Britain may be leaving the EU, but there’s no need to close the door on living the dream abroad. Whatever corner of the globe you’ve set your heart on, there’s still a whole host of work and study placements abroad for Brits that are just too enticing to miss – plus jobs, programmes, exchanges and more.
If you’re panicking about your gap year, you’ll find some fantastic and legitimate programmes in the list, too, along with some international jobs for freshers who are feeling the pinch.
I’ve taken the hard work out of the search by putting together an ultimate list of some of the best opportunities that are out there, so that you can grab them with both hands.
Think these are the same ideas every website has? Keep reading…
Everything here is paid, or at least offers reimbursement of costs, an allowance, or maybe jobs abroad with accommodation for free, because I think that if you give up your time you should at least be able to survive without living off savings.
Work and study placements abroad for Brits
It’s out there and it’s closer than you think.
Are you a student?
Work and study abroad placements for students (including summer jobs abroad)
Internships for broke students
Not a student? Looking for graduate jobs abroad?
Opportunities for those who hate desks
Jobs abroad that could be a real career move
Always keep in mind that there are so many ways to teach abroad in a host of different countries – including this guide to teaching in Portugal
I want… to swap studying in UK with the experience of a lifetime
1. Student in Northern Ireland? Study business in the US for an absolute steal
Age: 18+
Duration: one academic year
Cost: £1500 fee, waived if you receive a maintenance grant
Who is it for? Current students at a Northern Irish university or college. So, you don’t have to be Northern Irish yourself, but only studying there.
https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa
There’s 140 destinations across the US up for grabs and a lot of fees are covered for you on the programme, including all of your tuition fees and your flight. Frankly, I’d jump at the chance!
2. Study Mandarin in China- fully funded
Age: 18+
Duration: 3 weeks in the summer
Cost: Your transfers, accommodation and classes are funding but you do need to pay your flights, visa and insurance.
Who is it for? Full time students
https://www.studychina.org.uk/
Three weeks on the other side of the world, a programme of classes and workshops and plenty of career building opportunities. China is jammed with great opportunities for exploring an incredible new culture.
3. Techie student? Train with IAESTE
Age: 18+
Duration: Long term
Cost: Salaried
Who is it for? Undergrad science and engineering students
Traineeships that can put you at the head of the pack careerwise, and all paid. Get in.
4. Study around Europe with Erasmus+
Age: 18+
Duration: 3 – 12 months
Cost: Grants are available to help cover your costs.
Who is it for? Brits studying a degree course full or part time or doing a vocational course
Ah the grand-daddy of all study opportunities, this one goes hand in hand with every language degree! What you might not know, however, is that the programme’s facing a potential swift chop in 2020 in line with Brexit. So, if you’re going to do it – now’s the time!
5. Study in Denmark
Age: 18+
Duration: Any length
Cost: Tuition fees are likely to be nil, but normal living costs apply.
The word is out that Denmark is home to not only great pastries, but a tonne of great universities. And the fees back home are crushing, so that’s an offer anyone would jump at. There are no tuition fees for EU citizens (like us!) or for anyone on an exchange, so go quick. International students or employees also receive free Danish lessons!
6. Studying or working in horticulture? Take a trip to the world’s gardens with The Merlin Trust
Age: 18+
Duration: Short term
Cost/Salary: Fully funded
Who is it for? Current students, studying in the UK, or in the first five years of your horticulture career
7. Flex your postgrad skills in America with Fulbright
Age: 18+
Duration: Your full degree, or the time it takes to do an academic project
Cost: A scholarship is available to help cover your costs, it may cover all of your fees!
Who is it for? Postgrad students who are Brits and obtained at least a 2:1 for their degree.
Did you know that there are Fulbright opportunities for Brits? Every year, hundreds get selected to live the American dream. This award also does amazing things for your academic cred, so it’s a real winner.
8. Get the full summer camp experience in America with BUNAC
Age: 18+
Duration: a summer
Cost: Grants are available to cover your costs.
Who is it for? Undergrad students
What can you do? Camp counsellor on an American camp, sports instructor or a footie coach.
9. Work abroad with Erasmus+ in one of 32 countries
Age: 18+
Duration: 3 – 12 months
Cost: Grants of up to €300 to €350 per month.
Who is it for? Undergrad students, those on short vocational courses, apprentices
https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/study-abroad
I can’t be the only one whose heart starts beating fast at the idea of experiencing life abroad with all the support of a paid work experience position or traineeship in place! Europe will be your oyster as you pick out a new location.
To get started, have a chat with your school or home organisation and visit https://erasmusintern.org/ to shop around for a role that might suit. Now’s the time because Erasmus+ is facing an uncertain post-Brexit future.
I want to… intern globally!
10. Student in bonny Scotland? Intern around the globe!
Age: 18+
Duration: 12 weeks, starting in the second week of June.
Cost: Fully funded
Who is it for? Students, you must be studying in Scotland, but you don’t have to have a UK passport
https://www.entrepreneurialscotland.com/saltire-scholar-internship-programme-interns
From fighting legal cases in the skyscrapers of Hong Kong to killing it with marketing on Canada’s shores, the jobs are kind of endless here. And all in your summer holidays?!
11. Intern in the US and get your foot on the ladder
Age: 18+
Duration: Up to a year
Cost: Visa fees, flights and sponsor fees
Who is it for? Students of any nationality studying in the UK, or Brits studying abroad
Why doesn’t anyone tell you that you’re eligible to intern for a whole 365 days in America on a J-1 visa? It’s a bloomin’ oversight! Here’s what you do – sell your skills to an employer on sites like Glassdoor.com or internjobs.com, get the J-1 visa granted while in the UK and use a recognised sponsor. Try ISTplus or good ol’ BUNAC. Simple pimple!
12.Take an exciting leap of faith with Blind Applying
Age: 18+
Duration: Various
Cost/Salary: Paid, but salaries vary.
Who is it for? Current students
If you just can’t choose what you want to do, or where you want to go, there is another way. Blind Applying offers nothing but paid internships and they can be anywhere in the world and doing damn near anything. You add your CV, sit back and wait to be matched with something suitable.
I want…the opposite of an office job!
13. Fly the flag with Americamp
Age: 18+
Duration: a summer
Cost: Programme fees of approx £300 and you’ll need to cover your own visas, flight and insurance. To offset that, you’ll earn $1500+
Who is it for? Brits!
Choose between working as a camp counsellor, activity counsellor (if you have special skill to teach, like sailing), support staff or special needs counsellors. You’re aiming for a summer that is anything but ordinary, full of quirky experiences and time spent looking after kids, and a chance to travel the US afterwards with what you’ve earnt.
14. Winter jobs abroad in Canada’s snowy mountains
Age: 18 – 30
Duration: Short term
Cost: Most posts often a reasonable salary, help you find accommodation and your first skiing cert. The programme fee is £180.
Who is it for? Outdoor enthusiasts with ski boots.
OysterWorldwide is packed with paid roles in hospitality or just plain skiing that centre on being somewhere snowy in a mountain. But we’re Brits, we’d never panic over snow, right?! (hollow laughter)
15. Become an expedition leader with Globalforce – from Wales to the world
Age: 18+
Duration: 3 months
Cost: Fees of £8100 for all the training
Who is it for? Brits
Admittedly the fees are high here, but this deserves its spot on the list thanks to the fact that after completing the course you’re guaranteed an ongoing paid role as an expedition leader. The programme is ideal for a working gap year or to start your career in adventure travel. It’s intense, hard outdoor training – but also one hell of a ride.
16. Join the UN and make a difference
Age: 25+
Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Cost: An allowance is provided for travel and living expenses
Who is it for? Those with at least two years of relevant work experience in a professional background and good working knowledge of English, Spanish or French.
https://www.unv.org/become-volunteer/volunteer-abroad
Perhaps the most meanngful way to start your journey abroad, you’ll be charting the continent and gaining incredible skills. On the other hand, you’re likely to be in remote areas and shouldn’t expect any kind of Ritz style living conditions. Are you in for the challenge?
17. Get kids active at summer camps in the US, Russia, Croatia and more with CCUSA
Age: 18+, but some roles require you to be 20+ or 25+
Duration: 4-10 weeks in the summer
Cost: Programme fees of a approx £2-300 to cover insurance and the interview process. You’ll get free accommodation and food plus a living allowance of 130 euros, which you can choose to save.
Who is it for? You need some prior experience of working with kids
http://www.ccusa.co.uk/PROGRAMS
If interacting with lively kids and helping them in their activities is your cup of tea, this programme offers destinations you don’t often get access to.
18. Live the wilderness dream in Canada with Strathcona Park Lodge
Age: 18+ (but most easy to get a visa if 18-30)
Duration: March until November
Cost: Most staff live on site and pay is between $16 and $21 per day for living expenses.
Who is it for? Anyone with a Canadian work visa, such as a working holiday visa.
If the thought of living off grid in a rustic yet stunning landscape and filling your lungs with the outdoors gets you smiling, this is exactly what you need. Every year they hire both locals and foreigners in positions like admin, housekeeping, outdoor instructors and waiting staff.
19. Fight for a fairer world with the ICS
Age: 18+ to participate of 25+ to become a leader
Duration: 10-12 weeks
Cost: As well as structured training and support, ICS volunteers receive their visas, flights, travel and medical insurance, medication, vaccines, food and accommodation and a small allowance during their placement. You will need to fundraise £800 for charity in order to take part.
Who is it for? Brits with skills to share
Unlike the big budget names that show up first on Google and charge high fees, this programme is funded by the UK government’s attempts to end global poverty. You could be helping healthcare institutes in Tanzania, training young people in Cambodia and so much more.
20. Work your way around Europe through summer camps
Age: 18+
Duration: 3 months+ between Feb and October
Cost: Your own visa, accommodation and living costs. But you will receive a competitive salary.
Who is it for? It’s pretty open!
http://www.eurocampjobs.com/jobs.html
Eurocamp have hundreds of roles that will get you guaranteed work and time to rock and roll your way around Europe’s gorgeous locations – Spain, France, Italy, it’s all there! From holiday couriers to montage assistants (that means people who help with putting up tents) instructors and drivers, there’s a tonne of roles to apply for.
21. Lend your professional skills to make the world better with the VSO
Age: Any
Duration: Various
Cost: Everything is provided in most programmes – training, visas, insurance, flights, accommodation and a basic allowance.
Who is it for? Brits with 3 years experience in a field and relevant qualifications
The older arm of the ICS is for those of us who no longer fit in the youth bracket. You need skills and qualifications and they match these to the roles that they have. For example, you might be a neonatal nurse in Uganda, working with literacy in Rwanda or a thousand other lifechanging roles.
22. Thrive in the mountains with BUNAC’s ultimate ski in Japan
Age: 18-30
Duration: November to April
Cost: Cost of £750 for the programme. Accommodation is provided at a subsidised rate and you’ll receive pay and perks like free ski lessons.
Who is it for? Brits, who love the snow!
Skiing and snowboarding are combined here with a guaranteed job offer in roles like ski valet, guest host, administrator and more. For me, programme fees like this are worth paying if you get a job right off the bat, when you land.
23. Make like a princess and work abroad with Disney English
Age: 18+
Duration: Ongoing
Cost: Teachers are given a salary, relocation allowance and housing allowance
Who is it for? Native speakers with a degree and experience with kids.
In China, this programme is somewhat legendary as a way of combining English teaching with all the magic of Disney for little ones aged 3-12. There’s some great perks like discounted entry to Disney parks, three weeks in a hotel to help you get your feet and full health insurance, so this definitely isn’t your standard TEFL job. Do check the reviews, however, as some positions have some interesting feedback.
I want to… see the world and slay my career
24. Work at the British embassy in Beijing
Age: Any
Duration: 3-6 months
Cost: Your own visa, accommodation and living costs
Who is it for? Brits, but especially those who have studied Chinese at uni.
https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/british-embassy-beijing
This is a high flying opportunity, with a chance to live in an incredible metropolis and move in diplomatic circles. You’ll be paid a generous wage and put some serious shine on your CV.
25. Kickstart your career as a Global Entrepreneur intern
Age: 18+
Duration: Usually 2-3 months
Cost: Roles are often unpaid, but you’ll receive accommodation and other expenses like insurance.
Who is it for? Anyone
AIESEC has internships worldwide with start ups. You could be a marketing assistant in Taiwan or running a hotel in Greece – plenty of choice.
26. Don a suit and become a professional Global Talent Intern
Age: 18+
Duration: Long term, up to a year
Cost: Salaried
Who is it for? Young people looking at serious careers.
The world is getting smaller, so here’s a way to give yourself a global edge.
[bctt tweet=”40+ incredible work abroad opportunities you won’t be able to resist! #workabroad #careerbreak #gapyear #yearabroad #travelplanning” username=”live10countries”]
27. Train or study globally with a graduate programme
Age: 18+
Duration: Short term
Cost: Salaried
Who is it for? Graduates with itchy feet
iHipo is an online database of opportunities for golden oldies like me, who’ve finished their bachelor’s degree. There’s studying in India, design internships in the Netherlands and more to whet your appetite.
28. Become a British Council English Language Assistant
Age: 18+ native speakers
Duration: Short term
Cost: Monthly salary, but budget for your visa, insurance and flights
Who is it for? You must have previously completed two years of an undergrad degree for most countries. In China, only, you can take part up to the age of 55 and be a graduate, but you must have a clean criminal record.
Countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Senegal, Spain and Switzerland.
OK, yes, teaching abroad is the greatest cliché of all work abroad opportunities. But this is one of the strongest opportunities in that field. You have the big guns, the BC, backing you up and as an assistant you should be mainly supporting in the classroom as a teaching assistant. So grab a piña colada and head to the beach when teaching’s done!
29. Explore Japan with the JET programme
Age: 18+
Duration: 1 year
Cost: The salary is ¥3,360,000 in 2018 and the programme is free to join. Your flights will also be covered.
Who is it for? You need to have completed an undergraduate degree.
The Japanese Exchange and Teaching programme offers two different roles. If you speak Japanese, you can be a Co-ordinator for International Relations doing things like translation, planning events in the community and generally being an ambassador. If you don’t, you can become an Assistant Language Teacher. Either way, it’s an incredible way to live on the other side of the work and eat, sleep and breathe Japanese culture.
30. Explore Thailand with the TET programme
Age: 18+
Duration: 9 weeks (summer) or 4 months
Cost: You’ll need to pay around £300 in fees and find you own flights. The programme will offer you training, accommodation and a monthly allowance of about 10,000 Baht.
Who is it for? Brits who are uni students or recent grads.
Note, the programme is currently closed, but due to return in the future.
https://www.britishcouncil.my/teachingenglish-asia/news/tet-Thailand
Equally fascinating is the chance to experience life in a Thai town or village, not forgetting the country’s world renowed beaches and islands. You’ll work a sa teaching assistant in primary or secondary schools.
31. Live and work in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities with a Generation UK-China Internship
Age: 18+
Duration: 2 months
Cost: The programme will cover your accommodation, placement fee, insurance and Mandarin classes but you need to budget for your own (modest) living expenses.
Who is it for? Full time undergrad students OR recent grads
https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/internships-china
Cities make me feel alive and if you know what I’m talking about, this could be right up your alley. There’s flexible start dates and it’s the ideal foot in the door if you’re tempted by a high flying business career. China’s a stunning country and could be the start of one hell of a backpacking trip. You might need as little as £50 a week to support yourself while you’re away.
32. Join the Diplomatic Service’s Fast Stream
Age: 18+
Duration: 2-3 years
Cost/Salary: 28K+
Who is it for? Brits with a 2:2 or better from university
https://www.faststream.gov.uk/diplomatic-service/
It won’t all be Bond, Martini and high stakes meetings, but there will be plenty of travel and long term posts abroad. Plus it’s a career that really could take you far and will suit even the itchiest of feet, as you’ll change posts naturally every few years.
33. Help refugees around the world with the UNHCR
Age: 25-35
Duration: Various
Cost/Salary: Salaried
Who is it for? Brits and citizens of other selected countries with a degree and 2-4 years experience in law, public administration and social sciences. You need fluent English and excellent skills in another language
Working as Junior Professional Officer won’t be easy, but it’s likely to be the most rewarding thing you ever do. Full stop. If you think humanitarian might be for you, this is the perfect way to find out.
34. Work at the EU Patent Office with the Pan-European Seal Programme
Age: Varies
Duration: 1 year
Cost/Salary: Salary provided
Who is it for? Young university grads
https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/traineeships
Live in Europe, hob nob with the important figures in the EU and get ahead of the rest of the pack in the endless cycle of ‘need experience to get a job, can’t get experience without a job’. What’s not to like?
35. See Canada with BUNAC’s Ultimate Work in Canada programme
Age: 18-30 (inclusive) for Brits, 18-35 (inclusive) for Irish citizens
Duration: Two years in canada with a 4-6 month job arranged for you and guaranteed
Cost/Salary: Salary provided, programme fees are approx £500 and then pay your own flights, visa and insurance.
Who is it for? Those with a British or Irish passport.
https://www.bunac.org/uk/work-abroad/working-holiday-packages/work-canada/ultimate
This programme sees BUNAC guaranteeing you work on arrival, so to me it is worth the programme fee to skip a few weeks of CV trawling. You can see the sights in British Columbia, Ontario or Alberta and live life to the fullest in this stunning country.
36. Experience the midnight sun and live in Antarctica’s intense beauty
Age: 18+
Duration: 1 year
Cost/Salary: Salary provided, work is six weeks on, two weeks off.
Who is it for? Anyone with skills and experience relevant to the role.
A few years ago, I ran into a woman who told me she’d just returned from a job in Antarctica and I said, basically, ‘Oh so you’re a scientist?’ And she laughed and told me that even on the seventh continent, you still need cooks, maintenance people and general support staff. And it’s true. From builders, to mechanics and just genuine cleaners, the roles are there. Is there any other working environment that could be more intriguing?
37. Charm the holidaymakers on the Med as a holiday rep
Age: 18+
Duration: April to Oct, or 4 months over the summer
Cost/Salary: There’s a basic salary and bonuses on selling tours etc.
Who is it for? People with customer service or office experience who have lived in the UK permanently for the last 2 years
If a glow in Greece or Cyprus sounds like heaven to you and you feed off the energy of people and huge nights out you’ll take naturally to shepherding tourists, helping them transfer from the airport and whisking them off for an incredible night out.
38. Join Teach India and immerse yourself in another world
Age: 18+
Duration: April to Oct, or 4 months over the summer
Cost/Salary: You’ll need to pay for your flights, visa, insurance and a £200 placement fee. You’ll be paid a salary of INR20000+ per month and given free accommodation.
Who is it for? Graduates, people who have completed one year of uni and those who are permanent residents in the UK.
Hear the British Council back you up with carefully selected, trustworthy schools and they will give you a mentor and plenty of training. You’ll work with primary and secondary schools. And have I mentioned the awe-inspiring, ancient beauty of India?
39. Become a paid volunteer with Erasmus+ youth mobility
Age: 18-30
Duration: Up to one year
Cost/Salary: You’ll need to pay for your flight. The programme will pay you living allowance and offer you free accommodation and transport in the country.
Who is it for? All members of the EU, not just Brits.
I did this a couple of years ago, when it was called EVS, and it was life-changingly amazing. Although you are called a volunteer, due to the pay and great opportunities, it felt much more like a rewarding job. To find out all about it, read about my experience.
40. Work with animals in Norway – the Working Guest Programme
Age: 18+
Duration: Starting with 8-16 weeks and the chance to extend it for a month or two after that.
Cost/Salary: You receive your accommodation and food, plus an allowance of £110 GBP per week in exchange for 35 hours of work.
Who is it for? Those with agriculture experience or an interest in animals. You also need to have a British passport and speak English fluently.
If you’ve got time on your hands and have never seen the arctic circle, this is an exciting option. Jobs are likely to be hands on with plenty of cute animals, such as in mini zoos, deer farms and riding schools.
Got an idea or a few work abroad programmes for Brits that I forgot to include? Leave me a comment below!
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This is an incredible post! One that I wish I had available when I was younger and the world was my oyster… you know, no obligations. I know some of these did exist for Americans (like me) and I did consider teaching in China, working in Antarctica, and working on a snowy mountain somewhere. I ended up going for a job on cruise ships in the end, because I got paid and got to travel around. It was sort of a day-camp for kids on board, but I never did get to have that “real” American camp experience as an adult or a kid. Anyway, great post! I’m sure it will help countless young people to find their dream!
Loved this! So many cool tips. Could have needed that when I still studied. I did go on an Erasmus exchange though. One of the best times of my life!
This is a great list- especially love the idea of going to Denmark to study for FREE! It’s such a pretty country!
Wow, I can’t believe how many affordable options Brits have for studying abroad. The fully funded program to study Mandarin — that’s just insane. I definitely paid quite a bit to study for a semester in Beijing as an American.
Gap year for anyone is a new concept to me. I thought only the rich did that. These ideas are certainly great ways to get to see the world. We could all use a little perspective from places outside of your back yard.
There are so many amazing options for Brits to get to work abroad. I have a friend who is just about to finish Uni in the UK and I’m going to share this with her so she an see just how many options she has!
I think all young adults should do some sort of study or work abroad. I wish more Americans would do it. As I went down your list I saw that there are many that aren’t specific to Brits, so I think its a great list for everyone to check out. You certainly did your homework, as it’s a pretty comprehensive list!
Many amazing study options for Brits. And all seems affordable too. 18+ age criteria extends to forties and fifties too I guess. But then there is no age barrier to studying. The summer camps are a great option to travel and study.
I have had a dream about working in China. Considering the rapid expansion and economic boom of recent decades there are numerous wealthy entrepreneurs and businessmen who’d find employing a born and bred English man beneficial for a variety of reasons – translation of their native language into English, understanding Western culture and traditions, having a first hand guide to the mysterious west etc etc. I’m not sure what the exact role / job title would be, anything from tutor to butler or even as a consultant / house guest etc. Ideally a suitable career could involve spending several years travelling throughout China and living in different cities perhaps only staying for a few days to a month before continuing onwards to the next assignment. I’m almost tempted to suggest that providing my expenses were met that I’d practically work for free, sort of on a voluntary basis as merely having the experience would be ample payment. However given the extraordinary sums of money often bandied around saying the record numbers of new millionaires coming out of China annually, I don’t believe I’d be unreasonable to expect a respectable salary £100,000+ per annum because that would allow me to follow this unusual career path for a decade or more knowing that I’d be fiscally secure when I’m ready to move onwards in life. Anyway if anyone knows of any possible vacancies for a 35 year old English man working in China then I’d love to hear about it.
Many thanks
Johnny
Hiya!
Those are so great. I am wondering if you could do a post on how to make an outstanding CV for a full time traveller? What to include and what to write? Thanks!
Great idea! Will look into it!
This is very useful information for those of you who have studied abroad, let us know in the comments if you can think of any more good reasons to study abroad and whether you agree with the list so far! Thanks again for the post.
Hi I’m Darren ide like to try something different and work abroad so would like more information
Hi ,
I’m looking to have a fresh start and work abroad is the way I’d like to go.
Interested in any positions available with in reason.
Would be able to start from December.
Kind regards
Robert Awcock