Step 2: Establishing a Timeline

Planning ahead and sticking to your schedule is of the utmost importance in planning for an international transition. The farther in advance you prepare, the more opportunities you will be able to take advantage of. In addition, each person's timeline will differ depending on the kinds of opportunities you are seeking and what kind of person you are.

Some suggestions for developing your timeline:

• Consider when a globally engaged experience makes the most sense for you
• Make realistic deadlines for yourself, keeping in mind other work, school and social commitments that you will have over the next few months
• Give yourself adequate time to fully research your options
• Make the most of your study abroad experience
• Keep in mind that some program/position applications may be due as much as 4 months ahead of the program/position start date
• An international search may take longer than a domestic job, internship or volunteer project search
• Work with an advisor in the University Career Center to develop an appropriate timeline for you
  

Fully preparing for a job can take years but it is generally recommended that you give yourself 4-8 months

Sample timeline:

8 months out:

• Set basic parameters for the types of opportunities you are seeking (type of position, financial compensation, start/end dates, location)
• Conduct preliminary research on your specific field of interest and country/city you are considering to gain a better understanding of the market in that location for what it is you are trying to accomplish
• Identify colleagues, family, friends or contacts that have experience in your field or area of interest for networking purposes

7 months out:

• Create a resume and cover letter that is geared towards a globally engaged experience
• Continue to research opportunities
• Review international travel information from the U.S. Department of State
• Initiate contact with contacts you have identified to assist you in your search
• Create a budget for yourself to include planning for a majority or the full duration of your international experience
  
• Attend on or off campus networking events and continue to identify contacts that you can use to connect with international opportunities

6 months out:

• Continue to research opportunities abroad
• Follow up with networking contacts
• Have UCC advisor critique your resume and cover letter
• Ask for letters of recommendation from a professor, advisor, past employer, etc.
  
• Conduct informational interviews
• Apply for a passport

5 months out:

• Identify and rank 5 different positions or programs you are interested in and gather the specific application process information for each position or program
• Conduct informational interviews
• Research work visa requirements for the country you are considering

4 months out:

• Apply for positions or programs you are interested in
• Follow up with employers and organizations to ensure they have everything that they need from you
• Prepare for interviews
• Conduct a mock interview at the University Career Center

3 months out:

• Apply for positions or programs you are interested in
• Participate in interviews
• Receive and decide on job offers based on your selection criteria
• Make international travel arrangements
• Apply for a visa or documents you will need to work, intern, study or volunteer abroad
  

2 months out:

• Make arrangements for moving logistics
• Research international housing arrangements
• Review U.S. Department of State consular travel sheet for the country you are traveling to
  

1 month out

• Prepare for your international transition
• U.S. citizens can register your time abroad with the U.S. Department of State
• Relax! You've done a lot of hard work and you have an exciting opportunity to look forward to!