live and work in a foreign country.

How I did it: I was lucky in that I was a graduate professional with work secured ahead of time with an agency; work permits and related red tape was sorted out before I left home (South Africa) for the United Kingdom. It's important to have a slick and professional resume and to always have the available paperwork!

I wanted to experience both the bustle of a large metropolis like London and a small country village and so opted for short-term contracts that allowed me to move about. (This is fine if you're single and adventurous but not, I agree, to everyone's liking.)

There were times I was terribly homesick, miserable and frustrated, but
on the whole it was an amazing period of growth and discovery. Without
wanting to sound trite, I definitely "found myself" during my stint
abroad.



 

Lessons & tips: The key to a positive working holiday abroad is to take it as
an adventure - I tried as much as possible to dodge the obvious tourist
stuff and do as the locals do. This often saves you a lot of money (esp
when it comes to food and dining, when you learn what the locals
prefer!) and you are rewarded with a more authentic cultural
experience, if not culture shock!

If you can, explore further afield - living in the UK afforded me the ideal opportunity to explore Europe and beyond. For a wandering soul like me, there is a definite thrill in going on holiday from one foreign land to another.


Always be a good ambassador for your own country - locals often have
preconceived notions which, if negative, are better shattered by good
example than becoming offended. Remember, always, that you are a guest
in their country.


Make sure you always have valid travel insurance and, most importantly,
enough money available for an emergency flight back home (most
countries will insist on this anyway).Whether you end up falling in
love with your visit and staying on (London's inexhaustible variety
seduced me), or rushing back home appreciating it properly for the
first time in your life (ah, no contest when I compare my sunny country
of wide open spaces and bright blue skies to the miserable grey of
England) you'll emerge a wiser, more confident person with a treasure
trove of experiences.


There's a whole wide world out there...

Jun 17, 03:06PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers