Graduates from Study Abroad and the International Affairs Dual Major should consider building upon their international experience by doing a Work, Intern, Volunteer (WIV) program abroad.  WIV programs are generally non-academic and not for credit.  UNH has a dedicated career counselor, Nancy Hoff, in the University Advising and Career Center who can advise about these opportunities. 

The Center for International Education has put together information sheets that provide the Definitions of Opportunities Abroad, as well as information about Interning and Working Abroad, Teaching Abroad and Volunteering Abroad. If you have questions, please contact a Study Abroad Advisor.  Make an advising appointment or find us each year at the Commencement Fair that usually takes place in April,  in the Granite State room, MUB.

Another regional WIV opportunity is the New England Study Abroad Reentry Conference.  In 2012 it was held at Stonehill College in Boston, MA.  We highly recommend that you take a look at its offerings on Facebook.

For further resources, the University of Minnesota’s Learning Abroad Center provides useful guidance about WIV programs (as illustrated below).

Choosing a WIV Program

The IVPA Principles and Practices are criteria developed by the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) to give prospective volunteers a reliable basis on which to choose worthwhile program experiences. Once you identify a program of interest, ask as many questions as necessary to gain a thorough understanding of it. The more you know, the better your chances of being prepared for the experience and not being disappointed once you arrive on site. Some questions you may want to consider asking the program staff include:

• How far in advance do I need to apply?
• When will I be notified of my placement or acceptance?
• What does the program fee cover? 
• What additional expenses can I expect that are not included in the fee?
• Can I contact past participants?
• What is the daily and weekly work schedule?
• Who will be my coworkers and supervisor?
• What kind of supervision or guidance will I receive?
• How much can I expect to be paid weekly or monthly?
• Where will I live and with whom will I live?
• Will I receive pre-departure information?
• Is there an in-country orientation?

 Then ask yourself: Are my expectations realistic? Can this program provide the kind of experience I am looking for?

Work/Intern/Volunteer WWW Resources

Abroad View - "the global education magazine for students"

AIESEC - the world's largest student-based organization spanning over 90 countries and 700 universities that offers a database of international internships and volunteer positions

Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) - international not-for profit organization with no political or religious affiliations; programs from 1 to 12 weeks with start dates year round

Glimpse Abroad – online community of young adults living and studying abroad

GoAbroad.com - comprehensive international education and alternative travel databases

Go Volunteer Abroad - comprehensive listing of volunteer program listings and new first-hand program reviews

IAESTE - a program of The Association for International Practical Training dedicated to developing global skills in tomorrow's technical leaders

InterExchange Foundation - Christianson Grant is open to individuals who have sought out and arranged their own work abroad programs. Proposed programs must be at least six months in length and emphasize a work component

The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) – list of resources from an alliance of non-governmental organizations involved in international volunteer work and internship exchanges

MastersPortal.eu - online searchable database to find international masters’ programs in Europe

MONETOS - shares updated information on the intricacies of European social and financial systems to provide an overview of European society

Transitions Abroad - resource for work, study, travel, or live abroad opportunities

University of California, Irvine  International Opportunities Program -  information on international work, volunteer, internship, teach, and research options

University of Michigan International Center (Getting Started) – advice and tools on how to begin considering and evaluating the best options for you

University of Michigan International Center (International Experience Options) – definitions and links for a variety of international opportunities

International Career Employment Weekly

International Jobs Center compiles a weekly comprehensive list of international careers and development jobs, available through subscription only. If interested, contact CIE for login access.