A Guide to Working Abroad
Ready to take your career international? Working abroad opens doors you never knew existed and it’s no longer just for gap year students. You could teach English in South Korea, work for a tech start-up in Berlin, or become a digital nomad and work freelance from anywhere in the world.
Working abroad builds your confidence, deepens your cultural understanding, and connects you with people from every corner of the globe. And here's the good news: with more companies embracing remote work, international opportunities are more accessible than ever before.
This is your guide to securing your perfect career working abroad.
What is it like working abroad?
Every experience is unique, but expect yours to be exciting, eye-opening, and genuinely rewarding. You'll immerse yourself in new cultures, grow more independent, and gain real-world experience while exploring places you've only dreamed about.
We get it - finding a job in the UK is tough enough. But finding one abroad? That might feel even more overwhelming. But here's the thing: it's absolutely doable, and we're here to walk you through it.
Which country is best for working abroad, and for what?
Opportunities exist all over the world, from seasonal jobs to internships. Here are the most popular roles and where they're in highest demand:
Hospitality & Tourism
USA, Canada, Australia, Spain
Seasonal Work
France, Italy, New Zealand, USA
Agriculture work
Australia, New Zealand, Canada
Education and tutoring
South Korea, Japan, Spain
International Internships
Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, UAE
What about countries with skill shortages?
Many countries face specific skill shortages and actively recruit workers in certain industries. This creates opportunities for you to secure roles, obtain visas, and build international experience even quicker than you thought.
High-demand areas include:
Australia: healthcare, construction, engineering, childcare
Germany: IT, engineering, renewable energy
Japan: hospitality, manufacturing, teaching English
Canada: trades, healthcare, transportation
How do I get a job working abroad?
Finding a job abroad can feel overwhelming. The good news? There are clear pathways you can take, whether you're still in school, at university, or recently graduated. Work experience abroad gives you the skills and experience you need for a lasting career.
Here are your main options:
Gap Year Programmes
Student gap years let you get stuck into some amazing projects, including saving endangered species, helping out wildlife and marine conservation groups, teaching English abroad and working on community development projects.
International Internships
One of the best ways to ensure you stand out when applying for a graduate role post-uni is to have international work experience.
Turing Scheme
The Turing Scheme is an international programme that enables educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities to fund their students while they work or study abroad.
Here's the general process to secure work experience abroad:
1. Choose Your Destination Country
Research countries that align with your career goals and lifestyle. Consider language requirements, cost of living, and job opportunities in your field. Look into which visas you qualify for - working holiday visas (typically ages 18-30), student visas, or skilled worker visas if you have in-demand qualifications. Check the official government website for details.
2. Find a Job or Employer
Use multiple platforms to boost your chances:
Job websites - Use Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor with location filters.
Government working-holiday programs - Many countries offer official schemes connecting young workers with seasonal and temporary roles, often with visa and accommodation support.
Recruitment agencies
University programs - Check for exchange programs, international internships, or overseas partnerships that include visa and accommodation support.
3. Prepare Your CV for International Employers
CV requirements differ worldwide, so adapt your application to each country. The US prefers concise CVs without photos or personal information, while many European countries accept photos and often use the Europass format. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills, and prepare a translated version if needed.
4. Apply for Your Visa
Most visas require approval before you leave home, so hold off on booking flights until your visa is confirmed. Start early to avoid stress.
5. Book Travel and Accommodation
Once your visa is approved and job secured, arrange your travel. Book flights in advance and check sites like skyscanner for better prices. Some employers provide housing, especially for seasonal roles. If not, start with short-term options like hostels or Airbnb while you find something permanent. Research opening a local bank account and getting a phone number - some require in-person setup.
What are the requirements for working abroad?
Requirements vary by country, but the essentials stay pretty consistent. Here's what you need to know.
Visa Requirements
Your visa determines everything - how long you can stay, what work you can do, and whether you can switch employers.
Your options include working holiday visas (ages 18-30 or 18-35), student visas with work rights, skilled worker visas, and temporary or seasonal work permits.
Working holiday visas typically last 6 months to 2 years.
Student visas usually cover your course length.
Skilled worker visas can last 2-5 years and are often renewable.
Get clear on your visa conditions before booking anything.
Education Requirements
Most student jobs - hospitality, retail, tourism - don't require a degree. You can jump straight in.
Skilled visas are different. These often require:
A bachelor's degree
Professional certification in your field (engineering, nursing, teaching, etc.)
If you're planning to work in a professional role, check the specific requirements for your industry and destination country.
Language Requirements
Here's some good news: you don't always need to speak the local language. Many student roles in hospitality and tourism actively hire English speakers.
Professional jobs may require language exams, proof of English ability, or stated competency in the local language. Check job listings in your destination country to see what's expected. If language skills matter, start learning early - it takes time, but it opens more doors.
What skills are best for working abroad?
You don’t need to be an expert - employers often value transferable skills such as:
Communication
Teamwork
Customer service
Adaptability
Problem-solving
Time management
Basic language ability
For skilled roles, in-demand skills include:
IT & coding
Engineering
Healthcare
Childcare
Skilled trades
Marketing & digital media
Which employers can I work for?
Employers hiring international students include major names like:
Canva
Capgemini
L’oreal
Adidias
BMW Group
Hugo Boss
Siemens
And so many more!
Some visas require working only for approved employers, especially in countries like New Zealand or Canada. Many employers sponsor international workers, covering visa and accommodation costs for your work experience duration.
Will I get paid?
Absolutely! Working abroad is paid employment unless you're on a volunteer program or an unpaid internship. Your pay depends on the country, role, and your level of experience. Beyond salary, some employers offer additional benefits like accommodation, meals, transport passes, or bonuses and tips.
Countries with working-holiday programs, like Australia and New Zealand, have some of the highest minimum wages globally. You can earn well while gaining international experience and exploring a new country.
