The Challenge "Working abroad"
Nothing is better than working abroad to broaden the mind, learn languages or
improve professional skills. Therefore, working abroad has always been a tradition
within the hospitalityindustry.
What is the minimum pre-requisites to get a job abroard?
a solide professional education
very good knowledge of the English language
a certain amount of professional experience
When is the right time to start a career aboard?
Our recommendation for young professionals who just finished their education is:
"After completing the professional education (usually in one's own country, e.g.
an apprenticeship) continue to work in your OWN country for another one to two years.
This period provides the opportunity to acquire the necessary practical experience and
also to put aside some money (living abroad without a penny in a pocket is hazardous!).
Also, make use of this time to learn more than the basic knowledge of English. This
language should be well mastered for an international career.
Where to work?
Opportunities are available worldwide but each country / area has some specific attributes
that should be considered. Ask yourself for example:
- Am I able to work in a country where the daily temperature is 40 degrees Celsius or above?
- Am I able to live and work in very remote location (Maldives or similar location)?
- Am I willing to accept certain restrictions in my personal freedom?
- If you would like to travel with your family:
- is the country / area appropriate for the whole family (for example restriction on personal
freedom, including your partner and/or children)
- is my partner able to work in this particular country?
- is there an international or other adequate schooling available?
- is the accomodation offered adequate for a family?
Before thinking about goint to work abroad:
Inform yourself thoroughly, e.g.:
- Check out web-sites for information about jobs, salaries and cultural expectations
of the country you wish to go - Read travel guides
- Obtain information from tourist offices, embassy, etc.
- Try to obtain information directly from expatriates who have lived and
worked in the country
Conditions of employment in Europe:
Generally open-end contract with gross salary, usually no accommodation and no travel
expenses reimbursed. Employee pays his share of the insurance and social benefits as
well as income taxes.
5 or 6 days working
Conditions of employment outside Europe:
Open-end or 1 to 2 years contract with a net salary (free of taxes) and an expatriate
package including, accommodation, flights to the country of employment, a flight home
once a year, medical costs, laundry costs, meals on duty, etc.
6 days working – 1 day off
Work permit: The employer will undertake the necessary procedure for the permit
application. The employee is usually required to send passport photos, copies of
professional education diplomas or work certificates (need to be certified for certain countries),
a signed letter of offer, a copy of the passport, etc.
Very often, the work permit or visa must be collected personally at the embassy.
Other important facts to be taken into consideration!
- Stability on the CV becomes more and more important. Employers are often
not considering candidates who are « jumping » from job to job.
2 years contract / stay is a minimum for middle and upper management position. - Married couples with family should be aware that opportunities are limited due to
the costs involved - Unmarried couples often have trouble to find jobs together
- Short term employment (except in seasonal resorts and on cruise ships) is not common,
assignments abroad are usually for one year at least or longer - Make sure that private affairs at home are in order before leaving