Recommendations for working overseas?

#1
dhb92

dhb92

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#1
I'm a recent graduate (B.S. in Geology and Enviro. Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development) and I am really wanting to work abroad. I've been trying to do as much research as possible and would like to do something in my field (not teach english) but with so much info to sift through on google it's been difficult finding comprehensive info. I don't know anyone who's done anything similar so I'm wondering if any of you have experience/recommendations in terms of websites/companies/NGOs/etc..

I would love to go to Asia (Japan, S. Korea, China, Thailand, India, etc..) but I'm really open for whatever pretty much anywhere other than the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I used to live in Argentina so would prefer Africa/E. Asia but I wouldn't snub my nose at something in Central/S America.

Thanks for the help/input! And if you recommend I move this to another thread let me know (I wasn't sure which to post in).
 
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#2
#2
Stay out of the middle east! If I ever lived somewhere else, I'd want Australia. Good luck wherever you go.
 
#4
#4
Join the Navy. Seaports all over the world. Just remember, it's not just an adventure, it's a job.
 
#6
#6
Norway has a lot of sustainable development projects going on and it's a great country to live in. They lead the world in one-night-stands, too. However, it's incredibly difficult to get a work visa there.

I'm currently working on my B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Microbiology. I'm looking into study abroad opportunities in Norway.
 
#11
#11
dhb92 said:
I'm a recent graduate (B.S. in Geology and Enviro. Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development) and I am really wanting to work abroad. I've been trying to do as much research as possible and would like to do something in my field (not teach english) but with so much info to sift through on google it's been difficult finding comprehensive info. I don't know anyone who's done anything similar so I'm wondering if any of you have experience/recommendations in terms of websites/companies/NGOs/etc..

I would love to go to Asia (Japan, S. Korea, China, Thailand, India, etc..) but I'm really open for whatever pretty much anywhere other than the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I used to live in Argentina so would prefer Africa/E. Asia but I wouldn't snub my nose at something in Central/S America.

Thanks for the help/input! And if you recommend I move this to another thread let me know (I wasn't sure which to post in).
Click to expand...

have you talked to the placement office from the school you graduated from to see if they have any contacts..
In my experience most foreign assignments (at least with US based companies, aren't new hire positions). So looking at companies that are based in the region your interested in is your best option...the relo is going to be an issue
 
#12
#12
VOLatile said:
Norway has a lot of sustainable development projects going on and it's a great country to live in. They lead the world in one-night-stands, too. However, it's incredibly difficult to get a work visa there.

I'm currently working on my B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Microbiology. I'm looking into study abroad opportunities in Norway.
Click to expand...

Ever had a textbook in one of your classes written by Wes Eckenfelder? Ever heard of him?
 
#14
#14
vol_in_ar said:
have you talked to the placement office from the school you graduated from to see if they have any contacts..
In my experience most foreign assignments (at least with US based companies, aren't new hire positions). So looking at companies that are based in the region your interested in is your best option...the relo is going to be an issue
Click to expand...

I graduated from UT, not sure of a placement officer but I've been using the Hire-A-VOL portal.
 
#15
#15
A couple of very different experiences:

A close friend joined the Peace Corps after college, lived in the Baltic states for a couple years helping locals in his field of study. Heavy immersion into the culture, also vacationed frequently throughout Europe. I've always been jealous of all the pics I've seen and the stories I've heard.

Someone else I know took a civilian job in Afghanistan supporting military, ended up finding a spot in a totally different field there, made a nice chunk before coming back to the states. Probably was a pretty narrow cultural exposure though.

Not entirely sure what my point is, other than there's a variety of roads to take, especially if you're still young. One thing you really don't grasp in your 20s is that you are the most untethered you'll ever be. That's not a regret story; the things that tie you down like career and having a family can be enormously rewarding. But those opportunities to experience the world are fleeting, so jump in.
 
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#16
#16
I worked as a Geologist for a major oil company..4 years in Shekou, China...6 years in Venezuela and 2 years in Vietnam. I enjoyed all three, but my favorite was China. I had a blast and though about retiring there...many of my friends did...a Man's Paradise:D. Vietnam was nice too with vacation trips to Thailand. My 12 years overseas experience was the best in my life...hated to return to the U.S., but had no choice if I wanted to stay with my company. Can't go wrong anywhere in ASIA.
 
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#17
#17
dhb92 said:
I'm a recent graduate (B.S. in Geology and Enviro. Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Development) and I am really wanting to work abroad. I've been trying to do as much research as possible and would like to do something in my field (not teach english) but with so much info to sift through on google it's been difficult finding comprehensive info. I don't know anyone who's done anything similar so I'm wondering if any of you have experience/recommendations in terms of websites/companies/NGOs/etc..

I would love to go to Asia (Japan, S. Korea, China, Thailand, India, etc..) but I'm really open for whatever pretty much anywhere other than the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I used to live in Argentina so would prefer Africa/E. Asia but I wouldn't snub my nose at something in Central/S America.

Thanks for the help/input! And if you recommend I move this to another thread let me know (I wasn't sure which to post in).
Click to expand...

Start in a corporate EHS department. The company I work at (GSK.com) has EHS folks everywhere. Even the team that works here in Pennsylvania routinely travel to other countries. Also, look at the back pages of The Economist or Far East Economic Review as they have pretty interesting job openings. The jobs will be too advanced for your level of education and experience but look at the job requirements, then start searching for positions that match those requirements.
 
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