Skip to main content

Global Work Experience

Going overseas to gain work experience is a great way to develop your skill set while immersing yourself in a different culture.

The overseas experience

Undertaking work experience overseas can offer you unique insights. You can explore a new culture, build your global network and develop valuable skills.

You may be considering overseas experience over the vacation, as a placement year, or after you have graduated.

The information on this page can help you to plan, wherever and whenever you want to go. You can:

  • follow the steps below to get started
  • look at our resources for advertised opportunities overseas
  • explore our guide to finding hidden opportunities overseas
  • read about organised programmes you can take part in
  • learn how overseas internship agreements work – if an employer has asked you for one
  • explore our detailed guides to gaining experience in the US and Australia

Getting started

Follow the steps below to get started


Finding advertised opportunities

We advertise overseas vacancies on MyCareer. Sign up for personalised email alerts.

GoinGlobal have a global internship search. Watch their brief video on how to search their site effectively.

You can also use the following websites:


Finding hidden opportunities

Not all work experience opportunities are advertised. In fact, many people create opportunities through:


Organised programmes

Many organisations offer to arrange opportunities for students and graduates around the world. These can be paid, unpaid and voluntary in a variety of sectors.

Using a placement provider could help to take some of the stress out of planning your time overseas. Depending on what they offer, they could organise everything from your visa and experience, to your flights and accommodation. You may also have access to an additional support network, including the staff running the scheme and other students taking part.

One of the main downsides of using a provider is the cost, as they can be extremely expensive. They often offer unpaid opportunities, meaning you need to save money in advance to support yourself abroad. You might not have much control over the experience you’re offered, or be able to change easily if you find you don’t like it.

Some charities or non-profit organisations charge fees only to cover the cost of running the programme. However, many placement providers are businesses who charge a lot of money.


Internship agreements

Employers in some countries may ask for an internship agreement to be signed by your university. We recommend that you ask the employer if they need an internship agreement to hire you before you apply.

A tripartite internship agreement is a contractual arrangement between employer, student and education institution. In France, it is known as the Convention de Stage, and in Spain as the Convenio de Colaboración.

The agreement covers how the internship fits into your studies and explains how you'll be evaluated.