I don't know if I have work experience in a foreign country!

[emoleys]

This will probably strike many people as a silly question, but I'm a bit confused. Sorry if this is a bit lengthy. Any and all help is highly appreciated.

Two parts:

1.) I plan to apply soon for Fall 2010 to a bunch of MA programs in International Affairs/Relations. I'm originally from Hong Kong and became a naturalized American citizen four years ago. I've done work both here and in Hong Kong (and Macau), but I'm not sure whether either would qualify as work experience in a foreign country.

2.) I'm also increasingly serious about doing work in the Sichuan province of China for earthquake survivors. But because Hong Kong is considered an entity of the People's Republic, I'm not sure if they would even count that as a foreign country, even though I'd say that dialectical (Hong Kong is Cantonese-based and Mainland provinces are predominantly Mandarin-based) and historical/cultural barriers are big enough between the two places.

What do you think?

To tell you more about me: I have a GPA of 3.23 (I know, sucky!) with a double major in the social sciences from an American public university. I've studied abroad in Paris for a semester. I've worked a lot with NGOs (at least a year, both paid and volunteer work) based in California that deal with homelessness and human trafficking. I've also done research work for the Los Angeles Times and assisted with proposal writing for a PhD program at a university. I have also tutored ESL students in Hong Kong. My dream right now is to go to Columbia and complete a dual-degree program in International Affairs and Social Work.

I'm open to any and all suggestions to improve and make my application competitive. Many thanks!

[riz1]

I'm not sure whether either would qualify as work experience in a foreign country.

From what you've told us so far, they count. Perhaps you could share more about what you were doing in HK and Macau?

[emoleys]

I taught English lessons to primary school students there.

[riz1]

Definitely counts as work experience You say you're increasingly interested in humanitarian and crisis relief work in China, so be sure to focus on your statement of purpose and explain the connection between work in HK / Macau and what you want to do with the degree to which you're applying.

[emoleys]

Thanks! I was having trouble understanding precisely what they meant by "foreign". Because I am originally from Hong Kong and have American citizenship, I wasn't really sure if any work I did in either country would count.

[africagirl]

Yes. Hong Kong is definitely a foreign country in the minds of graduate admissions councils. It's not the US.