Working Overseas
Questions to consider:
- Why do I want to work overseas?
- What kind of work do I want to do?
- Do I want to work overseas permanently or temporarily?
- Do I want to be based in the UK and travel overseas?
- Are my language skills good enough for me to live and work in the country of my choice?
Some of the benefits are:
- Gives you the experience of another culture.
- Improves your language skills.
- Develops your independence and self-reliance.
- Improves future employment prospects.
Work permits
For most countries outside the European Union, you need a work permit or entry visa that allows you to look for employment. Unless you have some skill needed by the country you want to go to, your chances of getting a work permit are not good. The world is not short of workers! Usually, you must have a job offer before an application for a visa or permit will be considered.
Working in the EU
Within the European Union work permits are not required. To provide guidance about how academic qualifications compare, there is a Europe-wide network of NARIC(National Academic Recognition Information Centre) organisations.
To help find job opportunities, you can use EURES (European Employment Service) - a computer network which provides job-seekers with free information and guidance on current opportunities throughout the European Economic Area. Local Jobcentre Plus or Jobcentre offices can put you in touch with their nearest Euroadviser.
For Further Information
The British Council - 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN. Tel: 020 7389
4004.
www.britishcouncil.org/education
Department for International Development -
Public Enquiry Point 1 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HE. Public enquiry
point tel: 0845 300 4100.
www.dfid.gov.uk
The Civil Service Fast Stream website gives more details about overseas
opportunities for graduates:
www.faststream.gov.uk
The EURES (European Employment Service) website:
http://europa.eu.int/eures
There is also a EURES website where jobseekers can place their CVs, which
can be viewed by employers:
www.eurescv-search.com
The Europe Open for Professions website, providing information about
recognition of professional qualifications:
www.dfes.gov.uk/europeopen
Europe Direct helpline - for information about working in another EU
country, including information about recognition of qualifications
tel: 00 800 6789 1011.
The European Commission - 8 Storey's Gate, London SW1P 3AT.
www.cec.org.uk
europa.eu.int/comm
Careers Europe - contains information about opportunities for training
and employment overseas. It's also a source of information and advice
on European and International issues.
www.careerseurope.co.uk
International Jobsearch Advice Team - Jobcentre Plus Regional Office,
6th Floor, Whitehall II, Whitehall Quay, Leeds LS1 4HR.
Tel: 0113 307 8090.
The International Jobsearch Advice Team handles enquiries about searching
for work abroad and comparability of professional qualifications.
World Service Enquiry,
www.wse.org.uk
Information about working abroad can be found
on the graduate careers website:
www.prospects.ac.uk
