This edition of TraveLOG takes on topics from the world over, including work permits in France, salaries in Eastern Europe, foreign students in Korea, language skills, U.S. immigration changes and quality of life considerations.

Study Abroad: Make It Count

Many people take the easy route when it comes to studying abroad – socializing mostly with fellow students and making the living experience as much like home as possible. However, it’s the students who step out of their comfort zones and seek unique experiences who are the most appealing to future employers. For more on getting the most out of study abroad experiences, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/hot_topics/general_curran_abroad.asp.

Featured Country Profile: Singapore

If you want to work in Singapore, start paying attention to your conversational style.  Politeness is the single most important attribute in developing any kind of relationship in Singapore. People are expected to speak in low, modest tones and avoid standing with arms akimbo, which indicates aggression to many living in Singapore. It makes sense to avoid gestures of any kind, as many may be considered offensive. For more information on working in Singapore click here to access GoinGlobal’s Singapore country profile: http://www.goinglobal.com/countries/Singapore/Singapore_work.asp.

For direct access to the Going Global career and employment resources click here:  http://www.goinglobal.com/.

France: Student Work Permits Easier To Obtain

Under a new French immigration law, it soon will be easier for foreign students to obtain work permits and enroll in French universities. The new rules apply to students with good academic records in certain specific fields as well as those who attended French-language secondary schools in their country of origin.  For more, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_france.asp.

Study Abroad: Korea Attracting More Foreign Students

Today there are five times as many foreign students at Korean universities than there were in 2000, with about two-thirds coming from China. Professors aren’t far behind – the number of foreign-born professors teaching in Korea doubled during the same period. For more, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_studying.asp.

Jobs:  For Raises, Head East

Want to go where the money is growing? A new study by Mercer Human Resource Consulting shows employees in many Eastern Europe countries will get better salary increases than their counterparts in Western Europe, after inflation. Workers in Latvia and Lithuania, especially, are expected to enjoy a big jump in salaries. For more on anticipated wage hikes in Europe and elsewhere, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_europe.asp.

Study Abroad: Goucher College Makes Study Abroad Mandatory

The incoming freshman class at Goucher College in Maryland has a distinguishing feature. Starting now, Goucher students will have to study abroad for at least three weeks to meet graduation requirements. For more, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_goucher.asp.

Language Skills: Think Outside The Box

When looking at foreign language classes, it may pay to move beyond traditional offerings. With multinational companies investing heavily in India, China and other countries, becoming proficient in multiple languages will open doors. With that in mind, schools such as the University of Utah are adding classes like “Beginning Hindi for Business” to their schedules. For more, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_global.asp. 

Environment: Does Clean Air Trump Career Opportunity?

According to a survey by global search and talent management firm Hudson, pollution can make or break an expatriate’s decision to accept an assignment. In Hong Kong, for example, businesses are losing expatriate talent to Singapore and Australia because of environmental concerns. Many Hong Kong companies are providing higher pay and benefits to entice potential assignees, but the problem persists. For more, click here: http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/
emp_asia_Press_Release_Air_Pollution_effecting_HK[1].pdf. 

Visas: U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Now Open

Interested in a permanent resident visa for the U.S.? Check out the Diversity Visa lottery to see if you’re eligible. A computer-generated random lottery drawing distributes visas to applicants from six geographic regions, with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration. The deadline is December 3, 2006.  For more, click here: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/72835.htm.

China: Assignments Expand Beyond Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai

While Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai are still the top spots for expatriates heading to China, five additional cities are fast becoming common destinations as multinational companies expand their operations. To learn more about the pros and cons of these locations, click here:  http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_china.asp.

Careers: Pick Your Job Wisely

If you want to up your chances of success as an expatriate, pick a role that involves opening offices or promoting better cultural understanding. According to a survey by global recruiting firm Korn/Ferry, expatriates in those roles are more likely to succeed than expats tasked with finding new business or addressing local workforce problems. For more, click here:  http://www.goinglobal.com/newsletter_atricles/oct06_careers.asp.