How to Get a Government Job Overseas

Working overseas can be an unforgettable experience and can lead to valuable work experience, travel opportunities and lifelong friendships. While some jobs in foreign companies are open to U.S. citizens, you may still want the salary, benefits and career growth potential possible with U.S. government jobs. Working for the government abroad can be an excellent way to learn about the U.S. government while at the same time getting valuable experience in another country. Government jobs in foreign countries around the world provide opportunities for short- or long-term positions in a variety of fields.

• 1

  Research opportunities abroad in the field that interests you. Numerous opportunities exist for career paths in overseas government work. The Peace Corps stations volunteers in various countries around the developing world to work on projects such as agriculture, education, healthcare, small business development, and women's rights. If you are currently a full-time teacher at a public school you can apply for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange and do the same job you already have in a foreign country for a year.

• 2

  Study a foreign language. Not every overseas government job will require fluency in a foreign language. However, you will set yourself apart from the competition if you can converse in the language of the country where you wish to work. Short-term programs such as the Peace Corps require a certain level of language proficiency to be stationed in certain countries, while they will provide you with the appropriate language training for work in other countries.

• 3

  Fill out your job application. Register for appropriate tests related to your application and prepare for your interview. Look on the Web sites for the governmental agencies you wish to work with and research what you will need to prepare for the tests and interviews. The Department of State requires the Foreign Service Officer Test for all of its applicants; certain positions may also require a language fluency test. The Peace Corps does not require a test, but its application process can last up to several months.

• 4

  Prepare for your interview. Be specific about your goals and plans and how they apply to the position you are seeking. When writing your personal statements and undergoing interviews, be sure to focus on how you would be able to best fill the particular position. Make sure to research exactly what your job will entail; depending on the position you seek, the country or the project may be more important. With certain jobs such as the Fulbright Teacher Exchange, it's a good idea to express enthusiasm and knowledge about the specific country in which you would like to teach. However, the greatest asset of a Peace Corps volunteer candidate is flexibility; the Peace Corps stations volunteers according to need in each country they serve, which may be a country you know very little about. Focus on being open to new experiences and the desire to be a part of the larger vision of the agency.