Overseas Employment

You may be considering an overseas employment for many reasons:

• A one in a life time adventure.
• A chance to gain in depth knowledge of
  another culture.
• To improve your foreign language skills.
• A preparation for an international career.
• Supporting yourself while studying abroad,
  or while traveling abroad
• Searching for internship abroad or for a seasonal work
• Volunteering abroad in order help a community in need.

However searching for the right work abroad can be daunting and overwhelming.

We have listed here some of the overseas job opportunities. Check them out, choose what suit your needs and situation, and continue to search it thoroughly, so you can make a knowledgeable decision.

Short term overseas job opportunities – This option is great for college students who are looking for a job during their holiday, or for young people who want to experience life overseas before taking on adults responsibilities.

Some of the options are – Au Pair, cruise jobs, camp counselors, ski instructors, scuba diver instructor, and catering hotel jobs.

International Internships – This is an excellent way to gain practical work experience in your career field while adding international experience to your resume. There are thousands of international internships positions available each year, and many of them are paid positions allowing you to live and work in all parts of the world.

Teaching English Abroad – Teaching English in a foreign country can be an incredible challenge, and a perfect way to experience the daily life and customs of other countries. Other than that it can be a fulfilling experience and a chance to impact the people you teach.

Volunteer Abroad Programs – If you are interested in what is happening in the world and wish to make a difference then consider the option of volunteering abroad. You will get to live and work in a community on the other side of the globe, and to put your energy and skills to good use.

Travel and Work – Are you planning to go on a long backpacking trip, but don’t have enough money to support your trip? Then the travel and work program is perfect for you. Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, offers work and travel programs - you get to travel peacefully in the country while working on a seasonal job.

International Careers – There are many global companies who are hiring professional employees for overseas positions. If you want to develop an international career, than you have to prepare your international experience as soon as possible. Many international employers look for overseas experience before they decide to hire you.

Whatever objectives you have for overseas employment, and whatever overseas job you choose there are similar challenges for all expatriates.

Although working overseas sounds glamorous and it is definitely interesting, stimulating, and rewarding. In reality it requires a lot of hard work, and a unique personality.

First, you have to be an adventurous person who knows how to deal with change, and enjoy it. You must be driven by curiosity and passion to learn other people's culture and way of living. Other than that, you have to know how to interact with people from other cultures in a cross-cultural work setting, and to be open to new experiences, and beliefs.

Think about what you like to do in your daily routine life; will you be able to keep on doing the same things in your new country, and if not how much are you going to miss it? How important is it for you spending time with relatives?

If you're married or plan on moving abroad with a partner then you must think about their needs; can your spouse find work in your new country? If not, can he/she find other ways to spend his/her time? How will your spouse develop a social network? What does your spouse want to gain from the overseas relocation?

If you have kids, consider how they will feel about relocating overseas. What are their needs? How will they make friends, learn the language?

Don't assume that things will be sorted out while you are already in your new country. Talk openly about everything, and if you can't find good answers or solutions then don't be afraid to cancel your plans for working overseas.

All is sorted out and you are ready for your overseas employment search.

But wait…. There are some

Resume - You have to write an excellent resume which is accurate, has no typos or grammar errors.
A professional resume that will pass the potential employer first scan, and will force him to read it thoroughly, instead of throwing it to the garbage.
You also have to realize that writing an international resume is not like writing a resume for your national labor market.

Cover letters - Write a one page cover letter that will draw the attention of the potential employer. Make sure to include in your cover letter: The job title you are applying for, how you found out about the job, why you are interested in the position, and what qualifies you to do the work

Interview Skills - Your cover letter and resume attracts your potential overseas employer's attention and he/she requests an interview. Make sure to prepare for the interview; research the company, practice answers to most likely interview questions, decide what to wear.

Congratulations! You were accepted to the overseas job position.

However there are…

• Do you need a work permit? Most countries will require that you obtain a work permit before you start your overseas job. It is important therefore that you check carefully the laws of the country you are planning to work in, what type of work visa you would need, and what is the duration of the work visa. Please note that in some countries the employer is responsible to arrange the work permit for you.
• Who is responsible to pay for the air tickets, you or your employer? Are you entitled for a paid (air tickets and hotel) home visit?
• What are the costs of living in the country you are moving to? Will you be paid enough to cover all your expenses? And will you have enough to open a saving account?
• Will your employer be responsible for yours and your family health and accident insurance? Do not leave for your overseas work before sorting this out.
• Make sure to sign a contract, and to read all the small letters. Do not hesitate to consult a lawyer. You wouldn't want to go on your overseas relocation, only to be laid off after a few months.