Working Abroad

Many people fund their gap year adventures by working abroad. There are many job opportunities and options to consider when travelling on your gap year.

Working in the European Union
In theory working in any of the European Union member states you should receive equal treatment with nationals. It has never been easier for UK residents to work in the EU. European Employment Services (aka EURES) is working towards free movement of workers within the 17 countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). This partnership is co-ordinated by the European Commission. Their website has a searchable jobs database, which also contains a few non-EEA jobs.

Temporary or seasonal work
Many employment opportunities for gap year students centre around tourist seasons. In warmer countries work as bar staff or as tour reps is common, and look at chalet work and ski instruction in winter.

A popular job is working as a camp counsellor on summer camps for companies like Camp America.

Try a local travel agency to find out what kind of staff will be needed.

Long-term employment
There are job opportunities for longer periods of employment. Au-Pair work and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are popular ways to work for a long period of time abroad. You may be required to have certain qualifications and certificates to work in these positions, and placements tend to be done through agencies.

It is a good idea to ask around and get recommendations from other people who have already worked abroad.

National papers often carry opportunities for jobs abroad. EURES have all kinds of long-term and permanent employment prospects on their database. There are also several online employment agencies with worldwide vacancies.

Voluntary work
Overseas volunteering is a popular gap year activity. It is an excellent addition to your CV, particularly if the work is related to the area of work you wish to develop a career in.

This can help build up new job skills and knowledge.

It is important to do your research and choose an agency with a good reputation. There are gap year companies that are commercial companies that will ask you to pay a lot of money up front, and give you little help and support once you are out there. Be sure you are aware of who you are working for before you go.