Does volunteer work abroad help with a job search or graduate school admissions?
Yes. Volunteer work in a foreign country is very highly regarded in graduate school applicants and is very often favorable in the eyes of a prospective employer. According to Lisa Jenkins, a freelance writer for JobMonkey, in her article, Survival Tips for Working Overseas and Volunteering Abroad, volunteering abroad will set you apart from the competition: Having something to show for your time abroad is extremely helpful. It aids in the process of procuring a new job or when looking for an interview. Having more than just a gap between jobs shows potential employers that while you decided to end a previous profession you remained dedicated to something productive during your time off. This does several things for your resume besides building character in the eyes of your potential employer. It diversifies your work experience – an incredible advantage when looking for a new job. It naturally sets you apart from your peers who have been experiencing more traditional work and internshi