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Have you ever dreamed of packing up and moving overseas? Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
I had this dream and have now been living overseas more than 40 years.
But here’s an important question. Have you thought about how to support yourself financially in your new home? Do you have a skill that is marketable globally?
Or maybe you have a child who is excited about moving overseas after college graduation?
A few years ago, I got an email from a friend of mine whose daughter pronounced that she would be moving overseas after graduation from college.
My friend wasn’t upset that her daughter would be moving far away, but she questioned her daughter’s choice to major in college in the foreign language of the country she wanted to live in.
Even if her daughter became fluent in the language, could she get a job in the new country? Why would any company want to hire her if her main skill was that she could speak and write their language?
Learning the language seems like a logical step, right? If you want to live in France, learn French. If Japan is your dream destination, dive into Japanese studies.
Knowing that I’d lived overseas successfully for many years, my friend came to me for advice about her daughter’s choice, and I had definite opinions about the situation.
I suggested that a major in something like information technology (IT) or public health would open more doors for her overseas than learning the language. I had learned this lesson too late for my own benefit, but maybe I could help my friend.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Learning a language is incredibly valuable, and it’s a skill that will enrich your life in countless ways. But if you’re serious about living and working overseas, your skill set should be strategic, something that equips you with the tools to secure a job that can help you pay the bills in your new home.
The Allure of Majoring in a Foreign Language
Yes, learning to speak a foreign language is appealing to some of us. It feels romantic and adventurous, and it feels like the perfect preparation for a life abroad.
After all, language is the gateway to understanding another culture, right? It’s also true that being fluent in the local language can give you a leg up in the job market of your desired country.
But here’s the rub – a well-paying job in your new country will put you into competition with locals who may be just as qualified as you, and they have the advantage of being native speakers.
In today’s global job market, companies are looking for candidates with skills that go beyond just knowing how to conjugate verbs or string sentences together. They’re looking for people who can bring technical expertise, innovative problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of global issues. That’s where majors like IT and public health come into play.
The Reality of the Job Market
Let’s face reality! Finding a job in a foreign country is no small feat. You’re up against local candidates who know the culture, the language, and the job market inside out.
To stand out, you need to bring something extra to the table – something that makes employers sit up and take notice. That’s where a major like IT or public health comes in. These skills are in high demand globally and give you the chance to compete on a relatively level playing field.
Moreover, both IT and public health have strong international components. IT professionals are needed to build and maintain global networks, while public health experts are essential in tackling health issues that cross borders.
By majoring in one of these fields, you’re not just preparing for a job – you’re preparing for a career that can take you anywhere in the world.
You can probably already see that both IT and public health could open doors for someone who has their heart set on living overseas. Let’s take a look at how either of these career choices can help you achieve your dream.
The Power of Information Technology
In our increasingly digital world, the demand for IT professionals is soaring, not just in the U.S., but globally as well. Companies across the world are on the hunt for skilled tech workers who can help them stay competitive in areas from cybersecurity to software development.
And the beauty of IT is its universality. Programming languages and tech skills are the same in New York as they are in Tokyo or Berlin.
Majoring in IT could give you the opportunity to work for a multinational corporation with offices around the globe. In addition, IT skills could even make remote work possible, thereby giving you the flexibility to live almost anywhere.
The Global Impact of Public Health
Public health is another field that can open a career path overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how interconnected our world is and how crucial it is to have a robust public health infrastructure in place. In our post-pandemic world, public health professionals play a critical role in shaping the health outcomes of populations worldwide.
Whether it’s working with international organizations like the World Health Organization or with local health departments in developing countries, a background in public health can position you as a key player in addressing global health challenges.
Combining Passion with Practicality
Here’s the best part. Choosing a major doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. You can absolutely combine your passion for a particular country and its language with a major that offers practical, marketable skills. For example, if you’re drawn to Japan, you could major in IT with a minor in Japanese. Or if you’re passionate about Latin America, you might choose public health and add Spanish as a minor.
This approach allows you to deepen your understanding of the culture and language while also equipping yourself with a skill set that’s in demand. It’s the best of both worlds – you get to pursue your passion while also making yourself a competitive candidate in the job market.
Final Thoughts
Studying a foreign language is a fantastic way to prepare for life abroad, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing a college major.
In today’s globalized world, having a marketable skill set is more important than ever. So, while it’s great to follow your passion, it’s also important to think strategically about your future. By majoring in a field that’s in demand, you increase your chances of not only finding a job overseas but thriving in your new environment.
To anyone out there dreaming of a life abroad, my advice is simple: follow your passion, but also be practical. Choose a major that opens doors, and combine it with classes that feed your passion. The world is a big place, and with the right skills, you can make it your home.
