Step 1: Setting Goals & Managing Expectations

Stay Realistic

Goal setting is the first and one of the most important steps in any kind of job, internship or volunteer project search- international or domestic. Goals that are too lofty may make it difficult for you to identify any opportunities but non-specific goals may make for an overwhelming search.

By working through some framing questions, you will be able to set realistic expectations for yourself as well as establish important parameters for your search.

Some suggestions for questions to ask yourself:

• Why do I want to work, volunteer or intern abroad?
• What are my expectations of an international experience?
• What opportunities do I think will be available to me?
• How do these opportunities contribute to my long term goals?
• What types of experiences will help me achieve these goals?
• What are options I am open to?
• What are options I am not open to?
• What is my idea of an international job?

You may want to record your questions and answers in a notebook so that you can refer back to them as you proceed with your search.

Get Specific

Being specific in your goals will also assist you to monitor your progress and establish concrete steps to achieving your goals (i.e. saying you want an international internship is just as vague as saying you want an exciting job).

• When do I want to go abroad?
• How much time do I want to be abroad?
• What do I know about the country or region I am interested in?
• What language skills are necessary to live in that country?
• What is the cost of living in the country I am planning to go?
• How much money do I need when I arrive to get settled?
• What skills do I need/what skills have I acquired to prepare me for such an experience?
• What kind of visa or travel documents do I need to live or work in that country?

An important part of your goal setting process should be establishing a timeline (Step 2).