<p>Something's been bothering me for quite sometime now, and it's evolved into flat out frustration. Hopefully someone can help shed some light on this conundrum.</p>
<p>I graduated last August with a bachelor's in international studies from a not UF or FSU state school in Florida (rearrange FSU). I intend to blanket the top IR grad programs with applications at some point in the next couple years. My GPA is top notch. I know letters of recommendation will be stellar (one of which will be from a SAIS Ph.D., my dream school). I've got a year and a half of an internship under my belt. Now it's a matter of GRE and work experience. </p>
<p>From what I've read everywhere, overseas work experience is arguably the most valued aspect of a prospective student's application at all the top IR grad programs. So my question is this: What are these elusive entry-level overseas IR jobs for Americans with liberal arts degrees and no substantive prior experience? Clearly, these IR grad programs are admitting people with that experience, so it must exist. But what is it?! And I'm not asking this in a venting or rhetorical kind of way; I'm actually looking for concrete suggestions. My financial situation is such that I can't really afford to do anything overseas (or anywhere for that matter) that doesn't involve receiving a paycheck, so volunteering is pretty much out. I'm a realist. I don't expect to be handed a golden key. I just don't know where someone in my situation begins the search. I'm interested in hearing from people who have been in this situation and what they did. I know you're out there. Thanks in advance.</p>