Hospitality offers fantastic opportunities for you to take the skills you've learned and use them abroad. Here are some tips to help make it a success...
Working in hospitality abroad requires a little research. Four of the most popular ways young people experience work abroad are:
- cruise ships
- holiday resorts
- ski resort
- safari lodges
What are the options?
Life on board a cruise ship can be an adventure, and the pay is generally quite good. If you have worked seven days a week on a six-month contract and done three contracts, you've shown that you've got what it takes. Few hotels or restaurants in the UK will turn you down if you have that amount of experience and diligence. Cruise ships prefer staff to be over 21.
UK ski fanatics usually head for the Alps. For ski and summer resorts you'll need to be at least 18 years old. Those who enjoy water sports and summer sun find it quite easy to get work in a Mediterranean country.
Working at a safari lodge in Africa may be something you try when you have more experience. But by doing so you'll prove to yourself and others you can do the job: things in Africa are more challenging from a hotel perspective.
How do I get started?
Do some research
Find out who operates abroad, and in which countries. If you've heard of a good company, have a look at its website. Ask around at your college or while on work placements to see who the best employers are.
Ski operators advertise in August and September, while the summer resorts start looking in January for the summer. Bear in mind that, with the exception of firms operating in Africa, most companies recruit staff at junior levels.
Check our complete listing of international vacancies.
What do I need to think about beforehand?
Have the right paperwork
For European work you need a current EU passport and a British national insurance number. Anyone working on a cruise ship that passes through a US port will need a multiple entry visa for the US. If you need to drive, it might be worth obtaining an International Driving Permit before you leave.
Check your work contract very carefully
Go over your medical insurance ? some policies require frequent medical check-ups to be valid. Make sure you're covered for water sports or winter sports as necessary. Find out if the employer will bear the cost of your return to the UK in an emergency.
Don't judge the salary at face value
In most cases your living accommodation will be provided for you, as well as many if not all, meals.
Seek tax advice
This could help you avoid paying tax unnecessarily. Also ask what happens when you return. Coming back in the wrong month could leave you liable for UK taxes unless you leave again fairly quickly. Ask a financial adviser for information on pensions and national insurance contributions.
What about when I come back?
Think about your career when you return. You may want to set up some interviews for your first week back. Talk to your prospective employer about how you've matured as a person during your time abroad. Tell them that's why you did it.
Be prepared to be flexible. Remember that whatever work you've done abroad, you will need to be flexible on your return to the UK you will need to be flexible.
Make the most of the skills you've developed dealing with guests and planning activities whilst overseas. These are your selling point; they are vital to the hospitality industry wherever you are, and employers will appreciate them.