work abroad

All information correct from April 2023.

Would you like to experience another country and work abroad? Money constraints at the back of your mind? Check out this handy guide to starting your working abroad experience. We have the latest advice on job hunting abroad, the Erasmus loan and the basics of visas.

Work Abroad Opportunities

Jobs abroad open you to a world of opportunities. Literally. So here are just a few of your options.

Jobs Abroad

Finding a job abroad is an excellent experience, whatever your age and wherever you go. There are plenty of reasons why now is the perfect time for you to move overseas. Have you found an exciting career abroad, or do you get better pay overseas in your current role?

Take a look at full-time jobs, or pick up a summer job abroad to fill your summer holidays. Develop greater awareness of the world by surrounding yourself with new experiences, people and cultures. If you are a recent graduate, then graduate jobs abroad are certainly an option.

Internships Abroad

Moving abroad is an intimidating adventure that may not be for everyone. You could test the waters, by adding a year abroad into your university course, whether this is studying or working.

Although it could be far easier to continue your studies or stay at home, you could be foregoing the opportunity to learn new skills. As you immerse yourself into life outside the UK, you will be engaging yourself with new cultures and making lifelong friendships. Which is an experience you will never forget.

Volunteering Abroad

If you are looking for a more fulfilling way of working abroad why not look at volunteering or charity work.

Some companies may ask for a sum of money to be raised in order for you to take part in the scheme, but you can also find opportunities to volunteer abroad for free. Although volunteering means giving up your time for free to help a valuable cause, you may be able to find an organisation who helps sort accommodation and travel to reduce your living costs.

What Is Erasmus?

You have done the hard work, getting into uni and finding a placement, so what's next? Get yourself a loan!

What does Erasmus plus mean?

Erasmus+ is a funding application to help students participate in mobility activities abroad. Offering UK students the opportunity they may not necessarily be able to do. There are grants to help you with living costs as well as additional funding support for those with physical, mental or health-related conditions.

Who can get an Erasmus grant?

Erasmus is aimed at students, trainees, apprentices as well as teachers, trainers and youth workers. The majority of those who engage with Erasmus are students, usually in their 2nd or 3rd year of university, who choose to study or work within the EU.

How do you apply for Erasmus?

If you are a student and applying for Erasmus funding, we advise you to check with your institution. You can use the Erasmus+ programme guide and speak to the work abroad team at college/university to understand your application programme and deadlines.

Will Brexit affect your Erasmus grant?

Even the most straightforward answer is still confusing. But, for the time being, the Erasmus+ programme has published an official statement explaining the programme will keep running after Brexit. Meaning there are no expected disruptions to your Erasmus grant.

Woohoo, get applying now and start your adventure!

Visa Basics

Living within the EU

In March 2018, the UK government published that there will be an implementation period lasting until 31 December 2020. UK citizens can continue to live and work in the EU until that date with no changes.

Some EU countries will still require you to register to prove you have the right to live and work there. This is often required within a certain period of you moving there so this is one to check before leaving the UK!

Rest of the world

Working abroad in places outside of the EU requires some research; however, hopefully, your employer can help you. Visa requirements vary depending on the country, so checking the website for the countries embassy should include all relevant information for you.

Also, find out about tax and your working rights! You do not want to find that your get taxed 52% on your paycheck once you have agreed on the position.

Why you should get an overseas job?

There's no denying it, working abroad is scary and can be life-changing for anyone. Knowing the pros and cons can help make a decision which is right for you.

Pros.

Immerse yourself in a completely new skillset

Naturally, you learn all the teamwork, communication and cultural skills which are attached to any new job, but this is different.

Not only are you adapting to an international environment, but you will be faced with challenges which will push you to further develop skills. Language barriers and cultural barriers will come as a challenge but boosts your confidence massively when they're overcome.

Your experience will make you stand out to employers. Whether you choose an internship overseas for 10 weeks or the whole year, you will get the chance to live somewhere else in the world while learning. This is just part of the reason moving and working abroad looks great on any application and boosts your career prospects.

Create unique memories and make long-lasting friendships

When working abroad, you may find many other expats in the same situation.

Quite simply when you find others in the same position as you (you have all experienced the what have I done moment of I've moved to an alien country and I have no friends) you are kinda forced to make friends with these people.

Luckily enough, they usually turn out to be the best people in your life. All as equally as ambitious and they introduce you to their way of doing things.

The memories made will be cherished forever; all we can advise is to take plenty of pictures and enjoy each moment!

Cons.

Moving away from home

Everyone gets homesick from time to time. This makes it especially hard when you aren't able to drive back home for a family dinner or to catch up with friends.

But that isn't to say that you can't make it a home away from your home. Take those small things that give you comfort, whether it's taking certain pillows or food with you; this will help your transition. Try to immerse yourself into the culture, learn the language and meet new people! It is also ideal for visiting a few weeks before making the big leap to sort accommodation and find your work, making you feel far more comfortable.

Hidden costs of living abroad

Along with moving abroad comes the cost of moving. Finding new accommodation and enjoying life abroad, especially in cities abroad, can be more expensive than originally thought. Make sure to include this in your job search research and if you need to maybe look at cheaper options such as a flatshare instead of a one-person apartment.

If you want more information about moving abroad, check out our blog section which covers all the questions you may have. Hopefully, the next time you are in an airport you are venturing into a new job overseas!