International placements

The options for students looking for work experience abroad.

Every year, many students take the plunge and undertake an international placement experience. The main destinations are throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. International/overseas programmes offering opportunities to students are extensive, many of which focus on summer/vacation or ‘adventure type’ placements.

An international experience offers you all the advantages of regular work experience and also gives you the opportunity to see the world and experience other cultures and work environments. As well as being a great way of becoming fluent in another language, it shows your ability to be independent. For lots of students, international experience has provided a chance to do something different. What’s more, this is an interesting addition to your CV and can give you a competitive advantage when you’re applying for graduate jobs.

Finding opportunities

The internet makes it easy to organise work overseas and most organisations allow you to apply online for an information pack to be sent to you. Remember to find out:

  • Information from other participants – is there an online forum?
  • How long the company has existed
  • Examples of successful programmes
  • Cancellation terms for contracts – will you lose a deposit?
  • Whether travel insurance is included
  • What support is provided while you are away – is there an established network?