Global Opportunities

Work Abroad Opportunities and International Placements

Interested in going abroad to gain experience? The following organisations/companies offer international placements and/or opportunities:

AIESEC: Over 60 years of experience organising placements for students and recent graduates!  They can offer you voluntary and paid work placements in professional organisations, schools and charities for a period of 2-18 months across their network of over 100 countries.

aipt: The Association for International Practical Training is a US organisation offering students work placements.

ALZEA: Finds an internship according to your request, housing in the targeted country, welcomes you at arrival and facilitates your integration.

Anywork Anywhere: Jobs and resources for work and travel throughout the UK and worldwide (international working holiday, temporary work visa, youth mobility and exchange programmes

Bombard Balloon Adventures: Team of pilots, ground crew, guides, and chef provides complete luxury travel programs blending daily hot-air ballooning with fine dining, luxury accommodation, and personally guided visits. They travel in summer to France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey, then in January and February we fly in the Alpine region surrounding Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland.

BUNAC: Work abroad packages in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Camp Wayne: Sports Camp for Boys in the USA focussing on: athletics aquatics, arts and crafts, and an adventure programme.

Chatteris Educational Foundation: English Language School in Hong Kong allows recent university graduates from native English speaking countries to contribute directly to the life and learning experience of Hong Kong students, schools and community.

DBS Management Associate Programme: leadership training programme which currently spans 18 months. If you are self-driven, proactive and committed to excellence, MAP offers you the chance to be part of Asia's leading bank and shape the future of banking in Asia.

EADS PROGRESS Programme: 24-month induction programme starting in September 2010 will develop and support the highest calibre graduates and young professionals, who are eager to gain international experience in the Aeronautic, Defence and Space sectors.  Positions are in functional areas such as Engineering, Supply Chain Management, IT, Customer Support, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, Human Resources, Strategy and Marketing & Sales.

EURES: A network of Public Employment Services and partners within the European Economic Area which helps to facilitate the free movement of workers within the EEA countries, and Switzerland, by exchanging vacancies, giving advice, guidance and information to employers and job seekers. There are 2 EURES advisors in the south-east who manage a database of vacancies and information.

HSBC International Management Opportunities:  Ideal for graduates looking for a globally mobile, generalist banking career. IMs change role and location every 18 months - two years throughout their career and will have assignments spanning our customer groups and the regions in which we operate. IMs build up a unique set of skills and experiences and are expected to demonstrate the capability to become the future leaders of the HSBC Group.

IAESTE: The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience aims to provide full-time students a high quality practical training exchange programme to enhance technical and professional development.

International Entrypark Career Book 2010: A number of career opportunities at some of the world’s leading companies in the fastest growing industries.

IT Convergence: Global enterprise application solution provider that offers comprehensive Consulting, Education, Development, and Support services worldwide.

JET Programme: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme has placed over 50,000 participants from over 50 countries into positions in Japan. The JET Programme, the official government scheme, sends graduates to promote international understanding at a grass-roots level and to improve foreign language teaching in schools.

Monetos: free-of-charge research portal which provides extensive information on the European social and financial sectors. The website is divided up into 5 main sections: Insurance, Financing, Investment, Pensions, and Service. The portal is currently available in six different languages English; French; German; Italian; Spanish and Dutch.

OCAS: Internships in Belgium in metallurgical and surface related topics.

Operation Wallacea: International conservation agency that operates scientific, volunteer-led wildlife conservation expeditions to several regions of special ecological importance globally. Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and professions to assist with academic research, and the conservation projects, in partnerships with local communities and NGO's.

Shanghai Expo:  (1 May - 31 October 2010) World Expo taking place in Shanghai, China. The UK Pavilion has job opportunities for young students from the UK to work as UK Pavilion Hosts, engaging with Chinese and international visitors. This is an excellent opportunity for all students with an interest in China.

Southern DataStream: Provider of data services related to water systems.  They have an exciting and challenging internship program for students in SW Florida (USA)

StandOut internships: StandOut, based in the UK, works closely with Professional Pathways Australia (a division of Monash University, Australia) to provide high quality, unpaid internships for students in a wide range of jobs.

Travellers Worldwide: A leading international provider of work experience internships.

Walt Disney World Resort: One of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.  They offer many opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students worldwide.

Work the World: This company organises elective placements and projects overseas for medical students, nurses, midwives, dentists and physiotherapists.

Working in Europe and Asia

Search student-voted employer league tables in Europe and Asia, and current economic data by country. Please click on the link below:

Working in Europe and Asia - GTi interactive map

Study Abroad Opportunties

Would you like to study overseas during your degree? If so, take a look at the following options.

ERASMUS: The ERASMUS student mobility programme, coordianted by tyhe International office, enables students to undertake a period of sdtudy at a partner institution as part of their degree programme.

Study China: The Easter 2011 programme will be 10th-29th April and students will have the choice between Hangzhou, Jinan or Nanjing. The application form is now on the 'How to Apply' section of the website.

Study India: The summer 2011 programme is currently undergoing a review process. The outcome of this should be known in the New Year and - please check the website for updates.

International Volunteeering

Information regarding global volunteering opportunities can be found on the International Volunteering page

Global Advantage 2011

Global Advantage Week will run in the second week of February 2011.

Career Destinations ran 'Global Advantage 2010' during Refreshers week in the previous academic year.  The event featured a week-long series of employability sessions which were facilitated to develop University of Southampton students into global graduates.  This event was organised in conjunction with the Students’ Union and the Transitions Programme.

The event consisted of a variety of sessions and workshops run by graduate recruiters, alumni, and University and Career Destinations staff, designed to help students achieve their career goals in the UK or abroad. 

  • Enhancing Your Employability
  • The Ideal Candidate: Application Tips
  • UK Work Visas Uncovered
  • Business Protocols in the UK
  • Experience Something Different: Work or Study Abroad

Presentation slides from most of the sessions listed above are available for download.  Please download the PowerPoint slides from the navigation column on the right. 

Global Opportunities in the UK:

Mandarin Consultant: This organisation develops the careers of Chinese-speaking job seekers  in the UK by providing comprehensive guidance, direct recommendations and professional work experience, particularly on China-related projects, with partner firms who are major UK employers across all sectors.

IIEL Japanese lessons: Free Japanese lessons in London taught by supervised trainee teachers.

Lunchtime Language Taster Course: The Centre for Language Study runs classes at Avenue and Highfield campuses, in 10 languages. There are classes for beginners as well as improvers. Come and take part!

Southampton University Students' Union (SUSU) Societies:  Take a look at the various international societies you can join, to get to know people from other countries.

UK Career Fairs 2010-11 (reverse chronological order)

International Virtual Recruitment Fair (14-25 February 2011)

This free virtual recruitment fair is for employers recruiting graduates to India.

Careers@Singapore: Legal Services (30 October 2010)

Contact Singapore is a one-stop centre for those wishing to pursue a rewarding career in Singapore.

Attendance is by invitation only and registration ends on 30 September 2010.

The Language Careers Fair (15-17 October 2010)

If you're looking for a career using your language skills then make sure you visit the Language Careers Fair taking place at this year's Language Show.

It's free to attend but you must register in advance.

International Development Careers Conference (7th October 2010)

An evening seminar, in London, to help you find out more about getting into the International Development sector.

Overseas Career Fairs 2010-11 (reverse chronological order)

Mynavi Global Career Expo (21-22 December 2010)

Job fair organized for Japanese-speaking bilinguals, mainly at entry-level positions (recent graduates welcome). Location: Belle Salle Shiodome (Tokyo, Japan).

Boston Career Forum (22-24 October 2010)

More than 100 global companies and organisations based in based in Japan, the US and Europe will be attending the event in Boston with a view to hiring candidates who are bilingual in English and Japanese, and have the following backgrounds:

New graduates

Postgraduates i.e. MBAs, MA, PhD

Job seekers with work experience

Students seeking internship positions

"Careers in the Diplomatic Service"- by Judith Macgregor, British Ambassador in Mexico

Date: Monday 7 March, 2011 / Time: 5:45-6:30 pm / Location: Lecture Theatre C (Avenue Campus)

Ambassador Judith Macgregor joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1976, has worked in Poland, Hungary, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia and now Mexico. She has had many diverse and fascinating roles and portfolios. She will be talking about careers in the diplomatic service from her deep knowledge and experience. She is an inspiring speaker and is keen to give students an opportunity to talk to her and ask questions.

All welcome and no prior registration needed!

Representing Your Country: a day in the life of the British Ambassador to Mexico, Judith Macgregor

On 27th January 2010, Career Destinations hosted a talk by the British Ambassador to Mexico, Judith Macgregor.  The Ambassador provided students with insight on her responsibilities as the British Ambassador to Mexico and were given the opportunity to learn first-hand what the role of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices are around the world, as well as gain tips/suggestions on how to pursue a career as a Diplomat. To view footage of this session please click on the hyperlink below.

University of Southampton HMA Judith Macgregor talk 

Scholarships: (reverse chronological order)

Chinese Government Scholarship Programme (Academic Year 2011 to 2012)

Two scholarships have been awarded by the Chinese Government for students of the University of Southampton to study in China. Applicants must be non–Chinese nationals enrolled at the University in order to be eligible to apply. Applications can be for taught undergraduate courses‚ Masters courses‚ PhD research programmes or non–award bearing scholar or senior scholar years. The Centre for Contemporary China has full details of these scholarships.

Closing date: 4th March, 2011 (to Mark Cranshaw m.cranshaw@soton.ac.uk, for 25th March 2011 final deadline)

Anglo-Danish Society (Academic year from October 2011 to July 2012)
Applications are invited from students undertaking postgraduate courses and who are:

a) Danish - for scholarships tenable at universities or other higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. Candidates' first degree should be from a Danish university or college.

b) British - for scholarships tenable at universities or other approved higher education institutions in Denmark.

Closing date: 1st March, 2011.

Google Europe scholarships: for students with disabilities who are pursuing university degrees in the field of computer science at a university anywhere in Europe.

Closing date: 7th January, 2011.

Toshiba Fellowship programme: offers outstanding scientists the opportunity to apply to join Toshiba's research and development laboratories in Japan for up to two years, on a Research Fellowship Contract. Open to recently qualified PhD level scientists, mainly in science, computing and mathematics.

Closing date: 13th December, 2010.

Daiwa scholarships: opportunity to undertake 19 months of language study, work placement, and homestay in Tokyo, Japan. No previous experience of Japan or Japanese is necessary. Daiwa Scholarships will be awarded in March 2011 to start in September 2011 and finish at the end of March 2013.

Closing date: 2nd December, 2010.

Kennedy Trust scholarships: an excellent opportunity to progress to MIT or Harvard on a scholarship!

Closing date: 7th November, 2010 (midnight).

Competitions (reverse chronological order):

CIMA Global Business Challenge: an international competition for undergraduates who are interested in finance and business. Teams for 2011 will come from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Malaysia, the Middle East, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UK. 

Confucius Institute photo competition: competition on the theme of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. Prizes worth £150, £100 and £50, awarded by the panel of judges, and two further prizes worth £150 and £100 awarded for the photos with the most votes from the general public. Entrants can submit up to two digital photos by uploading them to the Facebook group site where all photos can be viewed.

Closing date: 15th December, 2010 (5pm). 

PolyU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Student Challenge: this is a global competition is a global business plan competition that provides a unique platform for creative and entrepreneurial students to present their products or services to entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Closing date: 31st October, 2010.

Other Information:

Ciee: The Council for International Educational Exchange provides information on opportunities to study and work abroad whilst a full-time student.

Country specific information for over 50 countries can also be found on Prospects 

Careers in EUROPE

The following websites are useful resources for graduates considering a career in Europe.

EU Careers: source of information on the EU Careers application process and jobs available. 

EU Careers on Facebook: follow (or 'like') the page to receive regular updates.

EU Careers on Twitter: receive updates on EU Careers and take part in Q & A sessions. 

European Fast Stream: information on the UK European Fast Stream and how to apply.

FCO website: the British government is committed to boosting the number of British citizens working in the EU; the Foreign and Commonwealth website has further details.

UK representation to the EU: Brussels-focused pages with opportunities in the EU.

Things to consider:

  • The Foreign Office website contains further information on particular countries, including information on conflicts in that country and health risks.
  • The World News site delivers breaking news from all over the world in 49 languages.
  • Look out for the best insurance to cover the activities you will be undertaking.
  • Think about vaccinations well in advance.

 Disclaimer

The University of Southampton is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the organisations whose details are provided. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.

Please note that it is the responsibility of individual students to conduct research into opportunities available regarding international employment and placements, and the University of Southampton and its staff will accept no responsibility for any use which is made of the advice or information provided by any of these organisations.