Co-sponsored by the University Career Center & The President's Promise and the Study Abroad Office
Step 1. Setting Goals & Managing Expectations
Step 2. Establishing a Timeline
Step 3. Researching & Networking
Step 4. Following Through
Other Important Considerations

Important Considerations

Working Papers & Traveling Documents
Finances
Resumes, CVs and Cover Letters
Health and Safety
Resources

Working Papers & Travel Documents

One of the most time consuming and laborious components of preparing for an international internship, volunteer or working opportunity is understanding and obtaining the proper documentation needed to travel, live and work or volunteer abroad.

Understandably, this component is also one of the most critical in ensuring that you are able to go abroad and you should plan on devoting some time to researching the requirements for the country you are traveling to ahead of time.

As a UM student, you are extremely close to many of the foreign embassies and consulates located in Washington D.C. Take advantage of this proximity by visiting or contacting the foreign embassy of the country you are planning to visit for assistance with this process.

Passport

For any international sojourn, you will need a passport. Since passport requirements have recently changed, it is strongly advised that if you do not have a passport, then you allow ample time to submit your application before you plan to depart.
First time applicants will need to apply in person.

Passport renewals can be done through the mail. All information on how to obtain a passport for the first time or renew your passport can be found on the Department of State’s travel site.

Working Papers

In almost all cases, you will need special permission or documentation to work or intern abroad. In some cases, volunteers will also need extra documentation to enter the country.

Frequently, the type of documentation and process for obtaining it depends on:

  • Length of time staying in country
  • Your country of citizenship
  • Type of activity you are participating in
  • Whether or not you are getting paid for your work
  • If you are sponsored by a host organization

Since requirements differ from country to country, you will need to research based on where you plan to go. Below are some resources that should assist you in gathering information about these requirements and the process for obtaining documentation:

Going Global
Includes extensive and detailed information for obtaining a visa to over 30 countries.

U.S. Department of State
Refer to the entry/exit requirements for the country’s consular information sheet.

Embassy.org
Provides information and websites for the foreign embassies located in Washington D.C. Also includes resources for Americans traveling abroad.

WorkPermit.com
Offers immigration and work permit advice and news for a number of different countries.

BUNAC
Offers programs and working visas for the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Migration Expert
Visa assistance, advice and resources for the UK, Australia & Canada.

Finances

As your interest in an international opportunity develops, so should your considerations for finances and planning that go along with such an opportunity. A useful way to approach these considerations is by creating a budget. When doing so, here are a few items to consider:

  • Costs: Be sure to try to account for any cost that you might incur during your international experience. This includes associated costs during the planning stages such as application fees, visa processing fees, international travel, etc.
  • Cost of living abroad: It is almost definite that the cost of living abroad will be different than your current cost of living. Be sure to account for such differences and exchange rates when evaluating your financial situation.
  • Income: Determining if you need an income or at what level that income needs to be will allow you to sort through options and opportunities.
  • Taxes: If you are earning money abroad, you will be responsible for paying taxes in that country. If you worked in the U.S. during the year prior to leaving, you will also be responsible for filing your U.S. tax report.
  • Funding: There are a number of funding resources for international opportunities such as scholarships, grants and fellowships. Review the post-graduate scholarships page, the University of Michigan International Center’s information on international funding and Washington and Lee Center for International Education non W& L and post graduate awards for more information.

Resumes, CVs and Cover Letters

In order to present yourself professionally for any type of international opportunity, you will need a range of documents such as a resume, CV and cover letter. Here are some considerations and tips for preparing these documents:
  • Resume, CV and Cover Letter Critique: Professional staff at the University Career Center are available for individual same day appointments to assist you in preparing and refining your resume and other professional documents.
  • There are different types of resumes, and strategies to formatting based on your objective or experience. Review the University Career Center’s information and advice on creating a resume.
  • International Experience: Don’t forget to include any previous international experience such as study abroad or an international internship on your resume or CV!
  • Tailoring Your Resume: If you are applying to an international organization for an internship, job or volunteer opportunity, it is likely that you will need to tailor your resume (often referred to as CV) to fit the format that is relevant and culturally appropriate to those international employers and organizations.
    • Resume vs. CV: A CV or curriculum vitae is usually a more detailed, lengthy document that includes additional information such as personal information or longer summaries of experience
    • Going Global has information about country specific preferences and techniques for preparing your resume
    • The University of Wisconsin’s Go Global! Site includes useful information on how to prepare an international resume

Health & Safety

Refer to the Study Abroad website for Health and Safety Abroad for information on:

Resources