Customer Reviews

Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In short, this book appears to be useless unless you graduated from an Ivy League or are 'well-connected' - making it useless to many Americans. The majority of the contributors to the book seem to have either graduated from an Ivy League, or had connections to persons in 'high places' (which is beside the point). As an 'average' American who has gone on to an international career, I can safely say that this book would have been completely useless to me 10 years ago (a few years before I left the US).

The majority of the career options mentioned are - especially in today's economic and job climate - limited to a very, very select few (and I'll say it, ELITE) individuals. Not a very practical book for us 'normal' Americans interested in establishing a career abroad. Case in point: the author Overmann's (a graduate of an elite university) account of how he just happened to establish a little international education newsletter that some how, some way became a large success. How did it become a large success? Likely the result of an established, elite network. Something a bit difficult for us rather 'normal' Americans to establish.

Moreover, a large number of the organizations, and company/organization lists, in the book are widely known; you can find out about most of them through a bit of online research (i.e., "[field name] + [international career]", etc). With that said, I suppose if you are strictly interested in/planning a career in NGO and/or government work, the book could provide some value. I have nothing against the authors as they seem like they mean well; the information/strategy provided just seems a bit dated/irrelevant for today, and one-sided.

My advice for a 20-something interested in establishing an 'international career' today? Go to China. There are tons of open positions, especially if you're interested in teaching. And it is beyond me why a book on international education fails to profile an international teacher!

Once I was a lost young soul living in Washington, DC who knew that I wanted to use my college degree. I knew that I wanted to perform some service for others and work somewhere with a global reach. Basically, I wanted to work in a in a non-profit in the international field.

Sounds easy, but where to start? And how to follow through and make my goal a reality? I won't go into the answers for you because this book takes care of all of that for me. I highly recommend that anyone interested in working in the international field (not only non-profits like me) take a good look at this book. It will help guide your way.

As a long-time foreign language educator and someone who has spent numerous years in study abroad and recently in international education, I recommend this book to students (and their advisors) seeking careers after graduation that build on their study abroad and foreign languages experiences and curricula. With comprehensive lists of sources and outstanding organization by field, as well as an introductory chapter to help the reader reflect on her needs and wants, anyone can get started investigating and networking to work in the world. Indispensable in our global society.

Reading this book led me to meet incredible people. Going to networking events, voluntering and finding mentors seemed more real. I found some websites and print that helped to figure out what I really want to do in life :)

I highly recommend this resource. This is not a guide to "how to get a job", but rather an engaging discussion of "how to build a career". Although the focus is on international exchange, development, etc. -- the concepts are broadly applicable to most career journeys.

For any college aged student with aspirations of studying or working abroad, Working World is a must read. I especially found the viewpoint of the young professional helpful and instantly relatable.