Europe (including the UK)

Brandenburg Gate - career break Europe

There are tons of opportunities in Europe for career breakers - including here in the UK. It's particularly good if you want to do paid work, learn a language, or do snowsports. 

Some Europe facts for career breakers:

  • You can work in EU countries without a permit (if you are a British citizen).
  • Europe is a great place for seasonal work - both summer and winter. Resorts always need helping hands on ski lifts, in hotels, beach bars etc. 
  • If you are sporty or just generally active, you can work at summer camps in Europe.
  • If you're interested in learning a language, you can do it in the country it's spoken. Many language schools offer cultural immersion programmes with host families. This is a great career break option if speaking a second language will help your promotion prospects.
  • There are lots of other cultural learning opportunities in Europe, such as art history in Italy, cooking in France or dancing in Spain.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available mainly in Eastern Europe and in the UK.
And if you stay in the UK?
  • You don't have to get used to a new language or culture, so you don't spend any time acclimatising. This makes it a good option if you don't have much time for your career break.
  • It's relatively cheap - as you're not flying anywhere.
  • Be aware that some volunteer projects in the UK actually require you to live somewhere away from home – the plus side is that accommodation is often provided for you.