Opportunities outside the UK
You're studying at a global university so it's not surprising that many of you are interested in gaining work experience outside the UK.
Gaining experience in another country gives you the opportunity to develop your career skills and a global outlook, which will impress future employers.
Why gain work experience outside the UK?
As well as gaining experience in the career area that interests you, there are a number of other benefits of gaining experience overseas, for example:
- experiencing another culture and working environment
- building a network of professionals working in another country
- developing your language and communication skills
- enhancing your independence, self confidence and self-sufficiency
- exploring the local area during your days off
What do I need to think about?
If you are thinking about looking for work experience abroad, it is important to give yourself time to undertake some research. Here are our starting points:
- Why do you want to gain experience overseas? How does it fit with your career aspiration? What skills and experience do you want to gain?
- Which countries appeal to you? How keen are you to gain experience in the country's customs and cultures? How confident are you speaking the language? Fluent, conversational level or do you need to learn a few basic phrases?
- How much will it cost? How much will you need for flights, accommodation, and living expenses?
- Do you want to use an agency? An agency might set up a placement for you but there may be a fee, or you can source your own opportunity and make the arrangements yourself.
- Using an agency - ask the right questions to help you make an informed decision. The questions will be very similar to those we suggest you ask when searching for an overseas provider if you want to take time out after your studies.
Questions to ask an agency
We would also advise you to take a look at Go Overseas where you can read reviews about placement providers
Read Anna's blog: Completing a summer internship abroad: My experience and advice
What about passports, visas and insurance matters?
Passports and visas
Depending on where you plan to travel, you may need to have six months left on your passport. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for more information on this and which countries you need visas to enter.
International students needing advice on passports and visas should contact the Visa and Immigration Team.
Health and employer insurance
Always make sure you have adequate health insurance for your stay. Don't scrimp on this as it is important to be properly covered.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when you are visiting an EU country or Switzerland. Please note that this does not replace travel insurance.
Employer insurance practices in overseas countries vary widely. You should check that both you and the placement provider have suitable cover in place for your placement activities.
The University's Information and Guidance for Students on Placements provides comprehensive advice on the minimum types and level of insurance cover recommended for your protection.
Staying safe
The Fit for Travel website is a great place to look for advice on how to stay safe and provides advice on travel insurance.
It is important to always have an emergency contact in place, with a plan of how to contact them.
What is an internship agreement for an overseas internship?
If you have secured an internship overseas, the host employer may require you and the University to complete an internship agreement. It is common in France (the agreement is known as a Convention de Stage) and Spain (it is known as Convenio de Colaboración).
Where an internship does not form part of your course requirements, the University is unable to sign an agreement provided by the host employer.
We are, however, able to provide a University-approved form for use by students who are registered with the University for the full duration of the proposed internship period. The University of Nottingham Overseas Internship Agreement is only for use when the internship is not a mandatory component of your course.
Please read the guidance document in full before using the agreement. This form cannot be used by modern language students for the compulsory year abroad. These students should contact the Year Abroad Team - ss-langya@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
If you have any enquiries, please contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk.
Where do I look for opportunities?
MyCareer, our vacancy service
We advertise a number of international work placements through MyCareer - use the advanced search function to select international under location
Log in to MyCareer
Further sources of opportunities
Explore opportunities with Go Overseas
You can also look for online reviews from others who have used the agencies or providers you are interested in, or try to find other students who have taken part in work experience abroad and might be able to answer your questions.
Also take a look at our working abroad page for more information and resources.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.