Blog » How To… Work Abroad

How To… Work Abroad

20th January 2014

 

AVOID SIMPLE PITFALLS OF FOREIGN JOBS
First things first: you must determine where you want to go. There are endless possibilities, but consider the country that offers the best career opportunities and can cater for your employment needs. Fo  example, if you’re considering working in media, it would help if the country you are travelling to has an English-speaking majority, or if you’re in the tourism sector, a place which attracts many tourists is always a plus.
The second consideration is your visa. How long are you staying for? Some countries allow permanent working visas for particular careers, so check out if your career is on a ‘wanted skills list’.
Talking to someone who has already worked abroad in your field can help you ascertain a good approach to take and it may even earn you some contacts. 
If you’re unsure whether to take the plunge, weigh up the pros and cons:
PROS
It will give you invaluable life experience.
Having international credentials on your CV will immediately raise you above the rest when searching for a job.
Working abroad will allow you to expand and grow your network of business contacts in your relevant field.
CONS
It can be daunting for anyone beginning a new job, but in a foreign country this challenge may seem unbearable for some.
If you are used to a certain way of life, adjusting to foreign routine and work ethic may be disconcerting.
Salaries can be considerably lower in some countries, although the cost of living will also be lower.

AVOID SIMPLE PITFALLS OF FOREIGN JOBS

First things first: you must determine where you want to go. There are endless possibilities, but consider the country that offers the best career opportunities and can cater for your employment needs. Fo example, if you’re considering working in media, it would help if the country you are travelling to has an English-speaking majority, or if you’re in the tourism sector, a place which attracts many tourists is always a plus.

The second consideration is your visa. How long are you staying for? Some countries allow permanent working visas for particular careers, so check out if your career is on a ‘wanted skills list’.

Talking to someone who has already worked abroad in your field can help you ascertain a good approach to take and it may even earn you some contacts.

If you’re unsure whether to take the plunge, weigh up the pros and cons:

PROS

It will give you invaluable life experience.

Having international credentials on your CV will immediately raise you above the rest when searching for a job.

Working abroad will allow you to expand and grow your network of business contacts in your relevant field.

CONS

It can be daunting for anyone beginning a new job, but in a foreign country this challenge may seem unbearable for some.

If you are used to a certain way of life, adjusting to foreign routine and work ethic may be disconcerting.

Salaries can be considerably lower in some countries, although the cost of living will also be lower.

 

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