Every year, thousands of Canadians travel abroad to work. The lure could be personal growth, an interest in seeing the world, career expansion or a lust for some adventure. The draw is especially strong for young people who might still have the personal freedom or the enthusiam for new adventures. It also attracts people later in their lives who are looking for second careers, or meaningful volunteer work.
But while these thousands of people have positive experiences, it's the negatives that make headlines.
Last week, that was the case when a young model from British Columbia was murdered in China and a missionairy couple, also from B.C., was brutally attacked in Kenya.
The body of Diana Gabrielle O'Brien, 22, was found in the stairwell of her Shanghai apartment by a cleaning woman Monday morning. Several days later, a Chinese man, whose image was captured on a security camera, was arrested in connection with her death.
Jean-Marc Hachey, author of The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas, will be online Tuesday at noon ET for a live discussion. (Handout photo)
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Arrests of several people, including some who were hired for security, were also made in the brutal attack on Eloise and John Bergen in Kitale, that landed the pair in hospital with serious injuries. Ms. Bergen is 66 and her husband 70.
Both situations have thrown what many say can be a life-enriching experience, into a terrible light. They are also far from the norm, says Jean-Marc Hachey, who writes, conducts seminars and mentors people about working abroad.
Mr. Hachey's book The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas, is in it's fourth printing and at 1,800 pages is a comprehensive guide for people looking for an international career.
We're pleased that Mr. Hachey will join us Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. ET for a live online discussion about overseas work. Do you have questions about working overseas? Are you a parent concerned about whether your child is making the right decision? Just what are the rewards attached to such a decision and how do you avoid risks? Send your questions now and join us then when Mr. Hachey's responses will be posted below.
Editor's Note: globeandmail.com editors will read and allow or reject each question/comment. Comments/questions may be edited for length or clarity. HTML is not allowed. We will not publish questions/comments that include personal attacks on participants in these discussions, that make false or unsubstantiated allegations, that purport to quote people or reports where the purported quote or fact cannot be easily verified, or questions/comments that include vulgar language or libellous statements. Preference will be given to readers who submit questions/comments using their full name and home town, rather than a pseudonym.
Christine Diemert, globeandmail.com: Thanks for joining us today Mr. Hachey. You've spent many years advising people about working overseas, so I assume you have been asked this question many times. How do I know whether working overseas is right for me? Is there a basic checklist you give to people who might be considering such a move?
A S from Winnipeg: Hi, I am a recently graduated university student. I am planning on studying law. Last year I completed a four- month volunteer placement with a local NGO in Uganda as a research assistant. I went by myself, on the recommendation of a professor. In years to come, I would like to go back for a longer term, maybe a year or two, as a professional. I would consider working at a local wage level. Do you have any tips for me to be able to accomplish this?
Jean-Marc Hachey: International careers are built step-by-step in order to build up your international credentials. International employers want to hire people with a high international I.Q. You need to assure your future international employers that you understand the cross-cultural work place, that you have the skills to navigate and be successful when working in places that are different from you home.
By going to Uganda, you are well on your way to gaining these international skills. Continue building international experience while studying in Canada and by going abroad during your law studies. Take internationally focused courses. Align yourself with professors who have international interest. In law, you will need to decide if you want to practice private sector law or public international law (PIL). One key element towards the end of your studies is to land a professional international internship. There are hundreds of internships available for Canadians, start researching them starting in your first year. I know a number of law students who have created their own internships by writing to well known international law practitioners (example, based in Hong Kong or London UK) and offering their research services in exchange for basic living allowance. You will need this type of experience to crack the market. Be bold (while being diplomatic and gracious) in your pursuits for an international internship.
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