Working abroad: Vacancies abroad
Where to look for vacancies will vary from country to country, but here are some good starting points wherever you want to work...
Where to find vacancies
- Country profiles - provide information on the job market and sources of vacancies for countries worldwide.
- EURES Job Search
- has a huge database of jobs from more than 30 European countries.
- Eurograduate - The European Graduate Career Guide
- lists vacancies in Europe and worldwide.
- Europages
and Kompass
- online directories with links to companies in Europe and worldwide.
- Jobs Abroad
- provides a database of job vacancies around the world.
- International Job Online
- vacancies and careers information particularly aimed at international students and those seeking work overseas after graduation.
- Professional online journals, magazines and newspapers usually have a jobs section. Look at these to see which employers are active in your chosen country or area.
- Use the websites of professional bodies for the sector you want to work in. If you can't find the appropriate organisation, contact the UK equivalent for suggestions.
International organisations
- Vacancies with major international organisations are advertised either in the national press, in professional journals or on their own websites. While some do have schemes for recent graduates, the majority of vacancies are for specialists or those who are well-established in their career.
- The British Council
- advertises jobs in TEFL and education generally, as well as a range of consultancy posts in finance, health and the environment. They also work on arts events in over 100 countries and have contacts for those in the creative sector wishing to work abroad. There are also a few opportunities to staff British Council offices overseas, although these tend to be for people with extensive work experience.
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
- the world's largest particle physics laboratory (based in Switzerland) offers a range of career opportunities of varying time periods for undergraduates, graduates and experienced researchers in particle physics, computer science, engineering and mathematics.
- European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)
- organises open competitions to select highly qualified staff for recruitment to all institutions of the European Union (EU).
- European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages)
- operates an in-service training and work attachment programme enabling recent university graduates to gain first-hand experience of the workings of EU institutions. Traineeships last for about five months and start either in March or October.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- offers a variety of programmes, including their Research Assistants Programme (for new graduates with a 'superior academic record') and their Fund Internship programme (for PhD students specialising in macroeconomics or a related field). There's also the IMF's Economist Program (EP), where participants typically either have a PhD or are studying for one.
- United Nations (UN)
- offers a range of opportunities, including programmes for young professionals, associate experts, internships and volunteers, as well as temporary jobs. Roles in specific divisions, such as The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
, are advertised on the divisions' own websites.
- The World Bank
- operates the Young Professionals Program for the recruitment of people under the age of 32 for two-year postings. Applicants must specialise in a field relevant to the World Bank's operations and have significant, relevant professional experience or continued academic study at Doctoral level.
AGCAS
Sourced by Suzanne Agnew, University of Edinburgh
