expenses abroad and do a little traveling once the job ends.
Current au pair job openings for recent college grads:
- Enjoy life in France with Cultural Homestay International: Has it always been your dream to learn the language of romance in the City of Lights? Oui oui! Live with a host family in France! Discover the beaches, the alpine villages, and medieval cities on the side. Maybe you can take the kids along in a straight line like in “Madeline.”
- Surf’s up in Australia with InterExchange: Try out some vegemite and tim tams as you’re preparing food for the kids in The Land Down Under. With the money you earn, you can dive in the Great Barrier Reef, tour the Sydney Opera House, and meet a koala on the side. The program offers plenty of opportunities to live the Aussie way!
Internships
Take your first step into a career with an internship abroad.
Maybe you aren’t interested in being an au pair or teaching abroad; you’d rather continue to advance in the field you’re passionate about. If this is the case, you could search for an internship abroad. The downside of internships abroad is that most are unpaid, and many actually require you to pay a fee that covers housing and meals. But don’t let this stop you from applying for internships in other countries. When future hiring managers see that you had a business internship in Japan, it’ll be hard for them to pass you up. If you’re concerned about money, inquire about part-time employment opportunities before accepting an internship abroad.
Here are the top 10 most popular destinations for interning abroad this year.
Current internship available for recent college grads:
- Strut your heels with Fashion Week Internships in Italy: Experience the fashion industry up close and person in Milan! From short-term to long-term options, you can tailor your placement that best works for you. You’ll be expanding your fashion network with access to over thousands of brands, labels, designers, and more!
Hospitality
Open new doors with hospitality.
Perhaps your bookshelf is overflowing with travel guides and phrasebooks, you can name every country in the world, and you dream about working in beautiful accommodations, learning new languages, and giving tours in other countries. The tourism industry is growing rapidly all over the world, and many are in need of English speakers. Why not get your foot in the door with your first job after college in hospitality? You’ll be glad you did!
Current hospitality jobs abroad for recent grads:
- Go across the pond to the England to intern with IES Internships: You’ll gain practical experience in the hospitality industry with a customized placement in London. This semester long program includes excursions and the opportunity to earn academic credit.
- Get a paid job in Hospitality Management in Spain with Instituto Hemingway: Don't just work at a hotel, work in management. Instituto Hemingway will find you a job at one of the top hotels in all of Spain.
- Warm up with Chile with ELI: Live and work in a geographically and culturally diverse country while working in a hotel. Become fluent in Spanish as you speak frequently to the guests and take care of their needs.
Launch your career with post college jobs abroad!
From enjoying the wonders from traveling to gaining job experience, post college jobs abroad will be highly rewarding and valuable. Even if you have to pay a few bucks up front for program costs, any one of these jobs abroad for college students will be worth it in the end career-wise. Whether you’re teaching abroad in Chile or interning in business in China, your first job after college will be a memorable experience you’ll never forget.
Get Matched with 5 Recent College Graduate Jobs Abroad
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