Information » World, Europe, UK & Wales » Working » Working in Europe
- More and more people from Britain are choosing to work abroad
- By 2020, it is estimated that an extra two million people will go abroad to work
- Many people choose to work outside of Britain for a new challenge, for a change or new experience and sometimes for a better quality of life
- There are many opportunities you can explore if you want to work or volunteer in Europe
Things to consider before you leave
- Contact your local job centre for more information on working in Europe before you leave. They will help you find work abroad and explain what your rights are
- Before you leave, plan where you will live and much your trip will cost
- You may want to travel to the country you would like to work in to look for work. You will also be able to see exactly what the country is like and decide where you would like to live
- When applying for jobs abroad, put together a CV and list your qualifications, skills and work experience. You may want to do your own job-hunting to find somewhere to work
- Be aware that different countries have different ways of writing CVs and letters
- Find out if you will need to speak another language during your time in Europe. You may find it is not essential but you should consider learning the native language to enhance your experience
- The more you try and understand about the country you're visiting, the better your experience will be. Do your research and find out about the country before you go
- If you are looking to get a new job abroad or do a work placement, see the links below for more information
Regulations
- Some countries in Europe that are not part of the EU have restrictive laws regarding the employment of people who are not from that country. Your local job centre will help you with more information
- Some countries will require you to have a Visa or work permit in order to work abroad. See the section on WORK VISAS AND PERMITS for more information
- It is a good idea to contact the UK based Embassy for that particular country. They will be able to give you information on visas, work permits, benefits and necessary qualifications
- If you want to work in a country which is a member of the EU, you should get equal treatment with nationals. Your local careers centre will be able to give you advice
Voluntary Work
- Volunteering abroad is a great way to build your confidence and experience
- Make sure you pick a reputable agency to help find you a placement. The best thing to do is speak to other people who have done something similar or research online
