Seeking and Undertaking Overseas Work Experience Opportunities

Making the most of working abroad The prospect of working abroad can appear daunting and with so many opportunities and companies offering the experience of a lifetime it is important to thoroughly research and ensure that the company you decide to work with is reputable and offers what you need/want from your experience. This guide gives an overview of the type of work experience that is available outside of the UK. Types of overseas opportunities Volunteering Organisations offer students the chance to work on a project which can range from helping local villages to conservation work. Paid part time Work can be found in tourist attractions or local services. Internships These are usually only a few weeks in length usually 1-12 weeks and are often during vacation periods. Placements Typically for up to 12 months between second and final year of university or the first year after graduation. Graduate roles Once within a graduate scheme there may be the opportunity to commence working abroad or move abroad after initial start up in the UK. Summer camps

Types of companies Charities Employ volunteers to work on projects or fundraising Multinational organisations Provide internships or opportunities for placements Local companies Such as leisure and hospitality roles. Teaching Study courses in Teaching English as Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). There are many organisations that provide a service to place you within a role. BUNAC are an example of such a company who act to provide help and support finding a role in your chosen country. Please note that these companies will often charge a fee for their services. We suggest students do their own research into companies and ensure that they understand the service they will receive and what their money is used for.

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Why work overseas? It is an opportunity to gain new skills Experience and understand new cultures Learn or use existing language skills Develop career prospects Experience for your chosen career Use your skills and develop them in a new environment.

What you need to think about: How long do you want to be away for? Does the role you have cover this time or will there be time for travelling/holidaying? Consider what will suit you the most for your future career and your personality, make sure you will be happy doing the work and working with others. Travel to your destination Do you need to arrange transfers? Is air travel provided in the cost? Do you need to arrange a flight and travel to accommodation? Will there be a guide? How far from the airport/train station/port is your accommodation? The location Where will you be based, is there suitable accommodation near by? Where is the nearest British embassy, are there police and other services located near by? Accommodation The standard, what type of place it is, is it in a safe location, are there sufficient local amenities, and is it secure with safe surroundings? Travel arrangements Will they provide travel to work, how expensive will travelling cost, are there sufficient transport links. Will you be working with a group of people or on your own, will these people be living close by You need to choose whether you will prefer to be in a tourist location with tourist facilities or in a local community where you will experience different cultures. You need to consider if you prefer part time or full time work? Would you like to be working indoors or outdoors, would you like to work for a charity or a private organisation? What your pay will be (if any) and how often? Will this cover all costs of living?

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Will you be provided with materials? Or will you need to take these with you? Find out if you are teaching, the facilities and the type of class, age range, type of school, location. Research the rules and ethos of the school. Will your work require speaking English? A foreign language? Or both? Is help provided with translation? Will you be working within an English speaking company? Will you be assigned a mentor? Will you need training for your role? When will this take place? Research the country and area you are travelling to Go on www.fco.gov.uk The Foreign and Commonwealth office have up to date guidelines and advice for travelling abroad. Research the company What do your costs cover, are they a registered charity? See Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and Charities Commission for England & Wales

Before you travel: Give all details and information including work and living accommodation to next of kin and friends so they can keep contact. You need to have insurance relevant for the country and type of work. Have everything copied Leave a photocopy of contract, passport, insurance, travel documents at home. Make sure you have all vaccinations up to date. Try to speak to somebody who has worked with a company to find more details and get as much information as possible from a company representative.

Where to find vacancies and more information You can find vacancies by logging onto the Universitys online careers service http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers/vacancies You can see our notice board outside of the University Careers and Employability Centre for a selection of some of the opportunities offered Look at www.prospects.ac.uk Take a look at the country specific web pages on Prospects they provide detailed information regarding working and studying in different countries: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_working_an d_studying_abroad/Country_specific_information/p!ejFamp

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