Employment & Volunteer
Career Development Resources
Resume Workshop
EdAbroad and Career Services Center are happy to set up an interactive session with practical advice for job seekers. Learn how your study abroad experience can help you distinguish yourself from the competition and land that job! Please have your cover letter(s) and resume(s) ready for review. International Experience and Your Resume.pdf
Download the Resume Workshop Career Services Center session presentation.
Submit your interest to attend a session
Related Article: What do Employers Think of International Experience?
Asia University America Program (AUAP)
- International Peer Advisors (IPAs): IPAs work with students from Asia University, Tokyo, Japan studying English and American culture at WWU. Western students are hired and trained to advise small groups of AUAP students during their time in Bellingham. Along with making many new friends and learning more about Japanese culture this position allows Western students to acquire transferable job skills, gain valuable experience in intercultural communication, and include strong leadership experience on a resume. IPAs work approximately 19 hours a week.
- Campus Friends: Campus Friends are Western students who volunteer to spend time with AUAP students on a regular, intentional basis. Campus Friends are matched with AUAP students primarily in September and February, but applications are accepted year-round.
- Classroom Volunteer: Classroom volunteers assist AUAP students in English classes, allowing them to practice English with native speakers. It also gives both AUAP and Western students a chance to meet new people and make new friends!
- Room with an AUAP Student: Living on-campus with an AUAP student is another excellent way to share American culture and learn more about Japanese culture. Check the box when filling out Western's housing application that asks if you'd like to be a roommate with an AUAP student or contact Housing Assignments at 360-650-2951 to sign-up.
- Bilingual Student Assistant: Bilingual Assistants are Western students fluent in Japanese and English who provide written and spoken translation to AUAP students and staff. The position allows students to develop important intercultural communication skills and provides valuable experience for a resume.
JET Program
Japanese Exchange and Teaching program
LIVE AND WORK IN JAPAN
The only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan.
Education Abroad
As a returned study abroad student, consider applying to be a Peer Advisor in the Education Abroad office. The position requires an academic year commitment and a strong desire to assist students, faculty, and parents with education abroad experiences.
Peace Corps
If your experience abroad sparked your interest in future travel, go abroad after you graduate as a Peace Corps volunteer. In the Peace Corps, you’ll have the unique opportunity to live and work for 27 months in one of 72 countries around the world. You can use your education and international experience to launch a career in health, the environment, agriculture, education, community development, information technology, or business development. During your service, you’ll receive a student loan deferment, paid vacation, three months of training, medical and dental care, a living stipend and money upon completion of services – not to mention the memories that will last a lifetime. To find out more visit the Peace Corps website, call 1-800-424-8580, option 1, or visit WWU’s Peace Corps office in Old Main 280, Contact Angelena Castro.
You can also find virtual info sessions, application workshops, and more on the Peace Corps events page!
Connect with the WWU Peace Corps recruiter to learn more about what it's like to volunteer, the application process, and how to get started! Contact Jerry Smith and visit their website.
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Intensive English Program (IEP)
- Conversation Partners: Conversation Partners provide a rewarding experience, where all students learn about other cultures while establishing a friendship with someone from another country.
Sign up to be a conversation partner and share your interests and hobbies with a friend from a different cultural background. International students in the Intensive English Program (IEP) are matched with Western students as conversation partners for the purpose of getting together, practicing conversational English, exploring Bellingham, getting to know each other, and having fun!