Armed forces and emergency services : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Armed forces

Many armed forces officers work in the UK, but there are also opportunities for prolonged periods abroad or on board ship. The armed forces are deployed at various locations around the world, in over 80 countries. They play a vital role in peacekeeping and humanitarian aid overseas. Representation ranges from single or small groups of military advisers to full operational deployments. The frequency and length of a posting depend on job and rank, varying from 4-6 months for an operational detachment to up to four years for a staff posting at a senior level.

Emergency services

There are opportunities for police officers to work abroad and there are numerous exchange visits with countries all around the world. Depending upon the role, some investigations also take officers abroad.

Overseas work or travel is less common in the ambulance and fire and rescue services, although opportunities do exist. 

Will my qualification be recognised?

UK paramedics can find work abroad, mainly in the European Union (EU) countries, where EU directives mean that any professional who has undertaken a qualification of more than three years’ duration is automatically entitled to apply for vacancies in member states. For non-EU countries you would need to find out the requirements of the country you would like to work in, in order to be able to practise.

Where are the opportunities?

The armed forces take part in exercises overseas, for example, jungle training courses in Belize and training other armies, such as in Sierra Leone. The armed forces are currently involved in international security assistance in Afghanistan as well reconstruction and nation-building tasks there.

A number of exchange schemes operate with the US Army and there are also liaison and diplomatic posts in major US cities. Exercises with US Army personnel take place regularly at bases across America.

At present, British police officers are working in Iraq, the Balkans, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan.

Voluntary organisations such as Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)  and the British Red Cross  employ a wide range of ambulance staff and firefighters, as do the armed forces and also large companies and private healthcare companies who operate abroad. 

Paramedics can also find work in the Gulf states, America, Canada and Commonwealth countries.

Most of the vacancies with VSO and the Red Cross are in Africa or South America.