Working Abroad Wisely: The Do’s and Don’ts

Working abroad could be the ideal solution to you being able to travel for long periods of time. Maybe you’re planning a gap year, backpacking trip, or just fancy a long holiday? There is a lot to think about when planning to work abroad. So, we’ve put together the top do’s and don’ts for you to travel, with confidence!

Do Visit the Visa Requirements Page

Every country will have different requirements when it comes to working abroad, so it is crucial you check every country you’re going to. For example, Australia has long been a popular backpacking destination. If you’re travelling here and intend to work, you’ll need an appropriate visa depending on what you’re doing. The visa will cost anywhere from 694 AUD up to 4352 AUD (approximately £338 – £2,124), but this does depend on the type of visa you need. It is important to factor these extra costs into your planning and make sure you have enough time to apply as it can take a few weeks or even months to hear back. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Here is a list of countries that need a visa when working abroad:

1. Australia
2. Dubai (UAE)
3. USA
4. Spain
5. Greece
6. Thailand
7. Italy
8. Sweden

Be aware that the advice changes depending on what jobs you will be doing abroad, how long for and other factors. Always check the FCDO website (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) for up-to-date travel information so you don’t get caught out.

Do Your Reseacrh

Planning for these working holidays can be fun, with trying to decide what activities you want to do. Make sure you do your research, as some working activities may have hidden requirements. For instance, if you wanted to go working abroad with animals, you could volunteer with elephants in Thailand. However, it specifies that you should be ready for long hikes to see the elephants. Plus, you may be doing other things, such as teaching jobs in the local schools. For ethical reasons, you’ll not be touching the elephants either, but it promises to be a very rewarding experience.

Do Embrace Local Customs

Wherever you decide to work abroad, make sure you find time to explore and embrace some of the local customs. For example, if you decided to travel to Greece to work as a hotel entertainer, you could spend your free time exploring. Greece in particular is filled with unique cultural spots and beautiful old towns. Try some of their local delicacies and by working there, you will get to know the hidden gems of the country.

Don’t Rush the Process

It can be tempting to book the first deal you find and travel as quickly as possible, but sometimes it pays to wait. If you’re planning to travel for 12 months, taking time to plan it thoroughly is a no-brainer. Australia is another top working abroad holiday and as we mentioned earlier, it takes time to get your visa. This is the ideal place to try out a new skill, like learning how to surf at Bondi Beach. This also means making sure you have travel insurance to cover these activities. Thankfully, surfing is included as standard with our Longstay & Gap Year policy.

Don’t Assume

Sometimes we can assume that things will be included in the price. This is not always the case. A lot of working abroad programs will tell you to get travel insurance but won’t provide it themselves. We’ve put together a travel checklist for your working abroad holiday:

1. Check the visa and entry requirements – How long will it take to apply for a visa? Are there any other entry requirements?
2. Take out travel insurance ASAYB (As Soon As You Book) – Taking out insurance straight away means you are covered in case you need to cancel for unexpected reasons.
3. Check your travel documents – Is your passport up to date? Does your insurance cover all of the activities you need it to?
4. Medication – Do you have enough medication to take? Check how the country wants you to bring it. Should it be in the hold or hand luggage? We suggest splitting it between both bags, so you have a supply even if one bag is lost.
5. Documents – Take a copy of your insurance and tell a trusted person who you’re insured with just in case.
6. Research – Do you have the right travel adaptors? Have you had the required vaccinations?
7. Prepare – Take more than you need, pack more clothes in your hand luggage in case of emergency. If you just have hand luggage, have you checked your liquids allowance? Are you going to need to buy toiletries in the airport?

Don’t Forget Insurance

Travel Insurance is the best thing you can pack for your working abroad holiday. Taking it out as soon as you’ve booked means you will be covered for cancellation, protecting your money. Plus, there is a 24-hour emergency helpline should anything happen while you’re away.

Insurance can save you from hefty medical costs. For example, if you were to have a quad bike accident in Greece and require surgery, it will cost approximately £80,000. No one likes to think something will happen on holiday, but can you afford the alternative? Get a quick quote for our Longstay & Gap Year policy today.