There are different ways to move abroad for a certain period of time that vary from one country to another, depending on your age and criteria . Internships, opportunities given by governments, such as the Working Holiday Visa (WHV), volunteering positions, studying or teaching a foreign language, and studying a degree, or part of it are some of the most common options to consider as a young expatriate. But let's explore them together.
Internships abroad: Start your career abroad
An internship abroad can be a well-thought way to boost your CV, and set foot in the labour market while you are discovering a new country, a new culture, and a different work mentality. Internships usually last between three and twelve months, and allow you to gain experience in your field of studies within a private small, medium or large enterprise, a public body, a foundation or a non-profit organisation. Along with practical training, you will also be able to develop your language and individual skills by having to adapt to a new environment away from the convenience of home.
In general, you need to be enrolled in a university or other higher education institution to be eligible for an internship abroad. The internship has to be approved both by your university and the company that is willing to take you on board, but finding the internship is your responsibility, as making sure that you have all the needed documents for your departure: passport, visa, health insurance, funds to support yourself during your stay, etc.
In some countries, internships are considered as a job, so you are entitled to a minimum salary while in others, unpaid internships are a common practice with a small compensation from your employer. In all cases, the ease of finding an internship may depend on the country. In Italy, for example, non students are also eligible for an internship following an agreement in this regard. On the other hand, some countries such as the United Arab Emirates do not recognise trainees. In fact, local employers are often reluctant to hire trainees given long and complicated formalities, such as obtaining an employment contract, work visas, and work permits.
WHV: Combining work and holidays abroad
What about going on holiday abroad with the possibility to make some extra money? Specially designed for young people aged between 18 to 31 (or even older in some cases), the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) gives you the opportunity to travel abroad with your main goal being holidays, but you are also eligible to work. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, France, and Ireland are, to date, the most popular WHV countries. Nationals of some fifty countries can apply for this visa, if they wish to spend a year or two in a country upon agreement with their home country.
One of the benefits of the WHV is that it involves less paperwork than other visa types — you need to fit in the age requirements, have a valid passport, subscribe to a health insurance, and have sufficient funds to support yourself during the first three months in the destination country. You don't need particular qualifications, skills or experience, and you don't need to find a job before moving, as the main purpose of your stay should be holidays.
Volunteering abroad: Benefit others and yourself
Nowadays, many schools worldwide provide service-learning programs allowing students to volunteer abroad. Although international volunteering does not involve any financial gains, personal and professional satisfaction is guaranteed. Indeed, you will not only be able to discover new cultures but also learn and develop your skills by serving the community. Volunteering is also a way to make contacts that might be useful once you are an active job seeker.
An increasing number of students and young graduates have been opting for volunteering programs over the years, particularly in Africa and Asia. Working on social development projects with local organisations such as orphanages, schools, and hospitals will definitely be an asset on your CV. While volunteering remains an unpaid altruistic activity, you may still obtain a small monthly allowance, or accommodation.
Teaching a foreign language abroad: Overcoming the language barriers
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be either a part-time or full-time job, or a volunteering position. The requirements involve teaching children or adults whose first language is not English. Developing countries provide many opportunities to college students and graduates who are willing to teach on a voluntary basis while an allowance and accommodation are usually provided.
Countries such as China, South Korea, and Czech Republic are welcoming on a large scale TEFL candidates to fill full-time positions in their private or public schools and universities. Contracts for such placements are usually covering one to two years, and often come with bonuses — accommodation and transport allowance, one return flight, and long school holidays. But what TEFL teachers find the most attractive part of this job is the interaction with the local community, overcoming the language barrier (students often don't speak any English), and the extra-curricular activities.
Studying a foreign language abroad: Put your knowledge into practice
Have you considered learning Chinese in China, Italian in Italy, and French in France? A language-learning program abroad comes with a unique benefit — native speakers all around you. Being restricted to a language for several weeks or months, will develop your skills around it, and will definitely help you become more fluent in less time. Studying a language in the country where it's widely spoken, is also a way to learn about the culture it represents, and the customs and values it expresses.
Learning a foreign language abroad can potentially be helpful for your career, especially if you are looking forward to work abroad. Having a good command of at least one foreign language is almost a prerequisite for landing a job nowadays, whether in your home country or abroad.
The above is a resume of the most common ways for young people to move abroad. We advise you to confirm that you are dealing with an official and accredited organisation before committing. So, if you feel this article has been useful, we wish you all the best in your future plans!
