Turn Your Study Abroad Experience into a Global Career

Why Intern Abroad?

Studying abroad often does more than just offer you new classes, languages, or friends. It can shift your horizon toward working abroad, both in the short term and long term. Students who go overseas are exposed to different cultures, work norms, and global networks, which tend to increase their confidence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication, skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. According to a study by the Institute for the International Education of Students, about 48% of U.S. students who studied abroad reported working in a globally oriented role at some point after graduation. In addition, research from IES Abroad found that nearly 90% of students who studied abroad secured employment within six months of graduating, compared with only about 49% of general college graduates finding full-time, degree-requiring jobs within a year. 

Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Career Services to explore employment opportunities outside of the U.S. and to learn how to effectively communicate the skills gained through their study abroad experience. Additionally, students can find helpful below: 

The following websites advertise internships abroad: 

1. AIFS (American Institute For Foreign Study)
Website: https://www.aifsabroad.com/
Specialty: Offers study abroad, internship, and volunteer programs with comprehensive support and cultural immersion.

 2. GoAbroad
Website: https://www.goabroad.com/intern-abroad
Specialty: Offers a wide range of international internships by country and field, with user reviews and planning resources.

 3. Global Experiences (AIFS Abroad)
Website: https://www.globalexperiences.com/
Specialty: Structured internship programs with housing, career coaching, and placement services in global cities.

 4. IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience)
Website: https://www.iaeste.org/
Specialty: Paid technical and engineering internships for university students in STEM fields, available in over 80 countries.

 5. CIEE Internships Abroad
Website: https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/internships
Specialty: Customized internships with support services, visa guidance, and optional academic credit.

 6. IES Internships
Website: https://www.iesabroad.org/internships
Specialty: Full- and part-time internships in a variety of industries, often paired with study abroad programs.

 7. CRCC Asia
Website: https://www.crccasia.com/
Specialty: Internships in Asia, with a focus on China, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea, across multiple sectors.

 8. BUNAC
Website: https://www.bunac.org/
Specialty: Internships and working holiday programs in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

 9. AIESEC
Website: https://aiesec.org/
Specialty: Student-run organization offering international internships and leadership development opportunities for young people.

 10. The Intern Group
Website: https://www.theinterngroup.com/
Specialty: Tailored internships with global companies, plus networking events, career coaching, and cultural immersion.

 11. Absolute Internship
Website: https://absoluteinternship.com/
Specialty: Global internship programs in business, engineering, fashion, and more, with housing, mentorship, and alumni support.

Teaching English Abroad

Are you graduating soon and dreaming of living abroad while teaching English? It’s a path many students take, not only for the adventure, but also for the experience, travel, and opportunity to make an impact. Here’s how you can prepare, get ready, and get out there.

Why Teaching English Abroad?

  • It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and build global networks.
  • Gain teaching experience, improve your communication skills, and stand out in international job markets.
  • Often comes with benefits like accommodation, travel stipends, or visa support (depending on the country).

2. What You’ll Need (https://www.tefl.org/)

 
TEFL/TESOL Requirement Chart: https://www.tefl.org/
Requirement Details
TEFL / TESOL Certification A 120‑hour TEFL or equivalent certificate is typically the minimum. It shows you can teach English to non‑native speakers. Look for accredited programs. 
Degree Some countries require a bachelor’s degree for visa/work permits. Whether your major is English-related or not, having a diploma helps. 
Passport & Legal Documents Valid passport, sometimes specific visas or work permits. Confirm what’s required well in advance. 
Language Skills / Cultural Understanding You don’t always need to speak the local language fluently, but knowing basics helps. Being culturally sensitive also takes you far. 

 

3. Steps to Get Started

  • Choose your destination
Consider safety, cost of living, demand for English teachers, visa requirements, and whether the culture or climate suits you.
  • Get certified
Enroll in a high‑quality TEFL/TESOL course. Check reviews, accreditation, what’s included (practical teaching hours, support, etc.).
Research reputable organizations to explore certification options.
  • Build experience
Even if you don’t have professional teaching experience yet, volunteer, tutor, or take on small teaching gigs. These help with your resume and confidence.
  • Prepare your resume and application
Include your certificate, any teaching experience, relevant coursework, language skills, and highlight why you want to teach abroad.
  • Search for jobs
Use TEFL job boards, local language schools abroad, international schools, or government‑sponsored teaching programs. Be cautious of scams.
  • Sort out visa & travel logistics
Understand what visa you need, how long it takes, what documents you’ll need, and any legal or financial considerations (health insurance, housing, taxes).

4. Helpful Articles and Resources

 

5. Tips to Make the Move Smoother

  • Save up some money before you go, moving abroad and waiting for your first pay can cost more than you expect.
  • Learn basic phrases in the local language, this helps with everyday life and shows respect.
  • Connect with others who have done this, forums, Facebook groups, or teachers in the country you're heading to.
  • Be flexible and patient. Things like job offer delays, visa processing, or adapting to a new culture are part of the journey.

Global Careers After Graduation

For students graduating soon and eager to begin a career with an international focus, there are several entry-level opportunities, both in the U.S. and abroad, that build on your study abroad experience. The U.S. Department of State offers internships and early-career programs like the Pathways Program and Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) preparation, designed for recent graduates interested in diplomacy and international relations (careers.state.gov).
The Peace Corps invites soon-to-be graduates to volunteer abroad for two years, gaining valuable experience in community development, education, and health sectors around the world (peacecorps.gov).
For those interested in international education, entry-level roles such as study abroad advising or ESL teaching positions often include opportunities to work overseas and can be found through organizations like NAFSA (nafsa.org) and job boards such as HigherEdJobs (higheredjobs.com). These pathways offer meaningful ways to apply your global skills and start your professional journey abroad.

Fellowship & Grant Programs


Fellowships and awards are competitive, merit-based opportunities that provide support, usually in the form of funding, mentorship, or professional experience, for students and recent graduates to pursue academic, research, public service, or international work. These programs are designed to help individuals advance their careers, deepen their expertise, or contribute to meaningful global initiatives.

Key Features of Fellowships & Awards:

  • Funding: May cover tuition, living expenses, travel, or research costs.
  • Professional Experience: Many fellowships include internships, placements, or teaching abroad.
  • Networking: Connects recipients with professionals, mentors, and alumni in their field.
  • Prestige: Being selected for a fellowship or award can significantly enhance a résumé or graduate school application.
  • Commitment: Some fellowships may require a service obligation after completion (e.g., working in public service or education).

Who Should Apply?

  • Students nearing graduation or recent grads interested in:
    • Public service or diplomacy
    • International teaching and cultural exchange
    • Graduate school or academic research
    • Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers
Please see a list of available opportunities below: 
  • Boren Fellowships
    Provides funding for graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests, such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. Please contact Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator (acgallop@ncat.edu) for additional information.
    https://www.borenawards.org
  • Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
    A U.S. Department of State initiative offering intensive summer language programs in countries where critical languages are spoken. The program aims to expand the number of Americans mastering critical languages.
    https://clscholarship.org/
  • Fulbright U.S. Student Program
    Offers research, study, and English teaching assistantships in over 140 countries. The 2026–2027 application cycle is open, with a deadline of October 7, 2025. Please contact Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator (acgallop@ncat.edu) for additional information.https://us.fulbrightonline.org/ 
  • Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
    Provides recent graduates with the opportunity to work with leading think tanks in Washington, D.C., focusing on arms control, nonproliferation, and international security issues.
    https://www.scoville.org/
  • Institute of International Education (IIE)
    Through a wide variety of educational programs sponsored by the U.S. government, corporations, foundations and foreign governments, IIE works with thousands of U.S. and international educational institutions to offer scholarships and fellowships.
    https://www.iie.org/services/scholarships-and-fellowships/
  • ORISE STEM Fellowships
    Provides research opportunities for recent graduates in various federal agencies, enhancing laboratory knowledge and preparing for advanced degrees.
    https://orise.orau.gov/internships-fellowships/recent-graduates.html
  • Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
    Prepares individuals for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service by providing funding for graduate school and internships. Fellows commit to working for the U.S. Department of State for a minimum of five years. Please contact Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator (acgallop@ncat.edu) for additional information.
    https://pickeringfellowship.org/
  • Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship
    Offers funding for graduate study, internships, and professional development to prepare individuals for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. Fellows commit to serving as U.S. diplomats for a minimum of five years. Please contact Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator (acgallop@ncat.edu) for additional information.
    https://www.rangelprogram.org/
Unless a specific contact is listed, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kimberly Tyson here to discuss global opportunities.