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Experience Abroad

Traveling abroad has many benefits, ranging from gaining international work experience or learning a new language to witnessing a different culture or looking for personal growth.

Your interest in international experience could stem from wanting the experience to add to a professional or graduate school application or as a way to fill a gap year with a rich experience. There are a number of reasons why you may choose to travel abroad including, teaching English as a second language, working for an international corporation, volunteering with a non-profit organization or doing a field related internship. Whatever your reason may be, we have resources that can assist you.

For more information on working, volunteering and internships abroad, download our Considering Going Abroad FYI.

Student Resources:

 

  • Global Experience
  • Internships Abroad
  • Working Abroad
  • Volunteering Abroad

Global Experience

The BIG Guide Online

Have you ever thought about studying abroad, finding a job overseas, or gaining volunteer experience in an entirely different part of the world? If so, then you have come to the right place. Together with McMaster’s International Student Services, the Student Success Centre is offering all McMaster students, advisors, and faculty access to The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas. With its wide range of topics and the depth of information pertaining to overseas experiences, The Big Guide an excellent resource for anyone interested in living, working, volunteering, travelling, or interning internationally. 

 

Internships Abroad

Gain a better understanding of what internships are all about, where to look for one and things you should consider before going abroad.

The term “internship” is used broadly to give students and young professionals an opportunity to gain supervised, practical experience. Typically the experience has a level of responsibility that encourages you to develop new skills and offers you training and supervision to facilitate learning. Internships may offer a salary or hourly wage, a stipend, expenses paid, or they may even be voluntary. It is important to remember that the term “internship” is used broadly – be sure to research organizations and programs carefully to ensure the opportunity fits your needs.

 

 

Working Aboad

Broaden your work opportunities by looking for work internationally. Are you thinking of taking a “gap year” and wondering where you can find work to help you fund your travels?

Opportunities such as, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) can help you pay off your student loans and serve as a travel opportunity at the same time. Whatever your reasons for considering working abroad, it is an opportunity to build valuable international experience.

 

 

 

Volunteering Abroad

Thinking about volunteering in another country but don’t know how to get started? Here are some questions you should consider prior to your departure in order to ensure you have a safe and fulfilling experience.

Understand your goals and expectations:

  • Why do I want to volunteer abroad?
  • What do I hope to get out of this experience?
  • In which part of the world would I like to volunteer and do I understand the socio-political-economic climate?
  • How much time do I want to spend abroad?
  • What type of position do I want?
  • Am I aware of the cultural differences and expectations?
  • Should I go alone or with an organization?
  • What will the financial costs be? Will I need to fundraise?
  • What financial and social supports do I have?