Sport and leisure : Opportunities abroad

 What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Sport and leisure is a global business requiring skilled personnel. Overseas opportunities are available for lifeguards, recreation managers, fitness instructors, studio group instructors, personal trainers, group exercise coordinators, sales/leisure managers and PR and marketing managers.

The betting, gaming and theme park industries mainly have positions in trading, developing online games, marketing, finance, customer services management, duty and general management, HR and for bilingual internet operators and croupiers.

The norm for those on graduate schemes with multinational employers is to complete the scheme in the UK before being temporarily seconded abroad. Permanent relocation is rare but may be possible on request.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Recognised qualifications and work experience are generally transferable across European Union (EU) countries.  Countries outside the EU, in particular the USA, may require qualified individuals to pass an additional federal state examination for certain occupations. Physiotherapists, for example, may be able to obtain temporary employment via the US Certificate for Healthcare Workers.

In 2006, the registers of exercise professionals of the UK and Europe, New Zealand and Australia (Fitness Australia) signed the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPS), agreeing to work together to provide an international passport for fitness professionals in other countries.

The International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPS) also has mutual qualification recognition with North and South America.

A good knowledge of foreign languages is often necessary when searching for jobs abroad, particularly in Europe.

Where are the opportunities?

Working for one of the larger multi-national chains may offer more opportunities to work worldwide. This may be advertised as part of their graduate scheme or once you are already employed by the company. There are also opportunities working on cruise ships and in resorts that may offer the opportunity to travel.