Hospitality : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

• The hospitality sector is truly international, and skills and experience gained in one country can be used in similar jobs throughout the world. 
• In recent years, both increasing globalisation and the relaxation of border controls within the European Union have resulted in more opportunities to travel and work overseas.
• Temporary seasonal work in the sector is often available in restaurants and bars in tourist areas.
• Your chances of finding a job overseas and developing your career in another country rely heavily on your language skills and cultural sensitivity.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Relevant experience and qualifications are portable around the world, although language skills will increase the opportunities available.

Where are the opportunities?

• The hotel industry is a particularly big employer, as many hotel groups are international and provide opportunities to move around the world.
• International employment schemes have been designed to give students experience of working overseas, and many of the sector’s graduate training schemes also include international placements.
• Overseas hospitality jobs are advertised on a range of websites such as Caterer Global  and EURES - European Job Mobility Portal . 
• Job descriptions and vacancies on cruiseliners can be found at International Cruise Services  and Seabourn careers . 
• If you are looking for temporary work overseas in restaurants and hotels you could either approach employers when you arrive or arrange an organised placement before you go.
• A wide range of UK organisations help students find temporary hospitality work overseas during the summer vacations, such as BUNAC  and Camp Counselors (CC USA) .

For further information see country profiles, working abroad and graduate job search.