The field of international education is full of programs, scholarships, and third party study abroad providers that you need to be familiar with. One of these is the Fulbright Program, an international education exchange program sponsored by the United States government. The Fulbright Program is prestigious, with participants chosen for their "academic merit and leadership potential," so that they may teach, do research, or study in another country. Around 8,000 people per year are granted the scholarship, with some 1,600 U.S. students and 1,200 U.S. scholars chosen to participate. A 12 member Fulbright Scholarship Board is assigned the task to select those who will receive the scholarship.
There are several programs offered to U.S. students and scholars under the Fulbright umbrella. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for three different purposes: study/research, English Teaching Assistantships, and travel-only grants. The program is only offered to graduating college seniors, graduate students, or young professionals and artists. For more information on this program, visit their website:
http://fulbright.state.gov/grants/student-program/u-s-citizen.html
Fulbright Scholars are typically faculty members of U.S. universities and colleges who are conducting research or teaching abroad; there are also a limited amount of administrative staff who are in the field of international education.
To apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, prospective candidates must undergo a "lengthy and rigorous" application process. There is a yearly application cycle for all programs, which begins typically 15 months prior to the grant start date and ending around 11-12 months prior to the start date. For more information, visit the Fulbright website: http://fulbright.state.gov/apply.html
The Fulbright Program is an amazing opportunity for students who are seeking a very involved and unique study abroad experience, and who have interesting ideas concerning international relations and cultural exchange. Fulbrighters are encouraged to bring back the lessons they have learned from their host country and share them when they return home. Exciting and prestigious, the Program is one of the most recognized cultural exchanges in the world, and would bolster any resume or cover letter.
The U.S. government also provides information for study abroad in general, which can be found at http://studentsabroad.state.gov/. There, you can receive information on travel tips, including necessary documentation needed for studying abroad, information on health care abroad, emergencies, and voting when abroad. This is definitely a useful tool that should be utilized by all students who are studying abroad.
Hopefully this information will serve useful to some, as it can be difficult finding accurate information for even fellowships abroad. My advice would be to always check certified government websites before traveling abroad, ensuring that you have all pertinent documents and information to make your trip safe and fun.
Rule #8 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Be familiar with all government programs and information in order to advise students properly.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
5 Often Overlooked Reason Why Students Should Study Abroad
Let's face it, studying abroad is awesome. There are so many reasons why every student (yes, EVERY) should study abroad, that I could write a book about it (future project?). But besides the obvious reasons of experiencing a new culture, meeting new people, and having something amazing to put on your resume, there are also a few overlooked reasons that study abroad advisors might forget to tell you about. So, here is my TOP 5 list of the often overlooked reasons why students should study abroad.
5. You Could Meet the Love of Your Life
Now I realize that this is very personal and subjective, but it is quite possible that you could in fact meet your future wife/husband when you are living abroad. How do I know this? Because it happened to me, and it was something that I did not even think to expect when I embarked on my study abroad adventure. And I am not the only one that this is happened to. In fact, there are many stories of college students traveling to another country, only to be struck in the heart by Cupid's arrow. For instance, here's an article in International Student Voice Magazine that chronicles such a romance:http://www.isvmag.com/it-started-on-top-of-the-worlds-steepest-street/.
4. You Realize that the Things at Home You Thought Made You Happy Were in Fact Doing the Opposite.
Studying abroad changes you- there's no question about that. But a dramatic change can occur that really alters you perception of life (if you let it of course). When studying abroad, you meet new friends, new people, experience different cultures; and what can happen is when you return, you begin to see that the routines you were comfortable with at home were in fact dull, boring, and stale. Living in another country will most certainly snap you out of any rut you were experiencing before leaving, and will push you to seek out new and adventurous hobbies and people. During my stay in England, I met people who were open-minded, caring, and accepting, making me realize that the friends I had back home were anything but. It can be shocking, and quite frankly scary to come to this realization, but once you do your life will begin to improve dramatically.
3. You Realize that America is not the Greatest Country in the World
OK, let me be clear- I am not saying that America is not a great country. It is, and I love living here. But when you immerse yourself in another culture for an extended period of time, you start to understand that there is more than one way to live a life. People in other countries may not have as much convenience as we do here in the States, and they don't have access to gas guzzling pick up trucks, but what they do have is a greater sense of community. For the first 20 years of my life, I was under the impression that America could do no wrong, and that every other country in the world strove to be like us. Of course, I was dead wrong. Living in England, I saw thriving city centers, pedestrian friendly cities, and an advanced public transportation system. When I came back to Alabama, I saw deserted downtowns, inhospitable cities for walkers, and no sign of buses or trains to connect the suburbs to the city. The more we learn from other cultures and begin to address the real problems we face here in America, the better off we'll be. Sending more students abroad would be a big step in the right direction.
2. You See that your Diet is Scarily Unhealthy
I know, this seems like a weird one, but it's true. Americans, perhaps more specifically Southerners, are guilty of one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony. We indulge ourselves far too much on fast food, fried everything, and sugary soft drinks with 100g of sugar in every bottle. The rest of the world, however, does not. A lot of countries eat much fresher and less processed foods, supported in part by still thriving, open-air markets selling fresh fruits and veggies. You know how there is a fast food restaurant on every corner in your hometown? Not so in England, where fast food joints are a lot harder to come by. Oh, other countries will still serve you up a plate of pure fat and calories, but just not as often, and you won't be bombarded by it everywhere you look.
1. You Start to Understand your Place in the World
The more people you meet, and the more cultures you experience, the more you begin to see yourself not as merely an individual, but rather as a piece of a much larger puzzle. You start to believe that this individualistic culture we live in today perhaps is not that great, and rather being a part of a much greater function is more fulfilling and gratifying. You see that you offer something unique to the world, and that your abilities need to be utilized to construct a more positive and advanced society. It sounds far-fetched and idealistic, but the world is full of dreamers working everyday to turn those fantasies into realities.
Go study abroad. See for yourself.
Rule #7 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Appreciate what you have learned from your time abroad, and apply it to your everyday life.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
4. You Realize that the Things at Home You Thought Made You Happy Were in Fact Doing the Opposite.
Studying abroad changes you- there's no question about that. But a dramatic change can occur that really alters you perception of life (if you let it of course). When studying abroad, you meet new friends, new people, experience different cultures; and what can happen is when you return, you begin to see that the routines you were comfortable with at home were in fact dull, boring, and stale. Living in another country will most certainly snap you out of any rut you were experiencing before leaving, and will push you to seek out new and adventurous hobbies and people. During my stay in England, I met people who were open-minded, caring, and accepting, making me realize that the friends I had back home were anything but. It can be shocking, and quite frankly scary to come to this realization, but once you do your life will begin to improve dramatically.
3. You Realize that America is not the Greatest Country in the World
OK, let me be clear- I am not saying that America is not a great country. It is, and I love living here. But when you immerse yourself in another culture for an extended period of time, you start to understand that there is more than one way to live a life. People in other countries may not have as much convenience as we do here in the States, and they don't have access to gas guzzling pick up trucks, but what they do have is a greater sense of community. For the first 20 years of my life, I was under the impression that America could do no wrong, and that every other country in the world strove to be like us. Of course, I was dead wrong. Living in England, I saw thriving city centers, pedestrian friendly cities, and an advanced public transportation system. When I came back to Alabama, I saw deserted downtowns, inhospitable cities for walkers, and no sign of buses or trains to connect the suburbs to the city. The more we learn from other cultures and begin to address the real problems we face here in America, the better off we'll be. Sending more students abroad would be a big step in the right direction.
2. You See that your Diet is Scarily Unhealthy
I know, this seems like a weird one, but it's true. Americans, perhaps more specifically Southerners, are guilty of one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony. We indulge ourselves far too much on fast food, fried everything, and sugary soft drinks with 100g of sugar in every bottle. The rest of the world, however, does not. A lot of countries eat much fresher and less processed foods, supported in part by still thriving, open-air markets selling fresh fruits and veggies. You know how there is a fast food restaurant on every corner in your hometown? Not so in England, where fast food joints are a lot harder to come by. Oh, other countries will still serve you up a plate of pure fat and calories, but just not as often, and you won't be bombarded by it everywhere you look.
1. You Start to Understand your Place in the World
The more people you meet, and the more cultures you experience, the more you begin to see yourself not as merely an individual, but rather as a piece of a much larger puzzle. You start to believe that this individualistic culture we live in today perhaps is not that great, and rather being a part of a much greater function is more fulfilling and gratifying. You see that you offer something unique to the world, and that your abilities need to be utilized to construct a more positive and advanced society. It sounds far-fetched and idealistic, but the world is full of dreamers working everyday to turn those fantasies into realities.
Go study abroad. See for yourself.
Rule #7 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Appreciate what you have learned from your time abroad, and apply it to your everyday life.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Monday, June 25, 2012
DSOs and AROs: Fun with Acronyms
In my conversation with an exchange student coordinator at a local university, I was told that the field of international education has more acronyms than the U.S. military (she said this in a half-joking way). After doing my research, I am starting to believe it. Two of those acronyms that keep coming up in job descriptions are DSO and ARO, or Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer. Just what are these exactly? Well, let's discuss it!
A Designated School Official (DSO) is someone who helps international students with their immigration status, specifically the F and M visa categories. But perhaps more importantly, DSOs are required to update the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of these F and M students. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website, DSOs must constantly check in with the visa holders in order to report to SEVIS that they are currently enrolled in class and present (otherwise not violating the terms of their visa). If, for some reason, a DSO cannot get in touch with one of these students, and the student fails to check-in at appropriate times, the DSO must report this to SEVIS, who may then terminate the student's record. There are several instances when students are required to report to DSOs, including within the first 30 days of when the school program begins, at the beginning of each new semester, and when a student transfers to another institution. DSOs must update the system when a student graduates or completes a course, and when a non-immigrant changes his or her status to F or M. Note all the acronyms in the above paragraph!
An Alternate Responsible Office (ARO), from what I can gather, are trained by the Responsible Officer (RO), and assist the RO in managing an exchange visitor program via SEVIS, ensuring that the program meets DHS's regulations. Thus, ARO's deal primarily with J-1 visa students who are in the United States through an exchange program between two universities. Only RO's and ARO's may issue Forms DS-2019, and they are also responsible for updating SEVIS within 21 days of being notified by an exchange visitor. According to the DHS's "A Guide for Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers" publication, the duties of ROs and AROs include updating all pertinent information in SEVIS, being up to date with all rules and regulations, validating visitor arrival and departure dates, and ensuring that all visitors have adequate health coverage before arriving. They must also issue an annual report within SEVIS documenting the amount of exchange visitors the program had, as well as a written evaluation of the program. Again, acronyms galore.
So, if you were ever curious as to what an ARO or a DSO were (as I'm sure you were!) then hopefully I have helped educate you just a little bit. Obviously I am still new to this as well, so I am sure I missed a significant amount of other duties that these officers are required to do. But, at least it's a start. Have fun learning those acronyms everybody!
Rule #6 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Be familiar with all of the acronyms that are a part of international education, because there are a lot!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
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| You and me both, pal! |
A Designated School Official (DSO) is someone who helps international students with their immigration status, specifically the F and M visa categories. But perhaps more importantly, DSOs are required to update the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of these F and M students. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website, DSOs must constantly check in with the visa holders in order to report to SEVIS that they are currently enrolled in class and present (otherwise not violating the terms of their visa). If, for some reason, a DSO cannot get in touch with one of these students, and the student fails to check-in at appropriate times, the DSO must report this to SEVIS, who may then terminate the student's record. There are several instances when students are required to report to DSOs, including within the first 30 days of when the school program begins, at the beginning of each new semester, and when a student transfers to another institution. DSOs must update the system when a student graduates or completes a course, and when a non-immigrant changes his or her status to F or M. Note all the acronyms in the above paragraph!
An Alternate Responsible Office (ARO), from what I can gather, are trained by the Responsible Officer (RO), and assist the RO in managing an exchange visitor program via SEVIS, ensuring that the program meets DHS's regulations. Thus, ARO's deal primarily with J-1 visa students who are in the United States through an exchange program between two universities. Only RO's and ARO's may issue Forms DS-2019, and they are also responsible for updating SEVIS within 21 days of being notified by an exchange visitor. According to the DHS's "A Guide for Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers" publication, the duties of ROs and AROs include updating all pertinent information in SEVIS, being up to date with all rules and regulations, validating visitor arrival and departure dates, and ensuring that all visitors have adequate health coverage before arriving. They must also issue an annual report within SEVIS documenting the amount of exchange visitors the program had, as well as a written evaluation of the program. Again, acronyms galore.
So, if you were ever curious as to what an ARO or a DSO were (as I'm sure you were!) then hopefully I have helped educate you just a little bit. Obviously I am still new to this as well, so I am sure I missed a significant amount of other duties that these officers are required to do. But, at least it's a start. Have fun learning those acronyms everybody!
Rule #6 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Be familiar with all of the acronyms that are a part of international education, because there are a lot!
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Terra Dotta: Amazing Software
I am not sure what the percentage is of universities currently using the Terra Dotta Software, but it seems to me that this is an amazing and invaluable tool for orchestrating an international office. Terra Dotta is study abroad software that allows you to organize all offered programs, student applications, and updates onto one convenient location on the web. Students can search the system with very exact and precise parameters in order to find the study abroad program that matches their requirements. Administrators can create checklists of what papers and documents each student needs to sign, as well as keep tabs on students who are studying abroad by following each phase of the study abroad application process (There are six according to Terra Dotta- The advising phase, pre-decision, post-decision, active, returnee, and alumni).
According to the Terra Dotta website, about 230 institutions and businesses use the software. This definitely seems like an amazing feature, especially for those people who struggle to stay organized (both students and staff alike). But I wonder- would there be a tendency to rely too much on the Terra Dotta software in assisting students who are deciding to study abroad? Knowing some students, they may feel that by simply using the search features of the software, that they do not need as much advising, since they have already chosen which institution and program that they want to attend. Similarly, would some staff rely on Terra Dotta to choose the program for the student, instead of guiding them in the decision process.
These are questions that, really, would need to be addressed by a university who does decide to use the product. Beside the cost of the software (apparently $60,000 per year in 2009), it appears that there is little downside to using Terra Dotta. Knowing that there are hundreds of different study programs that can be offered by universities and outside providers, this is a great tool that helps students avoid the headache of wading through all of these programs, which today seem to be in infinite supply. With the ever expanding business that is studying abroad, this product could potentially open students and staff to a wider range of programs than ever before. This, subsequently, could then mean even more participation in students studying abroad.
I am interested to hear more about this software, and what universities who use it like (or dislike) about it. Signing off for now, have a good weekend! Here are some links if you want to find out more about Terra Dotta:
Terra Dotta website: http://www.terradotta.com/
Article about the 'business' of studying abroad: http://chronicle.com/article/The-Booming-Business-of-Int/44244/
P.S.- C'mon England!!! I'll be rooting for the Three Lions tomorrow in the quarterfinals against Italy.
Rule #5 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Do your research! Know what programs and software international offices use and become familiar with them.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
According to the Terra Dotta website, about 230 institutions and businesses use the software. This definitely seems like an amazing feature, especially for those people who struggle to stay organized (both students and staff alike). But I wonder- would there be a tendency to rely too much on the Terra Dotta software in assisting students who are deciding to study abroad? Knowing some students, they may feel that by simply using the search features of the software, that they do not need as much advising, since they have already chosen which institution and program that they want to attend. Similarly, would some staff rely on Terra Dotta to choose the program for the student, instead of guiding them in the decision process.
These are questions that, really, would need to be addressed by a university who does decide to use the product. Beside the cost of the software (apparently $60,000 per year in 2009), it appears that there is little downside to using Terra Dotta. Knowing that there are hundreds of different study programs that can be offered by universities and outside providers, this is a great tool that helps students avoid the headache of wading through all of these programs, which today seem to be in infinite supply. With the ever expanding business that is studying abroad, this product could potentially open students and staff to a wider range of programs than ever before. This, subsequently, could then mean even more participation in students studying abroad.
I am interested to hear more about this software, and what universities who use it like (or dislike) about it. Signing off for now, have a good weekend! Here are some links if you want to find out more about Terra Dotta:
Terra Dotta website: http://www.terradotta.com/
Article about the 'business' of studying abroad: http://chronicle.com/article/The-Booming-Business-of-Int/44244/
P.S.- C'mon England!!! I'll be rooting for the Three Lions tomorrow in the quarterfinals against Italy.
Rule #5 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Do your research! Know what programs and software international offices use and become familiar with them.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Job Applications and You
I am curious as to what other people think about this. So far, since June 6, I have applied to 11 jobs in the field of international education. On each one, I have taken the time to thoroughly review the job description, research the university and what sort of programs they have, and then adjust my resume accordingly for each unique position. Some positions are very similar, whereas others a very different. Some deal more with advising study abroad students, whereas others focus on international students and immigration.
But that raises the question- How many applications should you be sending out? Should you go for every available position you think you qualify for, or should you be more selective? I have read on some job seeker advice boards that you should be very selective, not even applying to more than one per week. Whereas others advise you to bombard employers with your applications, so long as the positions are practically the same. Tweak your resume and cover letter a bit, but otherwise just churn out the applications until you find a job.
Though times are hard, and it is difficult to be selective (especially when you are currently unemployed like myself), I tend to fall more on the selective side. That said, I have on average applied to around 4 jobs per week, but that does not mean I have simply regurgitated my resume and cover letter to each school. I spend nearly my entire day researching, making notes, analyzing the school, and then keeping the notes in a binder for future reference. I now know more about international education than I ever have, simply by researching and analyzing the different programs. I have learned what I like about some programs, and what I dislike. I have learned what is a large amount of international students studying at a school (over 7,000!) and what are small numbers. Indeed, you begin to understand more the process of working in an international office, and that it is anything from easy.
The other important question that remains to be answered is: Will this get me anywhere? Currently, I am still waiting to hear back from any of the schools that I applied to. You have to be patient, and you have to be diligent, two very important aspects of the job search that I have mentioned in previous posts. However, at the end of the day, the more you research and prepare for a job application, the more likely you will be asked for an interview, which in these times, is a modern miracle!
Rule #4 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Research and take notes of all places you apply to, and save those notes for future reference.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
But that raises the question- How many applications should you be sending out? Should you go for every available position you think you qualify for, or should you be more selective? I have read on some job seeker advice boards that you should be very selective, not even applying to more than one per week. Whereas others advise you to bombard employers with your applications, so long as the positions are practically the same. Tweak your resume and cover letter a bit, but otherwise just churn out the applications until you find a job.
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| I'm sure all job hunters have wanted to believe this from time to time! |
Though times are hard, and it is difficult to be selective (especially when you are currently unemployed like myself), I tend to fall more on the selective side. That said, I have on average applied to around 4 jobs per week, but that does not mean I have simply regurgitated my resume and cover letter to each school. I spend nearly my entire day researching, making notes, analyzing the school, and then keeping the notes in a binder for future reference. I now know more about international education than I ever have, simply by researching and analyzing the different programs. I have learned what I like about some programs, and what I dislike. I have learned what is a large amount of international students studying at a school (over 7,000!) and what are small numbers. Indeed, you begin to understand more the process of working in an international office, and that it is anything from easy.
The other important question that remains to be answered is: Will this get me anywhere? Currently, I am still waiting to hear back from any of the schools that I applied to. You have to be patient, and you have to be diligent, two very important aspects of the job search that I have mentioned in previous posts. However, at the end of the day, the more you research and prepare for a job application, the more likely you will be asked for an interview, which in these times, is a modern miracle!
Rule #4 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Research and take notes of all places you apply to, and save those notes for future reference.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
All Work and No Play Makes Zack a Dull Boy
So, here we are, three posts in and on day 3 of the job search, and already I have veered off the subject of finding a job in International Education. Or have I?
You see, an important part of looking for work when unemployed is taking time out to not look for work when you are unemployed. This means enjoying yourself every once and a while, really appreciating your time off and investing some time in the things you love. For me today, this meant focusing my energies toward a truly important cause: rooting for England against Ukraine in the Euro Cup!
But seriously, while being unemployed what I have noticed truly helps me when I am feeling a bit low is to take a moment, and just breathe. If I am working 24/7 on job hunting, often at the end of the day I feel a bit deflated. Let's face it, finding a job takes time, and spending a little time doing the things you love will not keep you from getting a job. In fact, more than likely they probably will help you enter the career of your dreams. Hobbies keep you motivated and boost your self-confidence, two vital components of securing an open position.
A few more of my hobbies are playing football (soccer), hiking, reading, writing, and playing pool, among various other activities that I fill my day with when I am not scouring the job market or networking. For me, it is finding an activity where I can feel constructive, where I can work towards achieving something. I am a very goal oriented individual, so challenging myself to complete a long hike, read a novel that I have on my bucket list, or improve my pool game are all things that I work on.
So, set aside some time during your day and do anything other than look for work. Your email does not need to be checked every 15 minutes, now does it?
Rule #3 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Focus on Yourself and the Things You Love!
My LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
You see, an important part of looking for work when unemployed is taking time out to not look for work when you are unemployed. This means enjoying yourself every once and a while, really appreciating your time off and investing some time in the things you love. For me today, this meant focusing my energies toward a truly important cause: rooting for England against Ukraine in the Euro Cup!
 |
| Wayne Rooney's header relates to International Education, right? |
A few more of my hobbies are playing football (soccer), hiking, reading, writing, and playing pool, among various other activities that I fill my day with when I am not scouring the job market or networking. For me, it is finding an activity where I can feel constructive, where I can work towards achieving something. I am a very goal oriented individual, so challenging myself to complete a long hike, read a novel that I have on my bucket list, or improve my pool game are all things that I work on.
So, set aside some time during your day and do anything other than look for work. Your email does not need to be checked every 15 minutes, now does it?
Rule #3 for Breaking into the Field of International Education: Focus on Yourself and the Things You Love!
My LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Monday, June 18, 2012
Resources
As many of you may know, landing a job in today's market is very difficult if you do not have a significant amount of experience. That age-old question inevitably is asked by many job seekers as they are on the trail of their perfect dream job: How can one get experience if every open position requires experience? What's the secret to getting a job without having experience? The answer, coming from my unqualified and still unemployed perspective, is resources.
It is extremely important to tap into any and all literature on the subject of International Education. Professional groups, such as NAFSA and the Institute of International Education, are great places to begin expanding your knowledge on the field. Read all of the available reports and publications (the free ones anyway- after all, you are unemployed). Join the SECUSS-L forum, and read ALL of the postings. Gain a better perspective of the field and its current problems, its current goals, and some common actions being taken by different institutions across the world. By doing these, you will come across MUCH more knowledgeable and experienced, even though you have not worked in an international office, per se.
A couple of my favorite resources are blogs and newsletters. I have been reading a lot lately the International Student Voice Magazine, which gives a great perspective on the international student experience, and insidestudyabroad.com, which gives great tips on finding work in a study abroad office.
Another excellent resource: study abroad advisors themselves! Contact your international office at the school you graduated from. More than likely, they will be more than happy to assist you as you are breaking your way into the field. Don't be shy- email different institutions that you would like to hear more about, or whose study abroad programs you admire. The worse that can happen is that they will say no.
So, that is my next step- contacting schools across the country whose international offices I truly admire, and asking for an informational interview in order to learn how their offices function, what challenges they face, what aspects of the job they love, and what advice they have for me in getting my foot in the door. You never know what a conversation will lead to.
Here are the links to the resources that I have been using:
International Student Voice magazine: http://www.isvmag.com/
http://www.insidestudyabroad.com/
NAFSA: http://www.nafsa.org/
Institute of International Education: http://www.iie.org/
Rule #2 of Breaking into the Field of International Education: Utilize all available resources.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
It is extremely important to tap into any and all literature on the subject of International Education. Professional groups, such as NAFSA and the Institute of International Education, are great places to begin expanding your knowledge on the field. Read all of the available reports and publications (the free ones anyway- after all, you are unemployed). Join the SECUSS-L forum, and read ALL of the postings. Gain a better perspective of the field and its current problems, its current goals, and some common actions being taken by different institutions across the world. By doing these, you will come across MUCH more knowledgeable and experienced, even though you have not worked in an international office, per se.
 |
| The NAFSA website also has an excellent career center with job postings |
Another excellent resource: study abroad advisors themselves! Contact your international office at the school you graduated from. More than likely, they will be more than happy to assist you as you are breaking your way into the field. Don't be shy- email different institutions that you would like to hear more about, or whose study abroad programs you admire. The worse that can happen is that they will say no.
So, that is my next step- contacting schools across the country whose international offices I truly admire, and asking for an informational interview in order to learn how their offices function, what challenges they face, what aspects of the job they love, and what advice they have for me in getting my foot in the door. You never know what a conversation will lead to.
Here are the links to the resources that I have been using:
International Student Voice magazine: http://www.isvmag.com/
http://www.insidestudyabroad.com/
NAFSA: http://www.nafsa.org/
Institute of International Education: http://www.iie.org/
Rule #2 of Breaking into the Field of International Education: Utilize all available resources.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
Introduction and Mission
Greetings all, and welcome to Breaking into the Field of International Education! My name is Zack Wright, and as you may have guessed from the title of this blog, I am seeking to enter into the career of international education. Unfortunately, this is not a blog (yet) about how to enter into the field. Hopefully it will be one day, but right now it is about the process- it is about the journey, the trials and tribulations, of finding a position within an international office at a university. There will be some heartache, and hopefully some success, but perhaps this blog will serve as a tool for others as they, too, search for a job within the field, or any field for that matter!
First, a little about myself. I have a B.A. in History from the University of Alabama, and an M.A. in Social Change and Resistance from the University of Leicester in England. In the fall of 2008, my sophomore year, I had an experience that shaped my life. I studied abroad in Leicester, England- the first time that I had truly been away, completely on my own, without any friends or family for support, in a culture that was surprisingly much different to the one that I was accustomed to. To sum it up, never had I had so much fun! From studying abroad, I discovered an independence and a resilience in me that I never knew I had. From studying abroad, I gained self-confidence and self-awareness, finally understanding my place within the world. From studying abroad, I was no longer just a citizen of Alabama or even the United States- I became a global citizen, expanding my once narrow view of society and culture.
Like so many people I have talked to or heard speak about their study abroad experience, I became hooked. After my semester abroad, I knew that I had to return to Leicester, a city that I fell in love with, and to my friends in England, whom I also fell in love with. Indeed, during my short stay in 2008, I would meet my best man at my wedding, and my wife, Sabrina, the East Anglian girl who lived upstairs from me in Shirley House.
I returned to Leicester in the fall of 2011 to pursue my Master's. After living nine months in a tiny studio flat in the bustling city center, we moved in with Sabrina's parents in Hellesdon, a village just outside of Norwich. There, I finished up my dissertation, and experienced life in East Anglia, developing a perfectly healthy obsession with Norwich City football (soccer to you Americans), British television, and exploring the surrounding villages and coastal towns.
Now, we are here in sleepy Birmingham (Alabama, not England), newlyweds as of April 7, 2012, and seeking to begin our lives together. First priority- find a job! With a certain amount of luck and ingenuity, I will soon be able to apply my passion for expanding our cultural interaction with other countries to one lucky university international office. But until then, I will be doing anything but waiting.
When living abroad, in order to truly appreciate and enjoy a foreign culture, you must be proactive and open-minded.
Rule #1 of Breaking into the Field of International Education- Be proactive!
My LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
First, a little about myself. I have a B.A. in History from the University of Alabama, and an M.A. in Social Change and Resistance from the University of Leicester in England. In the fall of 2008, my sophomore year, I had an experience that shaped my life. I studied abroad in Leicester, England- the first time that I had truly been away, completely on my own, without any friends or family for support, in a culture that was surprisingly much different to the one that I was accustomed to. To sum it up, never had I had so much fun! From studying abroad, I discovered an independence and a resilience in me that I never knew I had. From studying abroad, I gained self-confidence and self-awareness, finally understanding my place within the world. From studying abroad, I was no longer just a citizen of Alabama or even the United States- I became a global citizen, expanding my once narrow view of society and culture.
Like so many people I have talked to or heard speak about their study abroad experience, I became hooked. After my semester abroad, I knew that I had to return to Leicester, a city that I fell in love with, and to my friends in England, whom I also fell in love with. Indeed, during my short stay in 2008, I would meet my best man at my wedding, and my wife, Sabrina, the East Anglian girl who lived upstairs from me in Shirley House.
I returned to Leicester in the fall of 2011 to pursue my Master's. After living nine months in a tiny studio flat in the bustling city center, we moved in with Sabrina's parents in Hellesdon, a village just outside of Norwich. There, I finished up my dissertation, and experienced life in East Anglia, developing a perfectly healthy obsession with Norwich City football (soccer to you Americans), British television, and exploring the surrounding villages and coastal towns.
Now, we are here in sleepy Birmingham (Alabama, not England), newlyweds as of April 7, 2012, and seeking to begin our lives together. First priority- find a job! With a certain amount of luck and ingenuity, I will soon be able to apply my passion for expanding our cultural interaction with other countries to one lucky university international office. But until then, I will be doing anything but waiting.
When living abroad, in order to truly appreciate and enjoy a foreign culture, you must be proactive and open-minded.
Rule #1 of Breaking into the Field of International Education- Be proactive!
My LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/zack-wright/49/b26/265
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