How to develop your career abroad

With improvements in travel and communications, there are now more opportunities for people to work abroad if they have the rights skills and experience. In 2004, 191,000 Britons left the country in search of better weather, more money and an exotic lifestyle. By the year 2020, The Centre for Future Studies predicts a staggering 6 million more Britons will be living abroad compared with today. So how do you get a job abroad?

The Fresh Start Show at ExCeL (13-15 May) ñ a three-day exhibition for anyone thinking of emigrating ñ steers you through the process:

1. Where to find work

If you currently work for a large international organisation they might run placement schemes in their offices abroad. Alternatively, you can either apply for jobs advertised in newspapers and on websites in the UK or apply directly to companies abroad.

Websites such as Stepstone (www.stepstone.co.uk) and Monster (www.monster.co.uk) advertise international job opportunities and offer a raft of information on working abroad. You can also post your CV on the Internet. Short-term contracts abroad can be organised through temping agencies.

If you fancy doing something unusual while you are abroad such as a lifeguard or kayak instructor, some websites such as Hot Recruit (www.hotrecruit.co.uk) have a Crazy job section aimed at younger people. Work through the Voluntary Service Overseas and European Voluntary Service is also popular option for Britons wanting to help community projects.

2. Language skills

It seems English speakers are at a natural advantage in the international job market as, for example, the majority of multinational companies conduct their business in English. However, if you are fluent in another language you will have a much better chance of getting a job abroad, especially in non-English speaking countries.

If you find that poor language skills are an impediment to working in your chosen country, you could try a job which requires less demanding language skills, such as bar or restaurant work. Alternatively, Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is one of the most popular options for people who want to work abroad. It costs between 600 and 1,000 to take a TEFL course.

3. Visas

While it is relatively straightforward for British citizens to work in European Union member states, such as Spain, France or Germany, it can be more tricky elsewhere.
There are a number of useful websites such as The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk) which lists visa information as well as detailed country profiles. Expert help for specific countries can also be sort from organisations such as the Migration Bureau (www.migrationbureau.com) and the New Zealand Government Immigration Service (www.immigration.govt.nz).

4. Tax

If your posting abroad is through your current company, it is likely they will organise things like accommodation, work permits, and of course tax returns. If you are not going through a secondment from your company, you will need to sort out any tax or pensions issues.

Britain has reciprocal taxation agreements with many countries, which should ensure that you are not taxed twice on capital against tax and income. The general rule is that if you spend more than 183 days a year in a foreign country, you are classed as a resident in that country and will be liable for tax there. The Inland Revenue will be able to provide the relevant advice (www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk).

5. Benefits and pensions

You might be able to claim benefits while you are abroad. The Department for Work & Pensionsí international division (www.dss.gov.uk) will tell you which benefits you can continue to claim. Alternatively, try guidance note SA29.
If you are contributing to a pension in the UK, you may be able to continue contributions for up to five years after you leave, but it depends on the type of plan you have.

6. Other considerations

Before you decide to move abroad, you will need to weigh up the risks involved, and your responsibilities back home. If your move abroad is purely career driven, then setting a timeframe for your return to the UK will keep you motivated and focused on advancing your skills and experience.
Animal lovers should first decide if their pet is going with them and, if so, then check the rules regarding that particular breed. See Par Air (www.parair.co.uk) for further information on transporting pets.

Expert advice

The Fresh Start Show at Londonís ExCeL centre from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 May will provide expert advice and information to anyone looking to live, work or invest abroad. Over 100 exhibitors and an extensive seminar program will provide information on all aspects of emigration, including visa requirements, property and money transfers, with a special focus on Australia, New Zealand and the USA as well as other worldwide and European destinations.

For further information on Fresh Start, visit www.freshstartshow.co.uk

Those buying tickets online also have the chance to win a move abroad worth up to 15,000 courtesy of Moneycorp and their associates. The prize covers every aspect of your migration, from free money transfers and removals to migration services and flights.