This page was created as a resource for students interested in international opportunities, with a particular focus on post-graduation paths. Below, you’ll find a range of topics along with relevant information to help guide your exploration! If you have any questions, my contact information is available under the Introduction tab; please feel free to reach out!
Introduction
Hi everyone! My name is Emma Badach and I am a senior at VCU. For this project, I wanted to create a digital platform that can act as a central hub for students who are curious about international postgraduate opportunities. As someone who has always hoped to go abroad after graduation, I found myself constantly searching for answers, comparing programs, and trying to piece information together from different places. I decided to document the steps I took, the questions I asked, and the resources I came across throughout my own process so that others may be able to use it to their benefit!
By organizing everything in one place, my goal is to make the experience feel more manageable and less overwhelming for other students who might be feeling the same uncertainty I did.
I started by researching graduate programs abroad, but quickly realized there are so many other meaningful paths to explore. From teaching English overseas and volunteer or service-learning programs, to traditional study abroad, engaging with global subcultures, and different types of working abroad opportunities, each option offers unique benefits, commitments, and experiences. I wanted this guide to reflect that range.
Ultimately, I hope to make what can feel like an overwhelming and intimidating process more clear and accessible, while also encouraging students to remain open to opportunities they may not have initially considered. I want this platform to offer practical guidance, but also to remain flexible and evolving. I hope for this space to grow with new and different possibilities, inspiring students to imagine a wide range of post-graduate paths abroad.
Contact Information:
Emma Badach
email: emmabadach@gmail.com
Continuing Education – Grad School
- Use this link to find international university grad school programs (based on major)
- VCU Scholarships Office is helpful for finding funding and scholarship opportunities
Tips for if you’re looking to do go to graduate school internationally:
- Reaching out to current international students or alum and asking them how they financed it (there are lots of scholarships and loopholes that exist)
- Reach out to admissions and talk to them about your financial situation, they may be able to advise you and give insight
- Keep in mind; for some schools there are separate emails that deal with financial advisement
- Most schools in the UK accept FAFSA
- I touched base with geo@vcu.edu who connected me with VCUs Development and Alumni Relations to find and talk to alumni who went abroad post grad
Teaching English Abroad
A List of English Teaching Abroad Opportunities from the VCU Scholarship Office that I have added to:
Fulbright – 70 different nations offer positions of 8-10 months, ranging from 1 position to 170 each year. More competitive and rigorous application process. Once accepted, Fulbright typically handles visas, housing, work and monthly stipend. Start application process early for this! VCU Scholarship Office has a course that helps you step by step through the application process.
TAPIF – Teaching Assistant Program in France – 1200 positions open to US and Canadian students. $99 application fee. Required minimum B1 intermediate french proficiency.
USTA – United States Teaching Assistantships at Austrian Secondary Schools – 140 spots available each year; very similar to Fulbright program. Required basic understanding of German.
Cultural Ambassadors – aka, North American Language & Culture Assistants in Spain (NALCAP) – an ETA program offering 2500 positions. GREAT option for someone who knows he wants to spend a year in Spain, as it’s far less competitive than Fulbright, TAPIF or USTA. The website can be a little confusing, but I applied for this so feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Also use their instagram for application updates (@nalcapspain)
Meddeas – A second option for Spain, teaching in one of 200 Spanish private schools for 1 year. 20-24 hours/week. NO Spanish language proficiency required for the position (however, do think about navigating and living in Spain!). ETAs often also assist in another area, such as art, P.E. or science. TEFL course is provided.
JET – Japan Exchange and Teaching – Opportunity for up to 1,100 Americans to teach in Japan for 1 year. (Many are able to “re-up” and stay on longer.)
A.C.L.E – English teaching in Italy. Also offers positions in summer camps. TEFL Certificate needed.
EPIK – Offers over 1000 ETA positions in Korea each year.
Teach Thailand Corps– ETA opportunity in Thai secondary schools. I also applied for this one, very easy and straightforward application process. Once accepted TTC sponsors your visa but keep in mind the program starts mid to late May. Submit application to contact@americanthaifoundation.org
EODC – English Opens Doors program in Chile
CEAIE – China Education Association for International Exchange
Serendipity – Small Russian ETA program in Vladimir
Teach and Learn with Georgia – Program open to native English, French, German and Italian speakers.
Princeton in Africa/Princeton in Asia/Princeton in Latin America – Programs for ALL, just administered by Princeton. Not all positions involve teaching, but many do, and preferences will be taken under consideration.
Peace Corps – Multiple destinations and application cycles. Many jobs other than teaching are offered, but many do involve teaching. Positions require a 2-year commitment. More on Peace Corps under Service Learning and NGOs
Personal Tips to Keep in Mind while Applying:
- Many of the programs have an application fee
- Other require you to have a basic understanding of the language
- Some require a TEFL certification, prices can range but they are around usually around ($1899)
- Both Spain and Thailand do not have application fees or require a TEFL Certification (I recommend just applying to keep your options open)
- Use this link if you need to order your transcript prior to graduation (Thailand and Spain both required one)
Service Learning / NGO’s and Nonprofits
Things to keep in mind:
- The GEO office at VCU offers a Peace Corps Prep course that is free for students
- Send emails! I created a draft email and sent them out to any NGO and nonprofit near me till I eventually heard back
- Talk to career services and alumni from VCU
- Study abroad experience and language experience looks good
- Lots of NGO and Nonprofits have offices internationally, it is a good idea to start domestically and then have the opportunity to move around through them
Peace Corps:
- I applied and committed to working with the Peace Corps after graduation! I found their application process to be easy to navigate and very organized! I highly recommend meeting with a recruiter to have as a resource to help you through the entire application process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions 🙂
- Preparing for the application
- Meet with a recruiter
- Keep in mind applications can take up to 9 months to fully process so apply as soon as possible!
Information from GEO Office:
| Affordable Colleges Online | Volunteering and Internships abroad. |
| Alliance Abroad | Work, teach, volunteer or learn a language in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Italy, Peru or Spain. |
| BUNAC | Work/internship/volunteer opportunities for students and recent graduates in UK, New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Cambodia, South Africa and Canada. |
| CIS Intern Abroad | Internship programs through CIS. |
| Connect-123 | Internship programs in Dublin, Barcelona, Cape Town, Shanghai and Buenos Aires. |
| Cross-Cultural Solutions | Well-respected organization offering volunteer and internship opportunities in 12 countries for one to 12 weeks. |
| EF English First | Teach English overseas. |
| Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETA) | Fulbright grant to become an English teaching assistant in a foreign country. |
| Go Intern Abroad | Go Abroad site with information about internships abroad. |
| Go Volunteer Abroad | Go Abroad site with information about volunteering abroad. |
| Indeed’s international options | Indeed’s international work opportunities. |
| InterExchange | Au pair, professional internship, teaching English, volunteering, language schools and work-travel programs in 13 countries. |
| Internships Abroad | Reference guide for students, faculty, staff and administrators to help match students with international internship opportunities |
| I-to-I | Volunteer and TEFL opportunities around the world. |
| International Internship Directory | Reference guide to help match students with international internship opportunities offered by universities, governmental agencies, non-profit groups, private organizations and corporations. |
| JET Programme | Program for recent graduates to assist in international exchange and foreign language education in local governments, boards of education and elementary, junior and senior high schools throughout Japan |
| Just landed | Everything you need to live and work abroad – connecting expats worldwide. |
| My World Abroad | Resources for working abroad. |
| Transitions Abroad | The Guide to Travel, Work, Study and Living Abroad. |
| U.S. Department of State Careers | Information about student internships with the State Department. |
Other Service Learning Programs:
Undergraduate Study Abroad
First get in touch with an advisor at the VCU GEO Office
- As soon as you know you want to go abroad, talk to your advisor so you can begin to map out your classes, most of the time you can save some gen-ed classes to take while abroad so you don’t get behind
Things we wish we had known:
- Everyone else is in the same boat as you and likely has similar questions, you are not alone!
- Try not to plan trips until you get there, most of the time you will want flexibility especially after meeting new people
- Most classes are designed for study abroad students and are not as demanding, don’t stress about school
To be continued…
The Visa Process:
- Begin gathering documents as soon as possible
- As you begin obtaining documents, I recommended keeping them all in a folder on your computer so everything stays organized
- Depending on where you study, you will either mail in your documents or go to the consulate office in DC
- Before turning in your documents walk through ALL of them with your study abroad advisor and make sure they are filled out correctly
- If you are missing a document or something is wrong you risk not getting your visa in time before your departure
- Don’t be scared to ask your advisor questions, even if they feel silly, they are there to help you!
To be continued…
Resume and Career Building:
- Study abroad looks great on resumes and applications
- It can set you apart from other applicants
- Depending on what you study and where, it can be considered real experience
Some ways to word this could include:
- Developed cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Immersed in host-country culture while taking courses taught in ___
- Applied theoretical concepts to real-world international case studies
- Navigated daily life in a foreign country, adapting to new cultural norms
- Strengthened communication skills in diverse, multilingual environments
- Developed cross-cultural competency through immersive academic and social experiences
To be continued…
Passport
The VCU GEO offers resources for obtaining a passport, such as:
- Passport photos
- Guidance
- Printer accessibility
For first timers looking to obtain a Virginia Pasport
- Use this website
- You will need a filled out form, birth certificate, photo, photocopies and additional documents, check
- Plan for the process to take 4-6 weeks
Off the beaten path..
Author’s Note:
- Found that many communities offer volunteer stays or work exchange programs where you work in exchange for accommodation and meals
- Emphasis on how different groups live rather than what they do
- Interference Archive to learn more about historical subcultures
Resources for finding Subculture Communities:
- Ecovillages – https://ecovillage.org/ecovillages/
- Community Directories shows communities with openings that include contact details but you have to reach out directly – https://communityfinders.com/
- Volunteer Platforms such as Workaway, HelpX, WWOOF
Subculture Field Study Findings
Through Interference Archive I looked at:
- ALF: Animal Liberation Front
- Artists for Survival
- Radical Routes (UK)
- Religion
- House Magic
- US Human Rights
- US Indigenous
You can find more information here:
Working – AuPair and Woofing
AuPair
Helping with childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board and some money
- A way to fully immerse yourself within a culture and experience how other people live first hand
- Programs usually target people 18-30 years old
- Lengths of stay are typically a year, but can vary
- Language skills are often, but not always, required
- Usually recommended to go through agencies for Visa support, matching and credibility
- Type of visa varies on destination, but almost always one is required
- https://www.aupairworld.com/en/about-us/reviews
To be continued… (recommended countries, different agency reviews, experiences, alumni, visa)
Woofing
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms):
- Helping with daily farm tasks in exchange for food and accommodation
- Volunteers usually work around 4-6 hours a day helping with farm chores
- Lengths of stay often vary but typically around a few months
- Typically there are no wages and is considered voluntary work
- Type of visa varies on destination, but almost always one is required
- https://wwoofinternational.org/ – for general information
- WWOOF(country of interest) – to apply
To be continued… (recommended countries, WWOOF reviews, alumni, visa)