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Tip Sheets
Working Abroad
Whether you are a recent grad, a student looking for a break from school, a worker tired of the daily routine or a recent retiree, you may have dreamed about working overseas. How can you make these dreams a reality? Like any form of career planning, working abroad means knowing what you can do, researching your options and preparing to reach your goals.
Long before you pack your bags for work in another country, you need to ask yourself several questions:
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Do I want to work in a country where the language and culture are different? |
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Am I prepared to learn a second language? |
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What do I have to offer? |
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How adaptable am I? |
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What type of work am I prepared to do? |
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How long do I want to work away from home? |
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What do I want to achieve by going overseas that I can’t achieve by staying at home to work? |
There are a number of different ways to work overseas, but most assignments abroad are for people who have something to offer—a particular skill not available in the location, a willingness to work physically hard, or the ability to teach locals how to do what you do.
Consider your options
There are many work abroad options to choose from:
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working for a company in the country you want to visit |
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working for a Canadian company with an office or branch overseas |
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working for a government or not-for-profit agency |
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setting up your own business |
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volunteering. |
Do your research
Thorough research is an essential part of any plan. Arm yourself with information before you make any firm decisions.
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Talk to people who have lived in the country you are interested in. |
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Consider the impact your decision will have on your family. |
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Learn about the country’s geography, climate, political system, economic base, language, laws, culture, religions and beliefs. |
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Determine what effect your decision to work abroad will have on your career advancement. |
Be cautious. Keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research and make sure the job you are going to is with a legitimate organization.
Skills you need
Besides a professional skill, working in another culture requires the following personal characteristics:
 adaptation and coping skills |
open-mindedness |
communication skills
both verbal and non-verbal |
listening and observation
skills |
| tolerance |
curiosity |
| patience |
desire for challenge |
| sensitivity |
adventurous |
| flexibility |
self-discipline |
| tenacity |
resourcefulness |
| problem solving |
versatility |
| energy |
assertiveness |
| interpersonal skills |
commitment |
| positive attitude |
If it’s the right fit for you, an overseas work experience can boost your career and broaden your personal experience.
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download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop |
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call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton |
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visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline. |
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The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas, Jean-Marc Hachey, Intercultural Systems, Ottawa, 4th edition, May 2004, provides detailed, practical advice. The Canadian Students Guide to Study, Work and Volunteer Programs Around the World, Doreen Robertson and Suzanne Watson, Small Planet, Winnipeg, 1996, provides a list of work and volunteer organizations and country-by-country visa regulations. These books may be available at your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. |
Last Updated: June 20, 2006
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