Study Abroad: Thinking Again about Working Abroad

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Studying abroad is not cheap. Although you may save money on tuition, you probably need more spending money per semester than you would if you were at your home university. Remember, in your new home, you'll want to go out with your new friends, try native cuisine at restaurants, sightsee, travel, and shop.

But I strongly caution you against trying to work while you're abroad. Your time away is precious and limited. Trust me, you don't want to spend it working. Use your time and energy for school and making new friends. If you're afraid you won't know what to do with yourself without a job, don't be. Take advantage of social and cultural opportunities available, join clubs at school, or take on a new sport.

Working toward study abroad

Because the chances of working abroad range from difficult to impossible and unrealistic, begin saving for your abroad adventure well in advance. Consider the following money saving tips:

• Work extra hours during the semesters before you leave.
• Summer is a great time to save money: Take on an extra summer job or live a little bit more frugally the summer before you leave. (Do you really need that new CD?) Live at home that summer to save money.
• If you spend your time at an unpaid internship, try to spend a few hours a week making money during the semester or take on a part-time job in the summer in addition to your internship.

If you insist: Some hints about working abroad

However, if you absolutely must work while abroad, the following sections present a few things to keep in mind.

Getting a work permit

In addition to your visa or residency permit, a work permit is usually required. Research work permits before you leave to go abroad. You can start your research by using the Internet or visiting the foreign embassy or consulate of your host country. Sometimes you can get a work permit before leaving the U.S., depending on the laws of the particular country. You can usually obtain a work permit after you arrive in the foreign country and apply for it at the same time as you apply for a residency permit or visa.

The Department of State cannot help you obtain visas or work permits.

Paying your U.S. taxes

U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their Federal income tax returns. Living or earning income outside the United States does not relieve a U.S. citizen of responsibility for filing tax returns. However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroad may be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits under U.S. tax laws, as well as under international tax treaties and conventions between the United States and a number of foreign countries. Working abroad can be an education in itself!

For information on taxes and locations of IRS offices overseas, contact any office of the IRS. IRS offices have copies of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad; Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties; Publication 514, Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals; and Publication 520, Scholarships and Fellowships. During the tax-filing period, you can usually obtain the necessary Federal income tax forms from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You can also use the Internet to get forms and publications electronically from the IRS at www.irs.gov.