Magazine about Job and Education abroad

Study Abroad: A 10-Step Preparation

Step #10: Duty Free. The best thing about study abroad memories is that they don’t cost anything. Although you are the only person who will ever really know what it was like, your friends will notice that you’ve changed since the last time they saw you. You’re suddenly more open, spontaneous, mature, confident, and cultured. After all, you’ve seen another part of the world. By Alia K. Santini  

Working Abroad as a Nurse

In college I dreamed of having an international career. Several years after my sister ventured off to foreign lands to teach English, I decided to pursue the same route—not as an English teacher but as a nurse. Now it's my sister who is visiting me in a foreign land! Since the skills and knowledge that U.S.-educated nurses possess are highly regarded internationally, the profession can open doors to a wide array of possibilities for working abroad. The call for nurses is a cry heard from all corners of the globe, from developed nations to the developing world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Nurses are the largest category of health workers. Nursing personnel make up over 50 percent of the health workforce in every country of the world. In many countries in the developing world, more than 80 percent of health workers are nurses.” Because of a global nursing shortage and a higher demand for nursing services, healthcare organizations are faced with staffing dilemmas that are reaching crisis levels in certain places. The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, reports that "Canada, the Philippines, Australia, and Western Europe are reporting significant nursing shortages. Reports of shortages are also coming from Africa and South America.” Faced with the spiraling labor shortages, healthcare organizations worldwide are scrambling to recruit nurses to fill positions through enticing advertisements in nursing journals as well as on nursing web sites (see sidebar). Just as the range of opportunities vary from place to place, so do salaries. The most lucrative packages tend to be offered in Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In some countries benefits may outweigh salary. The seven weeks annual leave offered by many hospitals in England means the chance to travel and may be more important than salary in determining which job is most desirable. How to Land an International Nursing Job The decision to work abroad as a nurse requires intense consideration. While motivation is important, the more informed you are the more rewarding your experience is likely to be. A review of your reasons for wanting to work abroad will help you narrow your focus and assist you in determining which nursing job will meet your objectives. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind when pursuing an overseas nursing job. • Your Nursing Experience You will most likely be offered a job based on your previous career history. Later, once you have spent time working in an organization, you can expand your nursing skills and knowledge by pursuing another type of nursing job. Maria Eis, a Canadian nurse who has worked in the U.S. and most recently in Saudi Arabia, was hired to work on a renal transplant unit in a Riyadh hospital. She soon landed a job as a private-duty nurse providing care to a member of the Saudi royal family at home and even traveling with the family abroad. • Your Knowledge of the Language Communication plays a key role in the provision of healthcare. In order to effectively care for patients and practice safely, you should acquire a basic knowledge of the language of the country where you will be working. As native speakers of English, American nurses may restrict their search for jobs in countries where English is the primary language. However, do not rule out other locations where healthcare organizations may also use English as their official language. Certain hospitals in the Middle East require that English be spoken among the staff, and all documentation is completed in English. A basic knowledge of the language of the country is helpful when providing care to non-English speaking patients and interacting with local staff. At least learn conversational expressions and a list of common medical terms. While the hospital may offer language classes and provide translators to aid in communication you should make every attempt to learn the language before and during your time overseas in order to fully appreciate the experience both personally and professionally. Also keep in mind that while English may be spoken in other countries, terminology may vary. For example, in the U.K. head nurses are referred to as “sisters,” the operating room is called “the theater,” and the emergency room is known as “the accident and casualty department.” • Using Healthcare Recruiters Intermediaries, generally known as healthcare recruiters, specialize in the recruitment of healthcare professionals on behalf of employers. They can be found in advertisements in nursing journals and on the Internet. Recruiters can not only assist you with all the details that will enable you to work abroad as a nurse, they can also provide you with advice regarding banking, housing, and other relevant issues in preparation for your move overseas. You can also answer advertisements and approach potential employers directly once you have obtained the necessary documentation regarding nursing registration from the country where you would like to work (see Nursing Registration below). While recruiters play a vital part in certain situations, such as finding jobs in developing nations or in major cities, keep in mind that many healthcare facilities in smaller locations outside metropolitan areas may not always utilize the services of recruiters. Whichever route you take in your job search, doing your own homework is the best policy. • Nursing Registration You will need an appropriate work visa for the country where you are planning to work. In most cases, visas are obtained for nurses by the hiring organization. The issuance of visas can take days to months depending on the country, so plan to wait in some cases. Nurses also must provide proof of licensure to practice their profession. Where you are planning to work will determine whether you will need to register your nursing qualifications before being able to look for a job. In countries with a licensing body that registers nurses you will need to contact the country's registration authority to learn what is required to work as a nurse in that country. To practice nursing in the U.K., for example, an overseas nurse must apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for a British nursing license (see below). From the initial request to the final outcome, the process may take from weeks to several months depending on the licensing board. In countries where a system of nurse registration has not yet been established you will need to provide proof of your nursing licensure from the U.S. The healthcare facilities in these countries will honor your nursing license from the state issuing your license, thus it is imperative to maintain your American nursing registration. The code of professional conduct which you follow in the state where you are licensed must continue to be followed while you are working overseas. If you want to work abroad as a nurse, there is no better time than the present. With thorough research, an open mind, and a sense of adventure, you can easily have your own international career.

Lodging on a Budget in Europe

One single decision during your European vacation can, quite literally, save or cost you loads of money. It can consume the bulk of your travel budget. Worse yet, you could spend way more money than you need to and have a less authentic vacation experience. Not only are there some nice budget options for lodging in Europe, but these budget options often mean you will truly experience the local atmosphere rather than being in a sanitized, generic setting at a pricy chain hotel.Unique and Historic LodgingThis is easily one of the most amazing lodging options throughout Europe and, best of all, many times it is quite affordable. What would you rather do? Spend more to stay in a standard hotel room, or spend less to sleep in a castle or be the guest of a rural European farm?Enjoying a beautiful and rustic agriturismo in Tuscany with fantastic local hosts (Agriturismo Olivello). Photo by Gregory Hubbs.There are several programs in various European countries to encourage preservation or farm stays that make it easy and cheap to stay somewhere worth writing home about, such as:Agriturismi in Italy is a wonderful option. These rural accommodations, frequently at real working farms, can be found at a variety of budget levels and with a mix of amenities.Spain’s Paradores de Turismo provide rooms starting at 60 euros for a fixed price stay. These are rooms at government-owned historic buildings, and you can stay at some unique accommodations such as castles and monasteries.France’s Bienvenue a la Ferme program, a government sanctioned and rated program in which you can stay at a farm. The lodging options range from the cheapest and crudest (a spot to pitch a tent with no services whatsoever) to the divine (a stay in a real working farm, with the amazing amenity of meals cooked on-site) Free Bonus: You will have some great tales to tell when you return home about your unusual experience staying at a monastery or camping on a real farm.Vacation RentalsIf you will visit at least a week, consider a vacation rental. Even if it costs the same as a hotel stay, there are many reasons this is a better (and cheaper) option. It’s cheaper because you can prepare your own meals. Not only does this save you on dining out, but it also helps you avoid hotel extras like tips and overpriced breakfasts. You will also typically stay in a real neighborhood and not a touristy area surrounded by your fellow tourists.Free Bonus: You get to live like a local and experience a destination like a native.Rent a sunny loft apartment in the heart of old Nice for a week or two on the French Riviera during the off-season for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. You will enjoy much more space to relax and even be able to cook your own food from the incredible local markets. Photo by Gregory Hubbs.Camping in EuropeBefore you turn your nose up at this option, give it some serious consideration (yes, even if you do like a lot of amenities). Camping in Europe is often not the rugged experience one can expect in the U.S., for example. It is also a much more mainstream option in Europe.In France and Spain, for example, the campgrounds are government rated much like the hotels. A top-rated campground can have far more amenities than a standard tourist-level hotel that costs much more nightly. It is not uncommon, in fact, to find some pretty amazing amenities, particularly at campgrounds in popular beach towns. You can find campgrounds with pools, You can even camp without camping, since many campgrounds have cabins or furnished recreational vehicles for rent. Free Bonus: You will meet many more people by camping. If you like to socialize, this is by far the best lodging option.RV Rental in EuropeYou might also consider renting an RV for travel in Europe. This isn’t an inexpensive option (expect to pay 1,000 euros and up weekly), but it can be cheaper than a hotel stay. You also get the extra benefit of avoiding an added transportation benefit (although gas price is no insignificant consideration, particularly with an RV that uses more gas). Free Bonus: You have all of your luggage everywhere you go. For anyone who’s dragged luggage up and down train station stairs, this is a nice benefit.

Higher Fines for Immigration Violations

Starting March 27, 2008, employers that violate immigration laws will face higher civil fines by as much as $5,000, according to U.S. Attorney General Michael B. Musakey and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.  Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers are penalized for knowingly employing undocumented aliens and failing to comply with employment eligibility verification requirements. They are also liable for wrongful discrimination and immigration-related document fraud.   Each of these violations carries a corresponding civil fine or penalty in addition to criminal sanctions. The penalties were last adjusted for inflation in 1999.  Under the current readjustment, the minimum penalty for knowingly employing an undocumented alien will increase from $275 to $375. The maximum civil penalty for a first violation will increase from $2,200 to $3,200. The maximum fine for multiple violations will increase from $11,000 to $16,000.  Each of these fines is imposed on a per alien basis. Thus, if the employer hires five unauthorized aliens, he/she could be held liable for five times the imposable fine. The employer’s recourse is to request for a hearing for each of the violation before an administrative law judge in the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Worksite enforcement is a top priority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has stepped up inspections of employers resulting in 445 criminal charges against employers in the first ten months of fiscal year 2006.  In fiscal year 2007, ICE made 863 criminal arrests and 4,077 administrative arrests for a total of 4,940 arrests. DHS obtained more than $30 million in criminal fines, restitutions and civil judgments as a result of the heightened worksite enforcement.  ICE raids took place in over 26 states with a promise of being more vigorous in succeeding years. ICE conducted the largest worksite enforcement operation in 2006 that resulted in the apprehension of 1,187 unauthorized workers in a Houston-based company and criminal cases against the employers for criminal conspiracy to transport and harbor unlawful aliens for financial gain, as well as fraud and misuse of immigration documents in addition to the civil fines and penalties.  In the last several weeks, immigration raids have been conducted in New York, Texas, Arizona, California and Florida that resulted in charges of human trafficking and smuggling against employers and deportation against aliens. In a recent case in Buffalo, New York, involving a landscape nursery, 34 illegal workers were apprehended, detained and voluntarily repatriated to Mexico within 24 hours. In Florida, ICE investigation discovered that local construction companies were utilizing an illegal money service business to pay illegal aliens for construction work.  Not only are civil monetary penalties being imposed but criminal cases against employers are meted for violating immigration laws, RICO, alien smuggling, harboring and money laundering statutes.  In view of these tougher penalties, the employers should review their internal hiring policies. They have to make sure that they comply with the I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements prior to hiring an individual. It is also timely to update the I-9 verifications of their current employees to make sure that they remain in compliance, especially if they hire employees who are on temporary working visas. The employment eligibility verification process seeks to establish the identity and eligibility for employment of the prospective employee. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires the employers to collect information, fill out the I-9 verification forms, report and maintain the records of their employees subject to USCIS/DHS and Department of Labor audits. Employment eligibility verification must be completed within three (3) business days of the date the employment begins and should be regularly updated.  When the employee can present any of the acceptable documents listed on the I-9 verification form by the USCIS, the employer must accept these, otherwise he/she might be charged with document abuse. Moreover, refusing to hire an individual presenting documents with unexpired dates because of his/her immigration status, nationality or citizenship may make the employer liable for unlawful discrimination.  By conducting a proper timely I-9 self-audit, the employers can prevent these problems.

Choosing a Study Abroad Program

To cease to see the world through the eyes of a tourist and learn about another culture while learning about yourself, you first must find the right program. Start by figuring out what your needs are and what you are looking to gain from your time abroad. 1. Length of the ProgramPrograms can range from two or three weeks to over a year. Roy Chung studied in Seoul, Korea for two semesters and recommends it because "living and being in a foreign culture for a long period of time gives you the opportunity to experience things that you might not have time to do in a shorter program."But if you can't stay away from home that long, you can go for just a summer, or even for a couple of weeks. Don Flanders studied on a European Art and Architecture Tour and on a Russian Winter Wonderland tour-both 2-week programs. He went to museums and visited other attractions, then wrote a term paper about his experiences at the end of the trip. He got course credit for each of the programs. This may be a good option if it is your first time abroad.2. CostPrice can also be an important factor when deciding on the length of the program. But be aware that the shortest program is not always the cheapest. Lindsey Parsons, a study abroad adviser at the Univ. of Georgia, recommends a semester-abroad program because the "per-day cost of studying abroad for the summer is much higher than for a semester." Make sure to look at what is included in the price of the program-many programs have hidden costs. 3. Location and SizeSmaller towns are usually not as accessible by rail or major roads, which can make traveling very difficult: "The one thing I did not like about staying in a small town was that it was so hard to get to a big city where most of the trains were," says Kevin McDonald, who studied in France. But the conveniences of living in an urban area can come at a cost. Big cities can sometimes be overwhelming and touristy. Lindsey Parsons warns students: "In a large city you will probably be treated like a tourist most places you go, making it hard to really connect with the culture." Also, there is often more crime and it is more expensive to live there. In big cities there are usually more museums, restaurants, theaters, and concerts-there is always something going on. But in a smaller town you can experience the culture in a more personal way, feel like a part of the community, and you get a better sense of day-to-day life.4. LanguageWhen the only way to communicate is in the local language, you will pick it up faster. But be careful: it can be easy to fall into the trap of only speaking English with the other students in the program. When Amanda Holmes studied in Madrid she learned that "it is best to surround yourself with international students so that you have no option but to speak the language of the country in order to communicate." Even if you have not studied the language, don't be afraid of a non-English speaking country. "The learning and personal development that goes on when a student has to navigate another country without knowing the language is great," says Lindsay Parsons, and you will also learn a fair amount of the language by just being surrounded by it.5. Solo or with FriendsGoing alone on a study abroad program helps you to become more self-reliant, forces you to go out and meet new people, and build up your confidence. Jill Harley, who studied in Queensland, Australia and went on her own recommends "not going with a friend because you may find yourself not branching out as much. Meeting new people is a part of studying abroad." Dr. John E. Greisberger, director of the study abroad programs at Ohio State Univ., agrees. He says that students enjoy studying alone as long as they are willing to go out of their way to meet and talk to people. Many students report that their best experience was when they traveled by themselves. On the other hand, it can be helpful to have someone to share all of your experiences with and who knows what you are going through. It can also be safer. Justin Fuller, who studied in Innsbruck, Austria, says that he was glad to have a friend with him because it made travel a lot easier. "When we were changing trains at night, or trying to find our way through a busy train station, I was glad to have someone to help me figure everything out."6. Host Family or DormWhere you are going to live is another important consideration because it can alter your perception of a country. Living with a host family gives you one of the best chances to experience a different culture first hand. Paivi Haapanen, who studied in Quebec, said that "the family setting forced me to speak French and to learn French customs." Living with a host family can also be significantly cheaper than finding other accommodations.Living in a dormitory, residence hall or apartment usually gives you more freedom. "Location-wise and freedom-wise it is often better in the long run," says Lori Gibbons. "You are more in control of where you go and what you do." Most universities open their dorms to foreign exchange students during the summer and offer very low rates.Everyone has different needs. Your challenge is to figure out exactly what you are looking for. The right study abroad program will help you "to develop cross-cultural skills and greater self-confidence, improve language skills," says Lindsey Parsons. "It will allow you to learn more about the rest of the world and become less ethnocentric." By Lara Rauba