Working abroad can not only help you develop new skills, but will also help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs in the increasingly difficult graduate job market. Employers will be impressed by potential employees who have chosen to go abroad ? as it shows their initiative, experience adapting to different environments and willingness to try something new.
However, there are downsides to choosing to go abroad. Often, work experience placements can cost over ?1,000 and that's not always including flights, accommodation, food, visas or insurance.So here are some tips.
1. Make sure you research the companies hosting the potential work placements abroad EXTREMELY CAREFULLY, particularly their websites. The companies may even have open days which you can go to, to find out more details about the placements you are interested in.
2. Try to speak to someone who has done the placement previously ? as they will be more honest than one of its representatives.
3. Look into the city where the placement is based, in detail. What injections do you need? They are pretty pricey so remember to consider them when you are working out how much the whole trip will cost. Also look into other details about the city, for example how safe it is, what the area you will stay in is like, whether there is public transport, what there is to do on the weekend, what the nightlife is like and so on.
Therefore, if you are thinking about ways to stand out as well as interesting and different types of work experience, working abroad sounds ideal for you. Just remember to be careful, don't rush in to anything and consider all options and details before you confirm any placements!
