Career Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Check out GoinGlobal's April 2007 e-Newsletter College Edition for more information on topics all about international jobs.
What skills do I need to intern abroad?
If you want to work in a country with a country-based organization, full proficiency in the country’s language is a must. However, if you are working for an American firm abroad or for the American government, language skills are still important, but you will often be communicating in English. Other skills—such as interpersonal, cross-cultural and industry-specific skills—are key to landing overseas opportunities.
Have other students interned abroad?
Yes. Georgetown students have interned and volunteered for short-term programs, the US State Department, opportunities found while studying abroad and through their own initiatives.
Do I have to pay to intern abroad?
Not always, but often. Private programs that offer international internships or volunteer opportunities often charge a fee (some call this tuition). In exchange, most programs will set up your internship or volunteer experience, coordinate your travel, provide room and board, and assist with the transition. For a list of international programs offering these opportunities click here. The US State Department offers international internships (paid and unpaid) around the world. Another option for Georgetown students is to intern or volunteer while you study abroad. For example, students studying in Spain have interned with Club Madrid.
How can I learn about the country in which I want to intern?
Researching the country you are interested in is important as you conduct an international internship search. Goinglobal Career Reference has profiles of 23 nations, information on employment trends, cultural issues, and work visas. The CIA World Fact Book has information about the economy, government and geography of every country in the world.
How do I get a work visa?
The requirements for work permits and visas vary by country and length of stay. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you’re interested in to find out about the requirements. Use the State Department's list of embassies to find contact information.
Can I use my US résumé when applying for internships abroad?
Maybe, however, just as the United States has a somewhat standard format for résumés, other countries also have rules and common formats for application materials. The Career Education Center’s Library has several books that have examples of résumés from a variety of countries. The Going Global Career Reference also gives information about specific application materials for each country it profiles. Organizations that often hire US citizens may accept US style résumés, but it’s best to check with the organization before applying.
Does Georgetown have alumni contacts in other countries?
Yes. The Alumni Career Network is a database with over 18,000 Georgetown alumni worldwide who have volunteered to provide career advice and information to students and fellow alumni. You can search this database by country to get a list of alumni that currently live in the country you are interested in. Plus, there are 29 international alumni clubs listed through Hoyas Online.
Can I intern with an embassy overseas?
The US State Department offers internships in embassies and consulates around the world. The US State Department’s application deadlines are early – usually November 1 for summer internships.
How can I get an internship with a US-based firm in an overseas office?
For a list of American firms operating in other countries, see the Career Center’s Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, which you can search by industry, country or specific firm. The US Chamber of Commerce also has a useful directory that you can search to find country or region-specific chambers.
