10 MYTHS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH

Look these over before you proceed further in your job search. Knowing what is possible or reasonable and what is not will save you many hours of fruitless work.

Myth #1: I have made a career decision by stating “I want an international job” or “I want to use my foreign language skills.”

Truth: International is an adjective. You need to decide what you want to do and apply international to it. Saying you want to use your language skills is like saying "I like to work with people." You've identified a skill or interest, but now you need to decide how to apply that skill.

Myth #2: With all the talk about globalization, international jobs with American companies are plentiful.

Truth: One large American corporation with many international offices has about 275,000 employees. Only about 300 are American expatriates. Standards for employing non-residents are tightening in most countries. The employment rules of the European Community make employment for Americans in Europe more difficult.

A survey conducted by a major university revealed that virtually no American employers would send a newly hired worker abroad. They also indicated that if you don't have a vital skill you won't be sent overseas until you acquire it. By far the largest numbers of recent graduates who are working abroad are those who volunteer for the Peace Corps and related programs, teach English as a second language, or work under a short-term permit through CIEE.

Myth #3: International jobs are always located outside the United States.

Truth: About 80% of “international” jobs are located in the United States. Only a small portion of American citizens work abroad.

Myth #4: International jobs require strong bi-lingual or tri-lingual skills.

Truth: While some positions require strong language skills (translator, interpreter, consulting, etc.) others demand only minimal foreign language skills.

In general, though, the better your knowledge of the country’s language, the better position you will likely be offered. For instance, some consulting firms and law firms will hire you for your language skills, train you in their field, and then send you abroad, many times within 3 to 6 months of employment. Aside from employment, though, knowing the language can be vital in helping you feel comfortable and “at home” in another land.

Myth #5: The best way to find an international job is to grab a suitcase and go.

Truth: This is not recommended. While some short-term opportunities can be found this way, they don’t pay as well and you might encounter legal problems without the appropriate working papers. If you enter the country under a tourist visa, you are prevented from working, and you can’t enter a country under a work visa without the necessary paperwork.

The best approach is to do your homework before you leave. Plan to spend several months researching the country and career field in which you want to work. Begin contacting employers before you leave the U.S. If you don’t get anywhere, then travel to the country and see if you can meet with potential employers.

Myth #6: Employers will want to interview me because I know a foreign language.

Truth: Sorry. Some employers such as school systems or translation firms, will, of course, be interested in your foreign language skills. But, in general, the language is not enough. You need to bring strong, relevant skills which enable you to do the job.

When asked what position a Spanish major would likely be offered at an internationally known telecommunications company, the recruiter looked a little confused and replied, “a bilingual operator or customer service representative, I guess.” Employers don’t always know how to use your foreign language skills, so you must be prepared to tell them.

Myth #7: International jobs involve lots of exciting travel.

Truth: Ask anyone who travels a lot for their work. Travel can be tiring after the initial excitement wears off. And many international jobs never require that you travel.

Myth #8: I can change the world through an international volunteer and development job.

Truth: This is the Albert Schweitzer/Mother Theresa syndrome. Development and volunteer positions offer many personal rewards and satisfaction, but most of these agencies are looking for people who have a realistic sense of what they can accomplish. Overseas development workers face a lot of bureaucracy as they try to accomplish their tasks, making the work harder and less fulfilling. You may not change the world, but you will have an impact on individual people and communities.

Myth #9: Living and working abroad is dangerous.

Truth: Certain parts of the world are more dangerous than others, and the State Department provides safety information for travelers. But in general, living and working abroad is no more dangerous than living and working in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC.

Myth #10: I should use a job placement service to get an international job.

Truth: Do not pay someone to find you a job. The employer pays the fee at a reputable employment agency. Don’t be fooled by ads in newspapers offering tax-free salaries with free housing, food, medical, and travel, etc., for a fee. Do not deal with any employment agency that requires a fee unless there is a money-back guarantee, and even then think twice. You have very little legal recourse to deal with these agencies after you've been ripped off. Always contact the Better Business Bureau or your state Attorney General's office before you do business with an agency which charges you a fee.

(Note: some legitimate placement services do charge a fee such as Princeton-In-Asia, or the fees charged by CIEE for working papers. These programs are well-respected and you are getting a valuable service for your money. This type of service is quite different from the employment agencies which advertise in newspapers.)

Content for this page provided by:
Dr. Kate Brooks, Director, Liberal Arts Career Services, University of Texas at Austin