Search Engine Optimization Consultants and Search Engine Rank

Search engine optimization (SEO) consultants are very in demand in the online marketing industry. This is because of the new trend known as SEO marketing. These SEO consultants are experts on getting your website high traffic. They also get you better web visibility. They are experts in using keywords to drive traffic. As a result, you can get a wider market base. This, in turn will increase your potential for more business profit. In the age of the internet, this has become the best way to market your business.

 

The Goal of SEO Marketing

With SEO marketing, the goal is to rank high in search engines. This, in turn, will attract more potential customers.  There is no automated software that can make this task easier. So the role that SEO consultants play is indispensable. Hiring an SEO consultant is the easiest way to make SEO work for your website.

 

How to Find a Consultant

graph showing growing statistics over time

Finding the best search engine optimization consultant for your business can be overwhelming. This is because you can find hundreds of SEO consultants all over the internet. Each one will offer a different set of SEO services. Most of these consultants provide broader services. These can include web design, marketing, product design, and advertising. Some also offer optimizing web content, copywriting, and online business analysis.

Indeed, SEO consultants can – and often should – perform many tasks to help you get a better market for your website.

 

Check Their Portfolio and Ask for Credentials

When deciding to hire a consultant, you should look through their portfolio. Some consultants might also give deceptive offers. They will entice you to take their service, despite not offering results. Ask for credentials and referrals. This will ensure that you get SEO services from reliable and reputable consultants.

 

What SEO Services Do They Offer

The more services that an SEO consultant can offer, the better it is for your business. SEO works better alongside other online marketing strategies. These strategies often have to work. This will help your website rank high in search engine results. 

 

The Importance of Link Building

website link building

For example, some consultants offer link development. This will help build more followers for your website. As a result, you will get more visibility to your target customers. It is important for SEO consultants to offer competitive link research services.. They also need to offer other comprehensive services directed to support SEO.

 

Conclusion

Anyone can learn how to optimize their own website. But in the long run, nothing can beat the expertise of a professional Search Engine Optimization consultant.

How to Find Potential Jobs

Using the Internet to Look for Employment

Unemployed people may seek out the daily newspaper to find available jobs; however, several other sources exist to locating available jobs. Without knowing of these resources, one may have a difficult time locating positions.

Career One Stop

Powered by the United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Career One Stop is the premier resources for available job openings across the country. While the site contains information on career assessments, career description, and career planning, the site also contains an often looked over section called The Job Site.

The Job Site contains three primary job banks. The first one is a listing of each state’s own job bank. This is especially useful for those who are willing to transfer to another state to obtain a job. The second job bank on the site is for the most popular internet job banks. And finally, the third job bank is for current government positions.

Online Job Banks

Employers often use the internet to post job positions because of instant access to millions of people. While The Job Site is a great resource, the internet also contains some great employment resources. For business job positions, sites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder are excellent sites. Both sites permit the user to post their resume on the site for potential employers to view.

For those looking for jobs in the educational field, sites like Teacher-to-Teacher and ABC Teaching Jobs are ideal. These two sites allow educators to complete an online resume/portfolio. This is seen by interested employers; however, employers also actively send out invitations to teachers about open positions around the United States and globally.

Craigslist

In the past three years Craigslist has become popular in virtually every city of America. Craigslist tailors it’s site to specific geographic areas. While the site contains for sale items, volunteering opportunities, and forums, the site is also a great resource for job seekers. On the main site of Craigslist is a large section for employment. Many employers will utilize this venue first because there is no cost to post an ad. Job seekers can also use the Resume section on Craigslist to post their own resume for potential employers.

Job seekers can find job openings on the internet. The ones outlined in this article are just a few that are excellent resources. Many newspapers now list their classified ads, including employment, on their website. Unemployment centers or workforce centers also have websites for the unemployed. The site may list jobs, but other resources, like resume building and application completion, are also available.

Training for Career Change and New Direction

Three Options to Explore when Changing Careers

The current financial climate has forced many businesses out of practice and ultimately a large number of people out of work. The longer someone has been unemployed the harder it becomes to find a new job.

Recent employment statistics show a somewhat optimistic increase in recruitment but according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, the number of people in employment in the three months to January 2010 continued to fall. The latest ONS employment report also indicates that a staggering 1.04 million people in the workforce consider themselves to be under-employed because they cannot find full-time work.

During such times, considering a career change to work in a different role can prove a good course of action and a new direction might be just what is needed to get things moving again. A number of education and training options are available to use favourably.

Government Training Schemes

The Flexible New Deal is just one of many career change options available under the UK’s Government Training Schemes, which are designed to help people get back to work. These government-supported recruitment programmes are provided by participating employers and are primarily aimed at those who have been unemployed for 12 months or more. As a route back into work, the schemes provide the best opportunity to showcase valuable skills and knowledge about a particular field of work, while also gaining more hands-on experience.

Although these schemes tend to be competitive and over-subscribed, due to the high number of people currently out of work, it is still useful to apply in good time. As the training schemes run regularly throughout the year, it is just a question of finding out when to the next course is due to start. Lasting for about 78 weeks, the schemes are delivered on behalf of Jobcentre Plus and incorporate career change advice to help with choosing the right course, interview techniques and CV writing skills among other things.

Work-based Training and Apprenticeships

Changing careers through an apprenticeship may be the best course of action for young people looking to start a new career. Work-based learning is the most productive alternative to being a full-time student as candidates are able to gain recognised qualifications while also working.

Employers running apprenticeship schemes usually offer dedicated career help and specialised training to equip trainees with useful first-hand experience which set them up to move into new or better employment. Although here is no upper age limit for apprenticeships, are targeted at individuals aged 16 and over who are not in full-time employment. Apprenticeships.org.uk offers more information and guidance on the different types of apprentices available and how to go about applying.

Become a Trainer in Your Field of Expertise

As an expert in a particular field, it can be very difficult to start afresh and learn a new skill in another area. This is a risky and daunting decision to make; so to reduce the likelihood of starting over altogether, consider becoming a trainer rather than a practitioner. Training people is very similar to teaching and requires a lot of investment in terms of time, dedication and motivation.

But it is a rewarding career choice which allows knowledgeable candidates to share their experience and expertise with others. It is also an inspiring and rewarding option. Trainers who deliver training courses very often get involved in designing the structure of the training course and deciding on its contents, allowing them to pass on some valuable knowledge and skills.

Better Career Progression

Starting a new career is almost always a frightening prospect, particularly when a previously successful career didn’t end by choice. But many training options are available to help jobseekers get back to work. While government-sponsored training schemes provide a wonderful gateway to the working market, apprenticeships offer young individuals excellent career progression as well as the opportunity to lean and earn at the same time. For the more experienced jobseekers, there is also the possibility of using previous career experience to start a new one and inspire others by changing the role previously held.

Adults Learning Foreign Languages – Why and How

Learn a Language As You Get Older – the Benefits & Challenges

With the increase in international travel and global business and communication, the adult foreign language learning business is booming. Whether one is going on holiday, conducting business, thinking of living abroad or simply wishing to keep the brain active, learning a foreign language can be a fun and extremely rewarding experience.

Why Learn a Foreign Language as an Adult

As stated in the article Living in Winter in Spain – a Holiday Guide, in order to make oneself more easily understood and to become more involved in local life and culture abroad, it is important to learn some basic elements of the foreign language. It is simply not true that everyone else speaks English. Even with some basic knowledge, one’s efforts will be well received and this will pave the way for a more enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

If engaged in global communication and business, it is widely recognised that most people will be better received and become more successful if they have basic skills in the language of the person with whom they are conducting business.

Furthermore, it has been claimed that learning a foreign language as the years advance is one of the best ways of keeping the brain active and may help to ward off the onset of dementia.

Identifying the Appropriate Methods for Learning Languages

It is important to recognise and understand how each individual learns best in order to select the most effective methods of learning a language. Different people learn in different ways and have preferred learning styles. Some learn best by listening, whilst others prefer to see the written word. Some people like to work on their own, others like to work with in company. Many prefer to study independently whilst other learners require the structure and discipline imposed by a class or an individual tutor.

It is important to decide on the reasons for learning a foreign language and to what level it is to be studied. The chosen methods may depend on whether the aim is to acquire some spoken holiday language, to converse confidently and fluently or to listen and /or read in the foreign language.

If, at first, the wrong approach is chosen, don’t be afraid to stop and change to another more effective one. There is little point in persevering with a method that is not working. Otherwise, it is easy to become discouraged and a negative attitude is not conducive to learning.

Foreign Language Schools, Courses and Resources

  • Part time adult foreign language learning classes in the home country
  • Language schools based abroad. These language lessons can be on a weekly, or daily basis Individual lessons with a specialist tutor which are tailored to individual needs
  • Informal conversation classes at home or abroad
  • Immersion in the language – staying with a family or a business colleague abroad
  • Learning on-line – a range of language learning software and websites is available. The BBC languages website is particularly useful
  • Foreign language CDs and DVDs
  • Language courses published in book and textbook forms
  • Watching TV, listen to the radio ( foreign TV stations and radio stations can be accessed via the internet) and reading magazines and books in the language being studied

Further Suggestions for Learning Foreign Languages

  • Do not attempt, or expect, to understand every word – look out for key words whether listening or reading
  • Remember the mantra of a little and often – 30 minutes every day is better than one 3 hour session a week. Build time into one’s daily routine which is specifically reserved for language learning and practice
  • Set oneself realistic and achievable targets – write these down and check them off once they have been reached
  • Build up language knowledge like building bricks – do not progress to the next layer unless sure of the foundations and regularly go back and revisit what has been already learnt
  • Learn the rules of pronunciation – it is important that when a dictionary is used to look up new words, they are then used accurately.
  • Learning words, phrases and verb forms from memory is essential and unavoidable
  • Look for the positives – think of what can be understood and said, rather than what cannot

Above all be brave and have a go. Do not strive for perfection as this may inhibit progress and prevent one from using the newly acquired language.

Whatever the motivation, it is never too late to take up the study of a foreign language. One should decide how one learns best and then choose the most appropriate method or methods.

Learning English as a Second Language

The Ten Basic Sentence Patterns of the English Language

Just as people must possess a basic knowledge of English grammar in order to understand sentences in the language, they must also possess a basic knowledge of sentence structure in order to understand the grammar. When studying English, though, individuals should keep in mind that although the number of sentences a native speaker can produce is virtually unlimited, there are only ten basic patterns underlying those sentences.

Tips for Teaching English as a Second Language

It’s important for teachers to know that although native speakers can create complex sentences by adding various types of clauses, phrases, and modifiers, in order to comprehend these sentences, ESL students need only to understand the simple framework that underlies every sentence in the English language – a framework consisting of a series of slots, with each slot filled by a specific structure. For example, the simple sentence “Tom loves football” can be divided into three distinct slots:

  • Tom (subject)
  • Loves (predicate or verb)
  • Football (direct object)

The Elements of Sentences in the English Language

All sentences, regardless of their length, contain a subject (the topic of the sentence) and a predicate (what is being said about the subject). Then again, the subject can be understood, for example: Please leave a message. (You please leave a message.)

The other basic elements of sentences are these:

  • Direct Object: Word or phrase that directly receives the action of the verb, for example, “Tom threw the football.”
  • Indirect Object: Word or phrase that indirectly receives the action of the verb, for example, “Tom threw Frank the football.”
  • Subject Complement: Word or phrase that follows the verb and either describes the subject or is equal to the subject, for example, “Tom is a writer;” or “Tom is grumpy.”
  • Object Complement: Word or phrase that follows a direct object and says something about it: for example: “Tom considers football a thrilling sport.” (“Football” is the direct object of the verb “considers,” and “a thrilling sport” is the object complement.)
  • Adverbial: Word or phrase that modifies a verb, for example: “Tom ran fast;” or “Tom ran across the yard.” (Adverbials can also modify adjectives and adverbs.)
  • Adjectival: Word or phrases that modifies a noun or pronoun, for example: “The house on the corner burned down.

Note: Prepositional phrases normally act in either adverbial or adjectival roles, for example;

Tom and Frank went to the game. “To the game” is an adverbial prepositional phrases telling where Tom and Frank went. Now, look at this sentence: “The house on the corner is big.” In this sentence, “on the corner” is an adjectival prepositional phrase telling “which” house.

The Ten Basic Sentence Patterns of the English Language

Of the ten basic sentence patterns in the English language, one is the “be” pattern, of which there are three combinations:

  • Noun + be + adverbial (Sue is downstairs.)
  • Noun + be + noun (Tom and Frank are friends.)
  • Noun + be + adjective (Sue is lonely.)

Note: The “be” verb in the English language has eight forms: am, are, is, was, were, be, been, being, and which form is used depends upon whether the subject is singular or plural, for example:

  • Tom is a footfall fan.
  • Frank and Tom are football fans.
  • Tom was being silly.
  • Tom and Frank were being silly.
  • Tom has been foolish.
  • Tom and Frank have been foolish.
  • Tom is being silly.
  • Tom and Frank are being silly.
  • Tom will be at the party.
  • Tom and Frank will be at the party.

Note: The verbs “be,” “been,” and “being” require helping verbs; and one should never say something like “Tom been drinking; “Tom be foolish;” or “Tom be at the party.”

Linking Verb Sentence Patterns

As is the case with the “be” verb, a linking verb is a verb that connects the subject to a complement that describes or identifies the subject; and the linking verb patterns include the following:

  • Noun + linking verb + noun (Sue became a wife.)
  • Noun + linking verb + adjectival (Sue seems aggravated.)

Intransitive Verb Sentence Pattern

A noun or an adjectival does not follow an intransitive verb, although additional information is frequently added to the sentence in the form of prepositional phrases and other modifiers.

  • Subject + intransitive verb

Examples:

  • Sue cried.
  • Tom’s old friend from Vermont arrived on Monday.

Transitive Verb Sentence Patterns

All transitive verbs have one thing in common, which is a direct object (noun that directly receives the action of the verb); however, transitive verbs can take one or more complements. The transitive verb patterns are these:

  • Subject + transitive verb + direct object (Sue baked a cake.)
  • Subject + transitive verb + indirect object + direct object (Sue baked Tom a cake.)
  • Subject + transitive verb + direct object + subject complement (Tom considers himself smart.)
  • Subject + transitive verb + direct object + object complement (Sue considers Tom an idiot.)

In summation, learning the ten basic sentence patterns of English can help not only ESL students but also native speakers become more fluent when communicating in the language.

Source:

Kolln, M. Understanding English Grammar. New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1990.

U.S. Bilingual Education Controversy Continues

Teach ESL Students in Native Languages or Through English Immersion?

The Texas Public Policy Foundation released a September 2009 report stating, “Bilingual education is more expensive than other programs and is the least educationally effective.” Following that report came a call in the September 3, 2009 Houston Chronicle by the report’s author, Christine Rossell, to end Texas’ bilingual education policy, calling it “outdated and ineffective.”

At about the same time, an article in the September 4, 2009 Fresno Bee touted a “structured English immersion” program developed by educational consultant Kevin Clark and being used in a number of school districts in California, Massachusetts, and Arizona. Reportedly the districts involved are experiencing “dramatic success.”

The controversy over bilingual education centers around the question of whether it is effective or even desirable for English language learners to be taught core subjects in their native language or whether they should be fully immersed in English at school.

The Case for Bilingual Education

Bilingual education refers to specific school programming in which English as a second language (ESL) students are taught math, science and social studies in their native language whenever possible. Delivery models for such instruction vary from district to district and even from school to school, but the key component is the use of the students’ native language for targeted instruction. Proponents of bilingual education say that if ESL students wait until they are proficient in English to learn essential math and science, they will lag behind their English speaking peers.

The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) is one of a number of bilingual education support organizations that believes bilingual education, when well designed and well implemented, is an effective model for teaching English language learners. NABE cites research studies on its website supporting the efficacy of bilingual education. NABE also promotes the concept of bi-literacy, saying that people who are bi-literate will fare better in a global world.

The Case for English Immersion

Some educators argue that ESL students need to be fully immersed in English if they are to learn the language. They argue that allowing and even encouraging students to learn in their primary language is expensive and does not expose them to enough English to become proficient quickly.

In an April 2009 Educational Leadership article titled “The Case For Structured Immersion,” Kevin Clark describes an instructional model in which significant portions of the school day are dedicated to the explicit teaching of the English language, and in which ESL students are grouped according to their proficiency levels. In this model, English language is the main content of instruction with academic content playing a supportive role, as opposed to a bilingual model in which academic content is the main focus, with English being supported. A main tenant of structured English immersion is that teaching English is not the same as teaching in English.

The disadvantage of the structured English immersion program is that students are not exposed to the level of content instruction that is possible in when a bilingual program offers instruction in their native language. Presumably, in districts in which the state has not restricted bilingual teaching, students could still receive some content instruction in their own languages.

States Outlaw Bilingual Education

Janel D. Ginn, editor of the book Bilingual Education [Greenhaven Press, 2008] suggests that the debate over bilingual education evolves almost exclusively around two languages: English and Spanish. She suggests that the controversy “is not so much an issue of instruction, but one of competing cultures.”

That notion may not be so off base. Three states, California, Arizona, and Massachusetts, have enacted laws (in 1998, 2000, and 2002 respectively) requiring that only English be taught in pubic schools and essentially outlawing bilingual education programming. In all three states, the laws were ballot initiatives put before voters and approved in referendum.

A number of states mandate or financially support bilingual education, including Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Washington, New Mexico, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Nevada. However, many of these states have or have had ballot initiatives to reverse the mandates and require English-only instruction. Colorado was the first state to vote down an initiative to end bilingual education (in 2002).

The Controversy Over English Instruction Continues

Research shows that students learn academic content best when they learn in their native language and that children can succeed in two languages. However, some bilingual programs, such as the one in Texas, apparently do a poor job of helping ESL students become proficient in English, while some immersion programs, such as those used in Arizona, seem to be providing positive results, though it may be at the expense of academic learning.

The one thing that is not disputed is that in order to succeed in American society, students need to become proficient in English. Should ESL programming utilize full immersion, structured immersion, a bilingual model or some combination? Each has its advantages and disadvantages. One model of instruction may not fit all circumstances. The answer may well be different for different schools with differently diverse populations.

How to Integrate English Language Learners

Tips on Supporting ELLs in the General Education Classroom

Teachers realize that many of their struggling ELLs need more than just reading support. An individual plan ensures that teachers are doing all they can to support their ELLs as they gain word and text based skills from year to year. By understanding the struggles English language learners experience, teachers can help these students succeed by structuring activities a bit differently for them.

Use Small Group Instruction

The benefits of small group instruction allow for more student-teacher interaction as well as opportunities for students to become much more involved in the general education classroom. In a small group setting, teachers can provide guided practice which can motivate and support struggling English language learners.

As a group work procedure, teachers can create simple systems like a “buddy system” where an ELL is paired with a native English speaking student. This eases isolation and helps an English language learner adjust to his/her new classroom. Teachers can also use pair and trio work where one child speaks the English language learner’s mother tongue and is more proficient in English. Provide opportunities for ELLs to compare and contrast themselves using a Venn-Diagram. Display the diagrams and have students report to another pair what they learned.

Use Small Group Teaching Skills

Teachers may find they need to diversify their instruction by providing more guided practice in areas of reading support. For example, when teaching ESL reading skills, teachers may find they need to include more in-depth reading strategies than they would ordinarily do during whole class instruction.

To cope with the difficulty of understanding advanced texts, making connections between ideas and lack of vocabulary knowledge, teachers can use the same reading text for the class while adapting some of the reading and vocabulary activities and providing more direct guided instruction in small groups. This allows individual ELLs to progress according to their ability.

Incorporate Theme Units Based on Multicultural Content

One great way to cater to student diversity is to incorporate multicultural content for either small group or whole class instruction. Either way, teachers can help ease the cultural and social isolation by planning motivating lessons that incorporate the theme units around an ELL’s country, national food or culture. Students can prepare the national food or learn the targeted vocabulary. This also helps to create a classroom community.

In this authentic mode of instruction, teachers can also teach values of tolerance and diversity through multicultural books.In doing so, they can also create a sense of belonging by reading multicultural literature. With the increasing number of English language learners in schools, teachers need plenty of authentic fiction and non-fiction that caters to student diversity.

To recap, ESL students face several common problems when they learn a new language as they transition to a new culture and connect to the classroom community. They also may lack a transition group. Teachers can support English language learners by giving them various instructional and learning opportunities using small group teaching skills and instruction so they can ultimately survive and thrive in the general education classroom.

 

International Living & Travel With Pets

Tips for Expats Airline Travel Abroad With Their Dogs or Cats

Most simply say goodbye to Buddy or Tabby. Some even choose not to accept that great job or adventure overseas.

At least one carrier, though, has learned how to make a profit with owners of small dogs. Dr. Berge Yacoub, a re-knowned veterinarian in Cairo, Egypt, tells his clients, “Lufthansa is the best. They take very good care of your pets. Also, they were the first airline to let small dogs ride in the cabin with their owners.”

Smaller Dogs and Cats Ride in the Cabin With Their Owners

Lufthansa and members of their Star Alliance (United Air Lines is one member) permit pets in small carriers, with a gross weight not exceeding 20 Lbs (8 Kg), to ride in the cabin with their owner provided the

  • pet has a reservation (arrange for this when booking a flight)
  • pet is well-behaved
  • owner takes full responsibility
  • pet has a current rabies vaccination & health certificate
  • pet has a computer chip or, in some cases, a tattoo
  • owner pays the fee determined according to destination and
  • pet stays within carrier and the carrier will fit under the seat in front of the pet’s owner

If the pet with carrier is more than 20 lbs the pet will be transported in the cargo section dedicated for animals.

Whether taken in the cabin or in the cargo section, the cost remains the same. Traveling from the US to North Africa recently cost about $200. To other African countries the charge was $255, for example.

Quarantines, Health Certificates, Vaccinations, Computer Chips

When the pet travels with the owner and has the required vaccinations, health certificates and the computer chip, there is no quarantine.

Many stateside vets seem to be confused the first time someone approaches them regarding international pet travel. They often will be familiar only with transport regulations that seem to be more applicable for the individual who is sending an animal to someone, instead of the traveler who will accompany his or her best friend.

Therefore, it is common that the vet or technician will be wrongly oriented. No panic. Simply ask that they phone the state health department and explain precisely what is going on. In some states, such as North Dakota, it will be necessary that the health certificate be stamped by a state health official, then mailed back to the examining doctor. In other states, such as Oregon, there ordinarily is no such practice. Interview with Lake Region Veterinary Service Dr. Nathan Zieman, Devil’s Lake, ND July 14, 2009.

Generally, however, the pet will be required to have, in addition to proof of rabies vaccination and the health certificate, a computer chip. This machine-readable probe is inserted just beneath the animal’s skin by a vet using a hypodermic needle. When the serialized chip is purchased, it comes with several self-adhesive numbered strips. Following each health check-up, the vet will affix one of these stickers at the appropriate spot on the health certificate and the pet’s health record pouch. [See illustration]

The Health Certificate needs to be dated within the 10 to 14 days (or less) preceding the flight. This requirement applies whether leaving from or returning to America.

Food Water & Heat Exhaustion or Environmental Protection

Except in hot weather there is usually no need provide water for the trip unless traveling in the luggage or cargo area. Even then, Dr. Yacoub claims, “Dogs and cats do better without food and water. They can easily go for 24 hours with neither. Especially regarding food, because they can get motion sickness when flying if they have eaten.”

Consult the airline regarding cold weather transport if the pet is going to travel in other than the cabin.

Rarely, a pet might require a calming sedative. Administer these directly or mixed in food only when necessary, because many dogs will become fearful and nervous due to the effects of the medication.

Planning Preparation & Organization Provide Adventures for Pet Owners & Their Best Friends

The 21st Century is wide open for vagabonds who wish to travel overseas accompanied by their loved pets, whether for work or play. The minimal effort and moderate cost in getting vaccinations, health certificates, chips or tattoos and an acceptable carrier, plus finding a travel agent and a willing airline will pay big dividends.

Many people might agree with Dr Yacoub, “I cannot understand how anyone can think to travel while leaving behind the one who loves them unconditionally.”

 

 

Pros & Cons of Moving Abroad & Working Overseas

Evaluating Cost Benefit Ratio of International Employment

One often will find better opportunity for promotion and increased salary by seeking employment as an expatriate. Indeed, during a recession, working abroad may well be the only viable means of paying the mortgage.

Or, perhaps, seeking work in other countries may be seen as the quick route to building a nest egg for retirement, a college education for the children, or to garner enough cash to start a new business venture.

Adventure in other lands, among other societies is often reward enough. Getting paid big salaries while touring the world’s exotic vacation destinations intrigues many. This point is of special importance to volunteers considering charity work abroad.

Living, Working Abroad Requires Sacrifice for People Working Overseas

Before plunging in head first, prospective expats need to evaluate their ability to:

  • endure long durations of separation from the spouse and family
  • adjust to an environment wherein special care or medication may not be available
  • adapt to different lifestyles and culture and even different languages
  • alter his or her routine for sleep, entertainment and work
  • accommodate him or her self to their new role as a supervisor or manager
  • change eating and drinking habits
  • possibly having to cease alcohol consumption altogether
  • get along with others whose lifestyle or religious practices greatly differ

Admittedly, the world seemingly grows smaller every year. Thus, through the miracle of cell phones, hi-speed Internet and VOIP there are fewer places on the globe that require so stark a sacrifice as 20 years ago. Still, the adjustment to a new lifestyle is not easily made. Satellite TV, I Phones and Kindles are smoothing the transition from living in in comfort in Silicon Valley or in the remote African bush. I Pads will soon further ease the shift for many American expatriates.

Living, Working Abroad Brings Great Pay, Friendship, Adventure for American Expats

Sacrifices noted above are somewhat evened out by:

  • salaries that often pay double the stateside salary and are usually tax exempt
  • lasting friendships (both with other expats and with people of the host country)
  • adventure to exotic lands that people pay thousands to see for only a week
  • opportunities to build stock photo portfolios or daily logs for use in writing

Expat American Engineers in Demand and Earn Big Pay Working Abroad

Construction projects, funded by or for oil and energy, continue throughout much of the Middle East and North Africa. Mammoth projects such as the world’s tallest structure, Burj Dubai, erected by a subsidiary of Orascom Construction Industries, has completed. So, too, has the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall.

American Expat Safety Engineers, QC Professionals Well Paid for Working Abroad

A number of international companies involved in power generation, oil and gas or petrochemical, or in construction are in constant demand to recruit qualified managers, supervisors and technicians so they can meet stringent international standards cost-effectively.

International Standards Organization (ISO) specifications are being applied to most internationally-funded construction and also are being used for food and medical industries, as well as many service-oriented businesses. This is resulting in the need to recruit and employ Westerners, particularly Europeans and American personnel with experience as quality or safety professionals.

Membership in ASSE, American Society of Safety Engineers, is a definite plus for Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) employment by international corporations.

Trade associations within the United States of America have, or are linked and networked with testing and certifying agencies recognized internationally and are highly recommended for prospective American expatriates seeking work abroad as HSE or QC engineers:

Many American Expats Feel Pros Outweigh Cons of Living Working Abroad

Challenges posed by living in unfamiliar surroundings, often in weather or unsavory environmental conditions. Dreaded “Culture shock” also can spoil that first attempt to get assimilated into societies practicing other religions or customs where the nearly-sacred no longer Bill of Rights reigns.

If it is determined that the pay and benefits of moving abroad and working overseas is worth the cost, a grand adventure beckons.

Source:

The Big Guide to Living And Working Overseas, by Jean-Marc Hachey, (4th edition revised 2007) published by Intercultural Systems Systemes Interculturels, ISSI, was consulted in preparing this report and provides a wealth of information in its 1,000-plus pages. This “Bible” includes a wealth of information regarding charity work abroad and volunteer work abroad.

Finding a Job Overseas

With Determination, Snagging an International Job Could Happen

Each year, more American expats leave the country in search of something new and exciting. Sometimes they’re looking for an extended vacation and other times for a door to living in another country long-term. By following these strategies and options, you can make your dream of living and working abroad a reality.

Bridge the Gap with an Internship

Internships aren’t nearly as hard to snag as full-time jobs, but the downside is that they usually don’t pay. If you can afford to suck it up for a couple of months, though, an internship can pave the way for a full-time job abroad.

If you’re still in college, take advantage of the career services department to ask about international internships where you’d like to work. Some international companies have special arrangements with certain colleges, and that may be a way in.

If you’re not in college, finding an internship can be a little tougher, but start by figuring out where you want to go and then research companies you’d like to work for in that area. Contact a human resources representative to start contact about a potential internship.

Once a company knows you and has worked with you, they’ll be much more likely to spend company resources to secure your visa and bring you on as a full-time employee.

Take Advantage of Transfers

While it doesn’t always furnish an immediate opportunity to move and work abroad, it’s often a good idea to start for a multi-national company that would allow transfer opportunities in the future. While you may have to sweat it out for a couple of years, these companies often have the resources to pay for your move and possibly even your housing in your new home while you work there.

If you pursue this option, you may even have the chance to live and work in several foreign countries for the same company over your career, all while not worrying about a steady paycheck.

Line it up Before you Leave

There are lots of web sites and books that are full of resources for international job-seekers that you could search out from home while you save money and plan your trip. If you’re determined, you should leave no stone unturned. Reading individual countries’ immigration sites can often provide information about the kinds of workers those countries need at the present time, which can help you target an industry where you’re more likely to find an opening and a company willing to sponsor your immigration process.

Profit from Your Youth

If you’re under 30, there are several countries, like New Zealand and Australia, that will offer you a working holiday visa to stay for several months and work while you’re in the country to fund your travel. Ask at the college career services office or search online for working holiday programs to find out about eligibility and participating countries.

Go and Cross your Fingers

The last option, if you’re not having any luck, is to save your money and take the plunge, hoping to find a job once you’re in your new country. Make sure you have enough money to last at least a month while you job hunt, and be sure you have enough money to get back home if your plans fall through. Then knock on anyone’s door who will listen, and work on achieving that dream of being the international worker and traveler.

Overall, immigration to a new country where you want to live and work in the 21st century is tough, but not impossible. Take heart, have patience and remember to explore all your options in order to end up in your dream place, working your dream job!