Preparing for work abroad

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Go for a job abroad!

Being on your own in an unknown country, the excitement of a strange city, and maybe even the struggle of explaining yourself in a different language next to the fulfilment of making it on your own, money in your pocket and being on top of the world. That’s what working abroad can be like! But before you start packing your bags and kissing your family and friends goodbye, realise this: working in a different country requires a lot more that just enthusiasm and a fine CV.

The benefits of working overseas

When you travel overseas you will experience many things that attract you to a different way of life. If you have been living in NI or the UK for most of your life, the first thing that will strike you is the change in weather. Most countries will be a good couple of degrees warmer than you may be used to. The cultures in each country will probably be vastly different to anything that you may have experienced before, not to mention the countless delicacies that are available to tempt your palate.

Working overseas will provide you will all these new experiences along with the opportunity to travel the world and earn money at the same time.

Checklist

• Calculate what your living expenses will be;
• Take any inoculations for the country you are travelling to;
• Ensure all travel documents are up to date; be advised that some countries will require at least 6 months validity on your passport;
• Ensure that you have enough funding for the trip and for any emergencies that may occur;
• Take out medical insurance if necessary. Some companies may provide this as part of your remuneration package;
• Ensure that you have adequate supplies of any medication that you take regularly;
• Contact the company that you are working for and finalise accommodation, travel and work arrangements if this is possible;
• Make sure that all lines of communication are open, i.e. your mobile has international roaming enabled;
• Finally make sure you ring home regularly and that someone always knows where you are.