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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 2.8.1: Working Overseas

You are living in a Global Village. As you are thinking about the type of work you want to do, consider if, or how, you would like to be connected to the international community. There are several ways: living in Canada and being in contact with people in other countries through correspondence, telephone or e-mail; living in Canada and travelling on behalf of your employer to other countries; living and working in another country.

Employers who hire for international assignments will look at your qualifications from two perspectives: (1) the specific knowledge and skills required to do the work well (e.g., experience in managing projects, proficiency in the language of the country, computer programming) and (2) your ability to excel in a cross-cultural setting (e.g., sensitivity, flexibility, self-discipline).

The following points are worthy of your consideration:

• What are your reasons for wanting to work?
• What countries or geographical regions would you prefer?
• What type of work are you most qualified for and most interested in?
• What methods will you use to locate opportunities?

Working Abroad-

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	There are many excellent resources available to help you research information to ensure that your expectations are realistic and achievable, such as:
Hachey, Jean-Marc. The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas. University of Toronto Press. 1998.
	Additionally, the following links are to organizations that provide international opportunities:
Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO): http://www.cuso.org Canada World Youth: http://www.cwy-jcm.org/ Mennonite Central Committee: http://www.mcc.org/

This is the end of Section 2, you are now ready to continue with Section 3.