Paid work abroad

What paid work can I do abroad?
Where can I do paid work abroad?
Why should I do paid work abroad?
What restrictions are there for working abroad?
How do I go about it?
Further information

Newsflash: As of 1st July, the Australian working holiday visa has changed. You can now work for up to 6 months for a single employer (previously it was 3). You call also study for up to 4 months. Also, the fields in which you have to work to qualify for a second working holiday visa have been expanded.

What paid work can I do abroad?

It depends where you go and what qualifications and experience you have. Most people who do short-term work abroad tend to get similar temporary jobs that are available here - bar and restaurant work, office jobs, seasonal work in ski resorts or summer resorts.

If you have a TEFL qualification, you can teach English - to school children or to business people.

If you have an instructor qualification, in something like skiing, snowboarding, surfing or sailing, you can do seasonal work abroad. (Find companies that help you get paid work abroad). A Competent Crew certificate can also get you work on yachts around the world.

Some people use their skills to do contract or consulting work abroad. This is particularly popular for people in IT.

Where can I do paid work abroad?

It is easy to do paid work in any EU country if you are an EU citizen - providing the jobs are there! If you're in a country for less than 3 months, you won't need a residence permit.

USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan all have working holiday visa schemes for British citizens, but there are restrictions, especially with regard to age (see restrictions for more information, below).

Generally, there is very little paid work available in developing countries, unless you have a TEFL certificate to teach English (read more about TEFL here). It is possible to do voluntary work where you receive an 'in-country wage' (which is enough to live on), but you usually have to make a long-term commitment to the project (generally 2 years, although 1 year placements are sometimes possible).

If you're interested in doing paid work in any other country, contact their embassy to find out about their work permit requirements. A list of embassies is available on this part of the FCO website. If it is difficult for you to get a work permit for a particular country, you may consider trying to get a job with an international organisation (i.e. applying to offices here for a job overseas). You may also chose to work as a contractor if you have the skills and are able to find contracts before you leave.

Why should I do paid work abroad?

Most career breakers choose to do paid work abroad to help fund their travels. It also can help you learn the language of another country, and give you valuable work experience.

What restrictions are there for working abroad?

The first and most obvious is the issue of whether or not you're allowed to work in a particular country.

USA

If you're under 40, you can get an H2 visa, but your employer must apply on your behalf and you can only work for 10 months.
If you're under 38, you can get a J1 visa, which is aimed at people looking for career training positions. You need a degree or HND, and at least 12 months' professional experience.
You can also get work at a summer camp as a counsellor, by applying through an agency, but you generally have to be under 35.

Canada

If you're under 35, you can apply for Canada's working holiday visa.
You can work in Canada for up to a year, doing almost any job.
You must apply through an organisation like BUNAC (www.bunac.org).

Australia and New Zealand

These both have working holiday visa schemes, which are very popular with British gappers and career breakers
You must be under 30 and can work for up to a year.
In Australia, you can't keep one job for more than 3 months.
For both, you must show evidence of 'sufficient funds' when entering the country.

Japan

Japan's working holiday scheme is only for British people up to the age of 25.
It allows you to work there for up to a year.

EU countries

You don't need a permit to work in the EU
If you stay longer than 3 months, you may have to apply for a residence permit
You may also have to open a bank account in the country where you are working

If you are planning to take a sabbatical from your job (i.e. your company is keeping your job open), be aware that your employer may specify that you can't do any paid work while you are on your career break. This applies whether you're on a paid or unpaid sabbatical. Companies will sometimes make exceptions if you are working for a charity.

Lastly, consider the availability of jobs in the country you want to go to. What sort of work are you prepared to do, and do you have the skills and experience? In places like ski resorts, there are a lot of jobs, but there are also a lot of applicants! If there's a shortage of your skills in your destination, you will be much better placed to find a job, especially if you are looking for longer-term work.

How do I go about it?

Start by finding companies that offer paid work opportunities.
Contact the embassy where you want to work to find out about visas and work permits (a list of embassies is here)
Find out about the job market in the country of your destination. Look at their newspapers online, and talk to people who have worked abroad.
If you want to work as an instructor, find out what qualifications you'll need. (Find companies that offer instructor training).
If you're interested in teaching English, look at our TEFL page.

Further information

Need to know something else? Email us.
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