For consultants, working abroad can bring increased career opportunities and chances to experience new cultures, and can be a highlight for your resume. But the events of Sept. 11 have brought new worries for anyone considering a career overseas, which makes it all the more prudent to have the most up-to-date information and resources to ensure you’ve covered all the necessary bases.
Here’s a look at two sets of resources: a three-part series from TechRepublic contributor Meredith Little on contracting outside the United States and several links to information geared toward expatriates. These resources can go a long way to help you find, keep, and enjoy your job overseas.
TechRepublic resources
TechRepublic contributor Meredith Little has written three articles for consultants ready to begin work abroad:
- “Got the travel bug? Consider contracting outside the United States”
If you’ve considered working outside the United States but don’t know which part of the world might be a good fit for you, this article will help you decide which country you might like to live and work in, and how to get a work permit or visa for that country. - “Use these resources to find contracting work with foreign clients”
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, you’ll want to be sure your particular skills are in demand in that country. This article lists some skills that are needed overseas and resources for locating work. - “Consider alternate arrangements to do contract work in a foreign country”
Consultants looking for overseas gigs often find they’ve fallen victim to this catch-22: You can’t get a visa until you get work, but you can’t get work until you get a visa. Meredith Little has come up with three options that may help you get your overseas consulting work off the ground. Also be sure to check out this article’s discussion for great tips from TechRepublic members.
Resources from the Web
Once you’ve begun your tenure as an overseas consultant, it’s vital to keep in touch with world news, events, and information designed specifically for American expatriates. The following are Web resources that will keep you informed:
- Overseas Digest provides a free newsletter with information for Americans who live overseas or who want to. The magazine’s site also provides an Employment Guide and a list of FAQs about living abroad.
- The International Herald Tribune offers news and opinions written for people who move across continents, bridge sectors, and industries or are at home in several cultures. A recent article, “Vigilance Abroad: Forget the Cowboy Boots,” discusses the dangers currently faced by Americans overseas.
- BR Anchor Publishing’s free monthly newsletter, Relocation Today, offers solutions and insights for today’s relocation challenges and is read in over 38 countries.
- If you’d like a comprehensive list of links regarding work abroad and international careers, try the University of Michigan’s Directory of Work Abroad Web Sites.
Overseas adventures
If you’ve had an amazing experience working abroad, send us your story. We’d love to share it with your fellow TechRepublic members.
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