There are a number of different types of overseas jobs for students that allow them to travel, live abroad, and gain valuable experience. Internships or volunteer positions are common, as well as short-term work placements that can be completed with just a student visa. Many of these are in humanitarian or conservation work, which can be very rewarding as well as look great on a resume. Language programs, such as teaching English as a foreign language -- often abbreviated TEFL -- are also some of the most common overseas jobs for students. Typically, this refers only to college students, as people under the age of 18 will not be eligible to work abroad in any country.
It is important to keep a few things in mind when looking for overseas jobs for students. The first is that it is almost always necessary to obtain a short-term student visa. This will generally allow students to pursue certain types of work, but often with restrictions on the amount of hours they can work each week. People who want a more permanent position, such as a year or more of working overseas, will generally need to obtain a work permit. The company who has offered the student the job is the one who needs to obtain the work permit, often by demonstrating that the student has particular skills required for the job that a citizen of the country does not have, so this can be a bit more of a challenge.
As a result, volunteer or internship-based programs, often conducted directly through a university, are some of the most common overseas jobs for students. This allows students to donate their time, gain valuable experience, and give back in a way that is often very rewarding. Often, students will earn college credit for this work as well. They may do humanitarian work in developing countries, or if they are interested in the environment, may have the opportunity to work on an international conservation project.
Teaching jobs are also frequently pursued as overseas jobs for students. A student who speaks a certain language may travel to a different country and teach students there how to speak the language. Though teaching English as a foreign language is a very popular one, there are certainly other opportunities for people who speak different languages. There are a variety of short-term overseas jobs available for students, however, so it is important to do research ahead of time, and learn about all the various opportunities, as well as any laws and restrictions, before settling on one.
