Continue exploring the world after completing your degree through programs that support continued study, research, or service-learning, or through opportunities that enter you into the workforce.

You are encouraged to also review sessions from the Global Career Development Series for more helpful information.

General Guidelines

• This is not an exhaustive list, but a few starting points to begin research into potential opportunities and programs.
• Note that some opportunities may require specific citizenship. Review eligibility rules carefully before applying.
• There are many third-party pay-for-service providers and programs that may require fees, some which may be substantial. Look into these opportunities thoroughly to make sure they are reputable.

Volunteer/Service

• AmeriCorps- AmeriCorps is a national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time (up to a year) to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more. Service benefits include: student loan deferment, skills and training, living allowance, up to $6,000 education award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training, or to repay student loans and career opportunities with leading employers from the private, public and nonprofit sectors.
• Peace Corps – Peace Corps sends volunteers to serve in over 60 countries around the globe. Volunteers must be American citizens and come from all backgrounds to represent the diversity of America abroad. They work at a grassroots level in six different program areas—education, health, environment, youth development, agriculture and community economic development—for a period of 27 months. Volunteers receive transportation to and from the country, a monthly living stipend, vacation and health benefits, and significant training. The Peace Corps provides loan deferment options and, after completing service, volunteers receive a readjustment allowance of over $9,000, lifetime eligibility for certain graduate school fellowships and one year of preferential hiring for federal positions. Peace Corps Webinar Recording.
• WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) – WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community. Participants work on farms in exchange for room and board. You might also want to check out WWOOF USA. They have special programs for students and distance learning as well as digital nomads and remote workers.

Teach Abroad

• Teaching English Abroad Webinar Recording
• Almost all programs require a bachelor’s degree and most are teaching English positions.
• Some may require specific citizenship or foreign language fluency to be eligible. Check out the program’s website for more details.
• This is not a comprehensive list. The programs below are operated by the government of their respective country.
  • Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) – Japan
  • English Program in Korea (EPIK) – South Korea
  • Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP) – Taiwan
  • Fulbright Austria U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) program – Austria
  • Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) – France
  • North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) – Spain

Fulbright

• U.S. Fulbright – Opportunity for recent graduates to teach English, study, or conduct research abroad. This is a competitive program run by the U.S. Department of State and applicants must be U.S. citizens. 
• Foreign Student Fulbright – If you are an international student, you may be eligible to apply to Fulbright for graduate study or a position as a foreign language teaching assistant in the U.S.
• UC Davis has a Prestigious Scholarships office to help you prepare and apply for Fulbright.

Work/Intern Abroad

• Au Pair – You provide live-in childcare and housework for a family in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. There are agencies online that help match potential families and au pairs, but do your research to make sure the agency is reputable. 
• Working Holiday Visa – Visa that allows you to work while abroad, but you are typically not tied to one position. Eligibility, requirements, and available destination countries depend on your citizenship.
  • Australia (2 different visas available, depending on your citizenship) 
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland
• Student Travel Companies – Working for a student travel company, you lead a group of high school students on short-term overseas trips. Below are a few organizations: 
  • Where There Be Dragons
  • Road Less Traveled
  • The Experiment in International Living
  • Rustic Pathways
  • Putney Student Travel
  • Global Routes

Graduate School

• Going Abroad for Graduate School Webinar Recording
• There are many master’s and doctoral programs taught in English overseas, even in countries where English is not the primary language.
• TIP: Doing a Google search of “study in [country]” will typically yield a result linking to the government-run website with information for studying in that country.
• Below are some countries with universities that offer degrees entirely taught in English.
  • Canada – EduCanada
  • Australia – Study in Australia
  • UK – Study UK
  • Ireland – Education in Ireland
  • New Zealand – Study in New Zealand
  • Germany – DAAD
  • Netherlands – Nuffic
  • France – Campus France
  • Japan – Study in Japan
  • South Korea – Study in Korea

Funding Opportunities

• There are a variety of funding opportunities available to support global learning that include awards, fellowships, grants, scholarships, and funds to off-set or fully cover program costs. Details and requirements change frequently so students are advised to contact the funding agency directly for more information. Explore: Scholarships and Funding.

Additional Resources

UC Davis Alumni Networks Around the World

UC Davis alumni can be found worldwide— our mission is to help you stay connected. We have active alumni networks in Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America. Whether you are visiting or relocating to a new region, your Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) can connect you to continuing education opportunities, other alumni in your industry or region, the latest news and or our global travel program! Join your alumni association today to remain connected and take advantage of member benefits!

• GoinGlobal includes an online database of more than 16 million job and internship postings from around the world. Search the platform for NGO, non-profit, or corporate opportunities and find a post-graduate opportunity to launch your career.
• Below are a few targeted search engines that offer listings for community engaged global learning programs:
  • GoAbroad.com
  • Go Overseas
  • International Volunteer Programs Association
  • Idealist.org
• Vet programs by keeping the following things in mind:
  • Learning about the organization’s history and track record.
  • Understanding the placement process. 
  • Assessing the organization’s support and accountability. 
  • Clarifying program features, cost, and logistics. 
  • Resource: a full list of specific questions to ask when vetting programs.

Contact Information

Paula Levitt

Director, Global Experiential Learning
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
plevitt@ucdavis.edu