4 answers
Sebastian
Student
8
Questions
Asked
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What are some steps i can do to work in foreign diplomacy?
I am a junior in high school and would really like to have a job where I could travel more and practice my language skills.
4 answers
Mike Les
Special Agent
16
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
I would recommend looking into an internship with the Department of State.
https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/
https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/
https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/student-internship-program/
Mike recommends the following next steps:
don austin
EFL teacher
2
Answers
Beaverton, Oregon
Updated
don’s Answer
In my experience of living, studying, and working outside of the continental U.S. for more than 20 years, I would suggest also might look for a study abroad program. I suppose that is still possible through the American Field Service. You can look for opportunities here: https://afs.org/study-abroad/
Since those are limited and competitive, there are other options to study abroad in many colleges and universities. Ideally of course, this program would be in your target language, but there are many languages used in the world, so you could also consider other languages beyond those studied in high school.
There are opportunities as well for students to travel and maybe even possibly work abroad depending on the work permits available in the country and language of your choice. Consider the Peace Corps which have volunteers spread far and wide around the world. I've been privileged to have met several over the years. Peace Corp volunteers accrue many skills besides language which position them well in later employment.
Another option would be teaching English overseas or even in classes at home. Most require a 4-year degree, but what you already know in English can be shared with patience and enthusiasm. Certification in teaching English is relatively inexpensive and doesn't require years of study, but opens up years of opportunity to interact with students in your target language.
Improving your language fluency isn't just about being overseas; it could be done while you are in the U.S. online through language exchange programs where you could interact with others in the target language. You could look for others where you live to practice speaking, listening, writing, etc.
Whatever path you choose, keep in mind that the sooner you gain relative mastery, the more advantage you have for employment using those skills. Good luck!
Since those are limited and competitive, there are other options to study abroad in many colleges and universities. Ideally of course, this program would be in your target language, but there are many languages used in the world, so you could also consider other languages beyond those studied in high school.
There are opportunities as well for students to travel and maybe even possibly work abroad depending on the work permits available in the country and language of your choice. Consider the Peace Corps which have volunteers spread far and wide around the world. I've been privileged to have met several over the years. Peace Corp volunteers accrue many skills besides language which position them well in later employment.
Another option would be teaching English overseas or even in classes at home. Most require a 4-year degree, but what you already know in English can be shared with patience and enthusiasm. Certification in teaching English is relatively inexpensive and doesn't require years of study, but opens up years of opportunity to interact with students in your target language.
Improving your language fluency isn't just about being overseas; it could be done while you are in the U.S. online through language exchange programs where you could interact with others in the target language. You could look for others where you live to practice speaking, listening, writing, etc.
Whatever path you choose, keep in mind that the sooner you gain relative mastery, the more advantage you have for employment using those skills. Good luck!
Thank you so much, don!
Sebastian
Aqueelah Barrie
Project Manager-Infection Prevention and Control at World Health Organization
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Aqueelah’s Answer
As a high school student, you can participate in activities such as Model United Nations; look into international exchange programs; and begin exploring universities with a strong reputation for international relations, i.e. major universities located in the Washington DC area such as George Washington, American University, George Mason, etc.
As you begin applying to college, consider a bachelors or masters abroad (little known fact: US Dept of Education publishes a list of foreign universities that are eligible for receiving US financial aid.....meaning, you can use your financial aid to pursue a degree at any of the approved universities as an undergrad or grad student) such as London School of Economics, University College London, Imperial College London, Oxford, etc. A few US universities have set up campuses abroad such as Duke in Singapore.
Also consider broadening your horizens by learning a new language, studying world history, global politics, and world economics. Begin following the World Economic Forum, United Nations newsletter, World Bank, and Devex to start!
As you begin applying to college, consider a bachelors or masters abroad (little known fact: US Dept of Education publishes a list of foreign universities that are eligible for receiving US financial aid.....meaning, you can use your financial aid to pursue a degree at any of the approved universities as an undergrad or grad student) such as London School of Economics, University College London, Imperial College London, Oxford, etc. A few US universities have set up campuses abroad such as Duke in Singapore.
Also consider broadening your horizens by learning a new language, studying world history, global politics, and world economics. Begin following the World Economic Forum, United Nations newsletter, World Bank, and Devex to start!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Sebastian
Jorge Eduardo Castelan
Sales
1
Answer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Jorge Eduardo’s Answer
International exposure is key. There are many study abroad programs, including scholarships for language learning. I would recommend looking into your Foreign Affairs department's website, as well as that of the countries that you are aiming for. There are sometimes scholarships from NGOs that do not get publicized as broadly.
Thanks for the help.
Sebastian
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