Work abroad | Centre for Career Development

See the world while you work.

Have you considered mixing adventure, travel and work? You can gain many benefits from taking a job abroad. Your experiences in a new place can help you to diversify and deepen your skills. You can also gain a sense of the importance of cultural versatility. And you will learn—not only about your profession, but about yourself and others, as well as other countries.

Explore job opportunities around the globe

Interested in pursuing a work term abroad, a summer job overseas, or full-time international employment after graduation? Check out MyWorldAbroad and more websites for opportunities:

MyWorldAbroad

Contains articles, quizzes and information on working and living abroad, regardless of your goals: finding work or study opportunities, or learning a language. Includes stories and testimonials from students.

Set up a free MyWorldAbroad account with your UWaterloo email address.

International opportunities

Worldwide:

Canadian Switzerland Exchange
The International Experience Canada program allows people from 18-35 to work in Switzerland via its Youth Mobility Program.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade/Youth International Internship Programs
The government of Canada is offering youth an international internship opportunity in the field of international development.
Educations.com - the Ultimate guide to internships abroad
Information on international internships, such as internship types, a discussion of the benefits of international internships, whether they’re paid or unpaid, how to apply, etc.
European Union
A job bank featuring job opportunities within the EU (European Union).
Global Engagement Institute - transformative learning in Africa and Asia
Internships and sustainability courses available chiefly in Rwanda and Vietnam.
Go Abroad
International jobs and work abroad programs, TEFL program information.
Transitions abroad
Information on programs and articles associated with living, working, and studying abroad, including volunteer opportunities as well as information for teens and high school students.
Transitions abroad - how to work in Asia: 5 tips for job seekers
Useful advice concerning finding employment in Asia.
United Nations - Asia and the Pacific
The ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)’s internship program is for graduate students, those who have their first degree, or are in their final year of study. Most of their positions are in Bangkok.
United Nations - Europe
Information on UN jobs, including their Young Professionals, Junior Professional Officer and Volunteers Program.
Volunteer International
International Volunteer Programs Association – Offers information on and access to volunteer abroad programs. Includes a list of program standards for organizations.
Work business culture
UK-based resource for businesspeople, and students. Information includes fact files and comprehensive guides on doing business in 40+ countries. A fee of 25 pounds is required to access the site in detail.

United States (U.S.):

You must have a valid visa, permit and/or passport to the country of employment for your work abroad term. Obtaining a visa/permit for working abroad varies depending on your work term location.

Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP
A law firm with an immigration practice and information for international job candidates.
MADRE
A program for marginalized candidates, especially women and girls. Note that if you are an international applicant, you must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Washington Internship Institute
Internship program tied to positions in Washington, DC across a variety of industries.

To go or not to go? Hear from other students!

Considering an experience abroad but unsure if it's the right fit for you? Take in these stories from other students who plunged into the international job market. See all recent international co-op stories.