At any given moment, more than three million Americans are studying or working abroad according to the U.S. State Department. In the past, companies seeking to do business globally would scour their executive ranks for suitable candidates to send abroad.

Those days are winding down. While U.S. executives still are being relocated overseas, many companies are seeking alternatives to internal international transfers because of the high costs involved.

Some entrepreneurs with wanderlust have found opportunities in developing global markets. But the downturn in Asia and other disruptions in the global economy have made it harder for business professionals to create or expand new ventures in certain foreign countries.

This doesn't mean that the barriers to working overseas are insurmountable. Job seekers who plan and research carefully can find or create professional opportunities abroad. Just don't expect an employer to send you simply because it has a presence in a foreign country.

Recruiters in Europe are particularly negative. "People should not look toward typical expatriate positions,' says James Douglas, a director of EMA Partners UK Ltd., an executive, search firm in London. "There has been a drive to rationalize costs and thus the expat manager often is viewed as an unnecessary expense. These individuals are being replaced with a native of the country in which the company is operating." Further, competition for jobs can be stiff, notes Bradley Staples, joint managing director of the Brussels office of APCO Europe, a public affairs and strategic communications firm. In addition, most countries have laws restricting hiring foreigners. "The mechanics of hiring an American in Europe can be difficult," says Mr. Staples.

"With the existence of the European Union, we now draw on the talent pool in 15 countries, all of whom can be employed anywhere in the EU."

Nevertheless, as companies become more global, new employment opportunities are created outside of their home countries.

"The redefining of business globally has changed the landscape," says Mr. Staples. "With mergers of such groups as Chrysler and Daimler, the national ties and influences that once dominated the auto industry no longer exist. Similarly, some Japanese auto makers now have a greater market share outside of their own country."

Have You Thought It Through?
Before seeking employment abroad, decide why you want to go and whether you have the necessary skills to do so. Also consider what you want to do when you return. If you want to find a position in the U.S., how do you plan to job hunt and interview from overseas? Many professionals make the leap across oceans without thinking through how they plan to return.

Thomas W. Morris 3rd, president of Morris Associates Inc., a Washington, D.C., outplacement and corporate consulting firm, recommends that candidates seeking to add international business experience to their resumes ask themselves, these questions:

• Why do I want to go?
• How much risk can I endure?
• Where do I want to be in my career in five years and will this move help me to get there?
• What sort of position should I be seeking?
• Do I have knowledgeable contacts here and abroad to talk with about this issue?

Understanding what you hope to gain from the experience and whether you're truly qualified for it will help you to be more successful in your quest, says Mr. Morris.

Another essential is knowing the culture of the country or region where you want to work. It can be a career killer if you or your family doesn't like the local business or social customs and you must return to the U.S. before you planned.


"One of the drawbacks of U.S. citizens has been a lack of understanding of the European environment," says Mr. Douglas. "American corporations and business people don't necessarily understand European drivers."

If you have a network of business associates in the U.S., how will you plan to replace it? Who will you turn to for confidential ad-,,ice? How willing are co-workers going to be to answer questions about how things get done? If you feel that you need more support at this point, consider delaying your plans and working for a U.S. corporation that can send you abroad later in your career.


What You'll Need
It's difficult to compete for European jobs against a plentiful supply of U.S.-educated, English speaking foreign executives. As the global economy has changed, English has become a more accepted and prevalent language in this region. This has diminished the need to be fluent in a country's language. However, you still must make a clear case to a local employer as to why you're the right candidate.

"Individuals should look for –or understand that they should look for-- employment on local conditions," says Mr. Douglas. 'Hiring Americans can be very expensive for a company."

Still, having certain skills gives U.S. executives an advantage in Europe. For instance, finance, business development and marketing skills are highly sought after, says Mr. Douglas. Continental Europe also has a desperate need for professionals with expertise in communications and experience with Internet business from selling Web-based services to knowing how to use the Web commercially.

Candidates should have such "soft" skills as flexibility, adaptability, respect for other cultures and gentility, says Mr. Morris. They also should know international business and marketing.

Mr. Staples says there's a need for multi-lingual candidates who understand European culture and business practices and how to operate in international markets. "U.S. and European [companies] want to find people who are local and who are insiders," says Mr. Staples. "American companies have become aware that it's hard to present a convincing message in Europe," if Americans are doing the presentations.


Available Positions
If you're set on working abroad, what types of jobs are available and in what countries? Some local economies have experienced downturns that may set them back for years, while others may rebound in a few months. Also consider the cost of living in your target country (see the accompanying chart).
Employment is down in many countries in Asia. It also isn't a good time to seek a job in countries such as Brazil that are struggling economically, says Mr. Morris.

"Expat employment is down almost 20%,"says Ronald Krannich, author of "The 1999 International Jobs Directory" (Impact Publications). "This is a bad time to be seeking employment in Russia and Hong Kong in particular. In these countries it's difficult to find jobs in areas such as investment banking and real estate."

You'll be more likely to find work if you're among the first wave of applicants as a country's economy improves. Tracking the dates and locations of large commercial events, such as the Olympics, also will give you a lead on opportunities.

U.S. professionals have an advantage over other candidates when competing for technology jobs, where they are perceived as more qualified. As Internet service providers expand in Europe, high-tech professionals who want to work there should consider applying.

"America Online has created a dominant position in the United Kingdom market and will continue to expand in Europe," says Mr. Douglas.

Consulting offers career prospects abroad, with such companies as Andersen Consulting, Deloitte & Touche, McKinsey and Ernst & Young maintaining a strong global presence. These firms are helping companies overseas with financial services, telecommunications and technology issues.

The euro will affect banks and financial services companies in every country, which presents employment possibilities.

Australia and New Zealand's economies are healthy, which means companies there may need employees. "Additionally, a number of economies will rebound, [so] Americans should be watching such places as Thailand, Singapore and India," says Mr. Krannich.

Developing economies in Eastern Europe are more likely to welcome the introduction of U.S. business methods than mature economies in Western Europe. "There are great opportunities for Americans in central and Eastern Europe," says Mr. Staples. "In these you're seeing more acceptance of Americans than in some other areas of the world."