Job Seekers' Support Group

Hello guys,

I am a recent college graduate and ,like many of you, I am having a hard time finding a job.

I have been looking for the past few months for a job in the states. The more I looked the more I became inclined towards finding a job in Europe. I regret not studying abroad while in college, and now I have a strong urge to go there.

I was wondering if any of you have experience working abroad and if so could you share your stories with me?

Thanks,

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn, welcome to the board.  I don't have any experience with working abroad, but it sounds very exciting!  I think the most obvious, but also the most pressing issues are thinking about where you're going to stay, can you afford to move over there, and what will you do if you still can't find a job?

I think the major hold up for me would be spending the money to fly over there (or move there) and then still not be able to find a job.

You could try the typical teaching English in Japan/Korea/China positions if you're willing to also consider Asia, although I don't know if right now is the best time to go there. They usually arrange your job, accommodation, and even transport for you. In Europe, there is something called the SWAP program; you could check to see if it takes non-students/recent grads like yourself. The jobs there are usually in bars or restaurants i.e. retail/service industry. If you like kids, you could work as a nanny for a family in Europe.

I didn't study abroad either and regretted it, too. So a few years after I graduated journalism school (in Canada) and trying in vain to find a permanent position in/related to journalism in Canada or the US (where I now live), I went to work in China for almost 2 years earlier this decade, as a journalist/writer -- found it on an e-mail discussion group for editors. I enjoyed it very much; they took care of my accommodation and transportation to and from the workplace (I already had a job lined up each time), and they made all the arrangements. It would have been impossible otherwise. I also had a chance to travel :). Good luck!

Sapna

"The best way to teach is to learn"

What a great experience that must have been! :)

If you really want to do this, you might regret having not done so in the future if you put it off.

Look for opportunities that will pay for your transportation and stay. There are many programs that you can choose from. Try a google search.

Good luck!