Working Abroad

Working abroad can provide an opportunity for total fascination in a foreign culture, in a way that just travelling through cannot. However, some graduates use work simply as a way to get funding to enable them to experience the cultures in the first place.



ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY.

All forms of work experience make you more attractive to employers, but working abroad may be particularly beneficial in developing certain strengths and skills such as:

• Initiative and determination - from finding and securing the job to making your experience a success;

• Communication skills - through working with people from different cultural backgrounds and overcoming language barriers;

• Flexibility - by having been able to adapt to new and unfamiliar living conditions and work cultures.


TAKING TIME OUT.

Students may choose to go and work abroad as a way of getting a complete break from studying, while also picking up valuable skills and experience. For graduates, working overseas might act as a much needed break before starting a career and could provide some useful reflection time before making any final decisions. After a demanding final year, you might want to take some time out to consider your options in a completely different environment.

Other reasons for working overseas include:

• limited job opportunities in the UK in a particular sector;

• altruistic reasons, particularly for those wanting to work or volunteer in a developing country;

• possibility of better living conditions or earning potential than in the UK;

• family reasons, such as relocating for a partner’s job or emigrating for a better lifestyle.



Alyssa.