Preparing for an International Career: Pathways for People with Disabilities By Michele Scheib Mobility International USA National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange PO Box 10767 Eugene, Oregon 97440 USA Tel/TTY: 541-343-1284 Fax: 541-343-6812 [email protected] www.miusa.org Preparing for an International Career: Pathways for People with Disabilities is a publication of the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE). NCDE is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. Thank you to the Mobility International USA staff (Amanda Hickok, Karina Lasso, Jana Maiuri, Cindy Lewis, Cerise Roth-Vinson and Susan Sygall), Pamela Houston formerly of NCDE, David Levin at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, and Brett Campbell for content suggestions and editing assistance. This booklet would not have been possible without the many people with disabilities who were willing to be interviewed. By openly sharing their experiences, it is our goal that others with disabilities will pursue the possibilities for an international career. Also thanks to Chris Berner at Funk/Levis & Associates, who provided the layout design. 1 Preparing for an International Career: Pathways for People with Disabilities is subject to change without notice. To the best of its ability, Mobility International USA (MIUSA)/National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) verified the accuracy of the information prior to publication. Although efforts have been made to assure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE does not guarantee the accuracy of this publication. MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from this book. Any listing of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement. Please contact MIUSA/NCDE with suggestions or corrections. Reprinting of materials is prohibited without express written permission from MIUSA/NCDE. Copyright 2005 Mobility International USA/ National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange ISBN: 1-880034-95-6 All Rights Reserved 2 Table of Contents Introduction ...................................................................... 4 International Careers Types of Career Options .................................................. 7 Benefits and Motivations ............................................... 16 Future Job Prospects .................................................... 18 Qualifications and Preparations ..................................... 20 Stepping Stones International Activities in High School ............................. 30 International Degree Programs in College ....................... 37 International Fellowship Programs in College .................. 44 Tips for Entering Your Career ......................................... 63 Mid-Career Transitions .................................................. 67 Support Along the Journey Others with Disabilities Paving the Way .......................... 74 Mobility International USA and the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange ......... 76 3 Introduction t age 19 Andrea Shettle, who This booklet intends to direct young is Deaf and also has attention adults with international interests Adeficit disorder, read a World in the right direction from the start. Federation of the Deaf report about Many pathways exist for fulfilling the widespread lack of access to international career aspirations, and education and employment for Deaf this publication will help in exploring people in other countries. Almost some of the possibilities. It highlights fifteen years later, this realization different types of international would eventually lead Andrea to a occupations, tips to prepare for an position at the World Bank. international career, insights from role models and emerging leaders with When asked, “What do you want disabilities in these fields, and the to do with your future?” few international exchange and fellowship young adults who are Deaf or programs they participated in to get have disabilities think to say, “An them where they are today. international career.” Yet there is a whole world of opportunities open in Thank you to the Bureau of the international affairs, exchange Educational and Cultural Affairs of the and development fields. This can United States Department of State for include working in U.S. embassies sponsoring the National Clearinghouse overseas or the U.S. Department of on Disability and Exchange (NCDE), State in Washington, DC. It can mean administered by Mobility International working in an international consulting USA (MIUSA), and this booklet. firm, college or university study abroad office or international refugee organization in the United States or abroad. For Andrea, her career took a roundabout path. “My problem was that I had no clue how on earth I could get involved,” she says of her college years. “I had zero contacts in the international community at that point. I had never heard that there was a field called ‘international development’ that so perfectly captured the kind of work I wanted to do, even though I had not yet narrowed down my interests to a more specific sphere of tasks.” 4 International Careers 5 6 International Careers: Types of Career Options “I’m wide open about what I want to do. I could volunteer in Africa with kids, work at an embassy or mentor kids with disabilities in the United States about international issues. I either want to work internationally or in Washington, DC. I want to explore it. I have a lot to offer.” Alison LePage, learning disability, student in Political Science at Western Michigan State University areers in the international interviewing and finding a mentor field offer a chance to work in as well as separate chapters on Ca variety of settings and with what to expect when working with a diversity of people. Some of the the U.S. government, international questions to consider include: development, nonprofit, and educational organizations, or Do I want to relocate overseas and in banking, business, lobbying, work directly with people in those consulting, media and research. communities? Do I want to work in the United PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES States administering international WORKING IN THE INTERNATIONAL programs? FIELD Am I interested in working with: The following are stories about people with disabilities of all backgrounds and ■ The federal government or ages who hold positions in the fields public entity of international affairs, exchange and ■ A non-profit agency development. ■ Private business or consulting firm ■ International organization, or Other internationally oriented ■ Educational institution? professions in which people with disabilities are working, but not For a detailed resource on various specifically discussed in this booklet, career options in the international include those such as international field, consult Careers in International business, trade, finance, health, Affairs, Seventh Edition, edited journalism and law. by Maria Pinto Carland and Lisa Gihring at the School for Foreign Service, Georgetown University Press, Washington, DC (2003). It includes tips on job searching, 7 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE Professionals in this field provide recruiting and administrative support for programs that send people abroad or bring them from other countries to the United States to study, intern, volunteer, teach, conduct research, or do short-term professional work. It is part of the international education field, which seeks to promote more global awareness and intercultural communication skills among the high school, college or general populations. MICHELE SHORESMAN designated parking space in front of Position: Assistant Dean for the building and providing an office Graduate and Joint Degree Programs on the first floor. “He made my life [at at Washington University School of work] easy because he values what I Law, Missouri do, and I really enjoy this new job.” ■ Works with international students Travel Opportunities in the law school and supports law Michele traveled to Germany for three students studying abroad. weeks on a Fulbright International ■ Travels to European recruitment Education Administrators seminar fairs or recruits international to visit college and university students online. campuses; meet with government ■ Formerly advised students in the officials involved with education; and University’s study abroad office experience Germany’s culture. and on Fulbright programs. “No one should count himself or herself out. Be willing to allow others “It’s a great field for people with to help and you will get the most out disabilities [that affect mobility] since of your experience.” all day I’m sitting and counseling students, working on a computer, talking to prospective students, writing and reading. It’s the nature of the job. You’re also out there with students from all over the world and they teach you about their cultures.” Disability: Multiple sclerosis “Five years ago with the onset of MS, I changed my job, changed my car, and changed my house to make adaptations.” The dean at her new position has been supportive of Shoresman by arranging a 8 ELISE READ Disability: Type I diabetes Position: Former Regional Assistant When in college, Elise studied abroad Director, Arcadia University Center for in China on a National Security Education Abroad, Colorado Education Program fellowship. ■ Represented the Center’s seventy “I encourage anyone considering education abroad programs in ten studying