Working abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should have – including you! Work experience abroad is welcome by many employers and can help you start your (international) career. But that’s not all, because abroad you will also perfect your foreign language skills (#multilingual talent), you will gain valuable intercultural skills (#salary increase) and you will be able to make important contacts (#friendsforlife). In short: Even though it is a very scary step, working abroad really has so many advantages that I can’t list them any further.
If you are also convinced that you want to gain professional experience abroad, you should inform yourself carefully before you leave, because there is a lot to consider. Below you will find a list of 12 essential things that you should definitely know before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime and gaining valuable work experience abroad. These are the requirements for working abroad.
1. Learn everything about visas and work permits
Ok, this might be a bit boring since every country has its own visa requirements and work permits and everything is always described in such complex terms, but this step is really important. Find out exactly what regulations apply in the countries where you would like to work. Also be aware that both visas and work permits can cost money. It is best to find out exactly how you can get a visa and a work permit, how expensive both are, how long you can stay in the country with both, and what conditions are required on the official website of the country in which you would like to work.
2. Research living expenses & your potential salary
Step number two also takes a lot of time and planning – but it’s definitely worth it. While you may not know exactly how much money you make per month, you should still find out what the standard is for your profession in each country. Once you have figured that out, you should compare the average salary with the cost of living. Now your mathematical skills are required (sorry, but you have to!) because you have to calculate how much money is left of your potential salary at the end of the month (after all the taxes). Trust me, there really is nothing more depressing than being broke at the end of the month. Incidentally, this tip is not only a requirement when it comes to working abroad, but even in your home country things can vary greatly from city to city.
3. Figure out how to get a job and an apartment
Once you’ve decided on a city, find out how easy (or difficult) it is to find a job and accommodation there. Also research how long, how easy and how expensive it will approximately be to get to work. Sure, a car will probably always help you, but it can also get really expensive really quickly. Search for bus, train or tram connections. Or run – it’s always free.
**4. Think about how much free time you will have
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One of the reasons why you should work abroad is certainly to discover new, exciting countries and their culture. Both take time – the more, the better. Find out how many vacation days (and sick days!) are available to you in your desired country – as this may differ significantly from what you are used to in Germany. Working every day without being able to enjoy your free time will not only make you depressed, but will also make you very homesick. So keep in mind that you should also allow a few days (and money) a year to visit your family and/or friends from home.
5. Build a network
Having a network of friends (maybe even family?) in a new country is incredibly important. Before you leave, you should start making new friends. How? Well with social media of course! (This can also help you when looking for a job.) Follow people who work or live in your desired country and ask them for help and tips. It’s best to start with Twitter and LinkedIn, join various groups and forums and talk to expats and locals.
6. Learn more about your host country and its culture
When you’re on vacation in a foreign country, everything is a little better. I don’t want to scare you off, but you have to be aware that living in another country will never be as great as just visiting. Because once you live in your dream city, you have to pay taxes and bills, deal with annoying neighbors and delayed public transport, and even the golden sandy beach will no longer seem as attractive to you on the countless rainy days as it did on your last visit. Just be a little realistic with your ideas – but not pessimistic!
To help you with your decision (and your expectations), you should go to your desired country in advance for a longer period of time (perhaps a week or two) and then ask yourself honestly: Can I live here and would I be happy here ? Also use this time to meet with potential employers (even if it’s just to network), familiarize yourself with the different areas of the city, and get some tips and experiences from locals.
7. Find out how locals find work
Every country has a different way of getting a new job. Some people want to see your entire life story on paper, while others prefer to meet you in person. Find out how locals in your target country are most likely to find a job – e.g. can you do it on your own, through social media or do you have to apply through an employment agency?
8. Learn how to correctly write a CV and letter of motivation
Now that you know the best way to find a job, you should also figure out how to create the perfect resume and an impressive cover letter. For example, you should definitely know how much personal information you need to disclose and whether you need to include certain documents and/or references.
9. Find out about possible diplomas & certificates
Depending on your academic training, skills and work experience, your future employer may well ask you for certain diplomas or certificates – language certificates in particular are often necessary (and welcome!). The fact that you have to speak the local language is of course one of the requirements for working abroad. Therefore, find out in advance exactly which certifications you need for your professional sector. By the way, this also means that you have to invest a little more time and money in your plan to work abroad. By the way: If you need certification of your English skills, you can use the free online English test EFSET. This gives you an accurate assessment of your language level using the official scale of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).
10. Be prepared for things to be different
It’s not called for nothing: other countries, other customs. Exploring a new country is not only a new chapter in your life, but it also broadens your horizons and makes you more independent. However, you should definitely be prepared for the possibility of experiencing culture shock – especially if you emigrate to non-European countries. If this is the case, homesickness will soon set in and you will ask yourself “why?” But don’t worry, because this is completely normal and happens to all of us. Take it as a hurdle that you must overcome in order to grow, gain unforgettable experiences and simply become even more awesome.
11. Have a plan B
No, I really don’t want to dissuade you from your plan, but as someone who has moved around a lot in his life, I advise you to always (really ALWAYS!) have a plan B. For example, you should know in advance exactly how long you can and can legally stay in your desired country (here it’s about money again) without having a job. With that said, you should definitely save some money for emergencies too. And NO – the great pair of shoes or the delicious Frappuccions are definitely not one of them.
12. Let’s get started
What are you waiting for? If not now, then when?
