Working abroad can be a transformative experience for anyone, but especially students. Whether you’re a school leaver or already at university, spending a summer abroad unlocks a world of personal and professional growth (not to mention memories that will last a lifetime). Here’s why all students should consider doing it.
- Broaden your horizons
While there’s not much chance during term time, travelling is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons. You get to explore new countries, cities and cultures – and have a whole lot of fun!
The sense of perspective that you get from getting out and seeing the world while you’re young will aid you throughout the rest of your life. That’s one of the reasons why spending time abroad is a big priority for so many students.
- Earn money
Generally speaking, students aren’t exactly renowned for their huge pockets. That student loan can only stretch so far – so why not top it up while you have time off over summer?
Working abroad means you can support yourself during overseas adventures… and hopefully even have some left over for when you get back home.
- Boost your CV
Getting a summer job abroad will plug gaps in your CV and impress any future employers. While you could spend your summer lounging around, choosing to work shows initiative and drive – two highly sought-after qualities in the job market.
By gaining international work experience, you’ll also demonstrate adaptability and cultural awareness. In our increasingly global society, the perspective that having worked abroad brings is becoming more and more valuable.
- The sunshine
Summer should be an exciting time full of fun and socialisation. Unfortunately, the dreary UK weather often has other ideas. To save your summer from being a bit ‘meh’, escape somewhere hot and let the good times begin!
You’ll spend your days on the beach, sit outside late into the night without getting chilly, and develop a tan so deep that it’ll still be there next summer. Where can we sign up?
- Make friends
Working in a foreign country exposes you to people you’d never otherwise meet. You can enrich your social circle and make friends from all over the world.
But if you’re anxious about being in a foreign place, don’t fret. Lots of British students work in popular European holiday resorts over summer, so there will be plenty of familiar accents around. You can make friends with fellow Brits and meet up to discuss your wild adventures once you get home!
- The partying
One of the biggest draws of working abroad over summer is the clubbing. If you get a job in Ibiza, Ayia Napa or other similar places, you’ll be surrounded day and night by a party atmosphere.
The clubs at uni tend to get quiet over summer, so it’s the perfect way to keep your tolerance levels up in time for freshers week when you return.
- Practice for the workplace
The type of work you do when abroad might be different to the work you plan to do after uni, but there are still plenty of transferrable skills you’ll be able to take with you.
All jobs require problem solving and interpersonal skills to some degree, so nailing these down now will set you up for the future. You’ll also learn how to adapt to a new community and hopefully boost your confidence by getting some workplace experience.
- Learn a language
When you work in a foreign country, you become completely immersed in a new language. You interact with locals on a daily basis, which makes learning both enjoyable and practical.
Ok, so a month abroad probably isn’t enough time to learn to speak a language even close to fluently. But you’d be surprised at how much you can pick up when you’re exposed to it 24/7.
- Support your university application
For those not yet at university or college, spending a summer working abroad can do wonders for your application. It showcases your independence, maturity and willingness to embrace new challenges.
- Avoid having to go home for summer
The end of term often means packing up your stuff from student halls and trudging back to your hometown for summer. Deciding to break away from the usual routine and do something different with your summer will free you from mundanity and the annoyance of being watched over by your parents.
- You won’t always have the opportunity!
In university, you have the freedom and flexibility to embark on adventures during your summer break. Once you enter the workforce, there’s sadly no such thing as a summer break and your free time becomes a lot more limited.
That’s why seizing the opportunity and spending a whole summer abroad while you still can is so important. For a lot of people, it’s a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
What jobs can students get abroad?
Students can get a variety of jobs abroad, depending on their skills, qualifications and experience. Each individual country’s employment laws also affect which kinds of roles foreign workers are eligible for.
Some of the most popular temporary jobs for students working abroad are:
- Holiday rep
- Bar staff
- Waiter/waitress
- English teacher
- Farmworker
- Summer camp coordinator
- Au pair
- Ski resort worker
Students looking to replicate the party lifestyle of freshers are best opting for jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries. This is where you’ll find the most like-minded people and have the freedom to stay out all night.
Find summer jobs abroad for students
How to get a summer job abroad
The first step in getting a summer job abroad is to decide where it is you want to go. First-time summer season workers often enjoy going to places like Magaluf and Zante, which are known for their nightlife and don’t feel too far away from home.
Once you’ve decided on your dream location, you can apply for your spot in our workers’ accommodation. From there, we’ll tell you everything you need to do secure work when you arrive. Once you land, it’s up to you to start making memories!
