Thread: Working Internationally

I'm still a student, but I'm hoping that someday I will be able to work in Japan. I have a friend that said that the best way would be to work with an American company that has locations there.
My question is that if an Accountant works for a company with branches in a foreign country, would we necessarily be able to re-locate to that country? Or would all the accounting work for that branch still simply be done at home (in the U.S.), what do you think?

I sure the answer is that it varies by company and by role, i.e. internal audit, training program or as a basic accountant. You'll obviously need a work permit / company to sponsor you. There are also many Japanese subsidiaries or branch operations in the US to consider. Most of these will be located in the coastal cities but not all.

However, for those that want to learn or enhance their Japanese language skills or just check out the country, you should check out the JET program at http://www.jetprogramme.org/.

One year renewal appointment (up to 3 yrs) as an English teacher (really as an assistant to a Japanese instructor that teaches English to their students). This is an old and well established government supported program. They provide RT airfare, pay you while your there, many of the school districts provide an apartment for you but not all (kind of depends on what they pay you and the school district budget). You can state a preference as to city but there are no guarantees to where you'll be assigned in country. It can range from a large city to a rural setting. Can be a great way to improve language skills and live in country with support from the school district. You don't need to speak Japanese but it certainly helps your quality of life while your there. I said that because you may be assigned to a school district with several other JET's or you may be the only one within a hundred miles. They select several thousand from the US, Europe and Australia each year.

The draw back to consider is that by doing this it sets back your career progress seeking a masters or your professional development with a company a year for each year you participate.

Good Luck

Thanks for the post Pat...Infact, I did do the JET program already for 2 years. I really liked living in Japan, but realized that outside of teaching English it was impossible to continue living there. I also realized that my Biology degree wouldn't help me get another type of jot there at all, so that's basically why I'm becoming an Accountant. Hopefully, eventually it will give me the chance to go back there in a professional capacity. It sounds crazy to a lot of people, but it's what I really want, so I'm going for it. I've gotten positive and negative feedback on the realistic possibilty from different people so far, so I still don't know what to think completely, but gotta try anyway.

Seems like you have to go with major corps with Japanese based facilities. With your language skills I think its possible. Know a Goldman Sachs recruit who did a couple of years in Japan (a 1st year hired from the NY office) before returning so it does happen. A little research and making it known upfront with HR departments will tell you more than I know. Wish you luck.

PS - don't forget to file for your retirement payment refund if you haven't already.