Last updated on Mar 20, 2024

What do you do if you want to gain international work experience?

If you want to gain international work experience, you might be wondering how to go about it. Working abroad can be a rewarding and enriching way to develop your skills, broaden your horizons, and advance your career. But it also comes with some challenges and opportunities that you need to prepare for. In this article, we will share some tips and advice on what you need to do if you want to work overseas.

1 Assess your goals and motivations

Before you start looking for international work opportunities, you need to ask yourself why you want to work abroad and what you hope to achieve. Do you want to learn a new language, culture, or industry? Do you want to boost your resume, network, or salary? Do you want to explore a new country, lifestyle, or adventure? Your goals and motivations will help you narrow down your options and align your expectations with reality. Be honest and realistic with yourself, and make sure you are ready for the challenges and trade-offs that working abroad entails.

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2 Research your target destinations and markets

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to gain from working abroad, you need to research the potential destinations and markets that suit your goals and skills. You need to consider factors such as visa requirements, work culture, cost of living, safety, language, and demand for your profession. You can use online resources, such as the World Bank, the CIA World Factbook, or the U.S. Department of State, to find reliable and updated information on different countries and regions. You can also network with people who have worked or are working in your target destinations, and ask them for insights and advice.

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James C.

Marketing | Digital | CRM | Marketing Automation |
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In addition to researching from conventional resources, make sure to also research from expat forums, on country/location specific subreddits on reddit, as well as reaching out to existing colleagues that may be based in your target destination. These are good resources to get a better understanding on unofficial information and nuances that may not be available in travel guides, news, and official websites.

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3 Update your resume and portfolio

To increase your chances of landing an international work opportunity, you need to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements in a clear and concise way. You need to tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific job and country you are applying for, and highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. You also need to make sure your resume and portfolio are formatted and written in a professional and appropriate way for your target market. For example, some countries prefer a one-page resume, while others expect a longer and more detailed one. Some countries also require a photo, a cover letter, or a reference letter.

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4 Explore different work options and opportunities

Exploring different work options and opportunities to gain international work experience can help you achieve your goals, depending on your skills and preferences. Working remotely, for example, gives you flexibility, autonomy, and diversity, but also requires discipline, communication, and self-motivation. Alternatively, you can apply for a job in a foreign company or organization, which provides stability, integration, and immersion. Additionally, you can volunteer or intern for a non-profit organization abroad for experience, impact, and learning. Finally, starting your own business or joining a startup in another country gives you creativity, innovation, and growth; however it also requires risk, investment and resilience.

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5 Prepare yourself for the transition and adaptation

Once you have secured an international work opportunity, you need to prepare yourself for the transition and adaptation to your new environment. You need to take care of the practical aspects, such as packing, booking, and arranging your travel, accommodation, and insurance. You also need to take care of the emotional and cultural aspects, such as saying goodbye to your family and friends, coping with culture shock, and building a new network and community. You need to be open-minded, curious, and respectful of the differences and similarities between your home and host cultures, and learn from your experiences and challenges.

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Serena Borghero
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Some ways to get started: -build a network around you, based on shared interests - make time for intentional social connection - pay attention to your family and partner as they adjust, especially if your partner followed you

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Working Abroad

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What do you do if you want to gain international work experience?

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3

4

5

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1 Assess your goals and motivations

2 Research your target destinations and markets

3 Update your resume and portfolio

4 Explore different work options and opportunities

5 Prepare yourself for the transition and adaptation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

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What do you do if you want to gain international work experience?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your goals and motivations

2 Research your target destinations and markets

3 Update your resume and portfolio

4 Explore different work options and opportunities

5 Prepare yourself for the transition and adaptation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

Rate this article

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