Have you been bitten by the travel bug? Do you long to find exciting experiences across the seas? Or are you simply fed up with your boring routine or the uncertain British weather? If so, you may be considering developing your career in another country.
If you want to work abroad, it's important to think through the practical implications of living and working in a foreign culture. And, although it's a nice idea in theory, actually landing a job in the country of your dreams can be tricky.
Making the decision
Think carefully before jumping in at the deep end. Although the sky may be blue and the sun shining in your adopted country, you still have to turn up on time and carry out your duties as per the contract of employment. It may not be quite so glamorous when the honeymoon is over.
Among the things you should consider before making up your mind to relocate abroad are these important questions:
Is this the right time to relocate? Or would it be best to finish your qualifications or gain more experience?
How do you feel about being away from your family and friends for a prolonged period? Will you miss having people around to chat and share problems?
If you have a partner, will they also have to find a job near you? If you have children, how will they fit into the new environment?
If English is not spoken in the country you have selected, do you know enough of that country's language to be able to work and live there?
Will you enjoy living in the new country? It's not just the food, weather and local customs. Housing, shopping and social life are also likely to be different from what you are used to in the UK.
Careers Europe can offer general advice about working abroad. It produces factsheets and a worldwide jobs information database.
You may also want to check with the National Academic Recognition Information Centre to find out if your qualifications are internationally recognised.
Types of work abroad
There are many different types of work abroad. You could try to find:
A permanent full-time job. This could involve getting a transfer abroad with a UK company or finding work with a foreign company. You will have an advantage if you speak the language and have skills that are in demand in your chosen country.
Temporary work. Holiday companies are a good starting point, but be aware that they recruit well ahead of the summer or winter seasons. There are often specialised openings in childcare, catering and sports instruction.
Agricultural work. You could be picking grapes in the south of France or shearing sheep in Australia – great fun, but you need to be physically fit. This kind of work is usually arranged on the spot, so you need to make sure you are in the right place at the right time.
Voluntary work. Many voluntary organisations such as VSO, the Red Cross and Oxfam would love to hear from you if you want to work in a developing country. You could also do environmental conservation with organisations such as Operation Wallacea or Green Force.
Teaching English as a foreign language. You do not need formal teaching qualifications, but A level English Language or an official TEFL qualification will be an advantage.
Working in Europe
Ten new countries joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, so you now have the right to work and study in 25 European countries. This freedom of movement means that you will have exactly the same rights as someone who lives in the country where you have chosen to work: the same rates of pay, the same health services and the same benefits.
It is currently possible to transfer UK unemployment benefit abroad for up to three months while you are looking for work. You must have received contribution-based job seekers' allowance (JSA-CB) for a minimum of four weeks before claiming benefit abroad.
Although this mobility exists, finding the right kind of work can take a lot of time. You will need to research the opportunities that may be open to you and identify what technical, interpersonal and language skills these overseas employers require. You will then need to make contact with appropriate recruitment agencies, or the organisations themselves, and put together a CV suitable for employers based in other European countries.
If all this seems a bit daunting, help is at hand from the European Employment Services (EURES).
Working outside Europe
One of the main barriers to working outside Europe is that you usually have to prove that you can offer skills that are in short supply. Non-European countries all have fairly elaborate immigration rules, and in many cases your future employer has to apply for a work permit/visa on your behalf. The employment figures for the country you hope to move to will tell you how easy it will be to get a work permit.
If you want to work in Australia on a long-term basis, you have to apply for the Independent Skilled Migration Visa. To be accepted, you need to be qualified and experienced in a trade or profession that is on the Skilled Occupations List. It's going to cost you a bit to apply for the visa and the associated medical checks. You also require a work-permit visa if you want to work in the USA. To stay for a short period, you will need the H1B visa, while to reside there permanently you will need the infamous Green Card. Finding your way through the maze of regulations is quite a challenge, but there is plenty of information and help available. Monster.com's Global Gateway is a good place to start looking for information on how to find work in far-flung destinations.
Finding a job
Once you've done your research, there are several routes you can follow to get work abroad:
Search the EURES database. EURES is a Europe-wide network of public employment services, which enables countries to exchange information on job vacancies
Register with recruitment agencies that carry vacancies in foreign countries
Approach likely companies with a speculative letter, phonecall or email
Contact UK companies that are part of a multinational group. Insurance, banks, IT, chemical and pharmaceutical companies often have global links
Look for vacancies in the local newspapers of the country. Your library may have foreign newspapers, or you can obtain access to them over the Internet
Visit the country where you would like to find work. While you are there, check out the job ads, register with recruitment agencies and get tips from British expatriates
Get a job with a company that offers plenty of opportunities to travel. Leisure and tourism, fashion and export are all areas that could provide openings abroad
Be aware that different countries have their own ways of writing applications and CVs. Careers Europe can tell you about the formats required. Always write in the appropriate language.
Finding work abroad can be a long and difficult process, but one that is definitely worth pursuing if you love travel and other cultures. As ever, the advice is do your research carefully, develop your skills and don't give up!
