Thinking of working abroad this summer? Whether you’re doing voluntary work at an animal sanctuary, teaching foreign kids’ English or working in an exotic bar, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got all the right documents. Here are some of the main forms and papers you’ll need to pack.
Passport
This one may be a little obvious—you’re not leaving the country without it. Most foreign employers may want to photocopy your passport when you arrive. You may also need to use your passport as ID if you’re buying drinks or want to get various discounts (on your days off you may want to visit local attractions—in some countries being a tourist and giving proof of your passport may get you a discount).
Visa
In many cases you’ll need a full working visa. This varies in cost from country to country, sometimes also dependent on the work you’re doing. For voluntary work, you may only need a standard travel visa (contact the person running the voluntary scheme to find out). UK travelers working in another EU country won’t need a Visa at all, although new laws are coming in 2020—you can read up on these over at www.etias.com. Depending on how long you’re working abroad/when you’re planning to work, you should keep an eye on changing Visa laws to make sure you’re covered.
Work Permit
In some cases you may need some form of work permit. It’s best to ask an embassy or your employer about this—your work permit may be included in your visa.
In most cases, the usual job application documents will be needed beforehand such as a CV and letter of application. It may be worth printing off any confirmation details, so that when you turn up at your new job you can prove you applied and were accepted. If you’re going abroad and finding a job whilst you’re out there, this of course won’t be possible.
Some jobs may require a DBS check—especially those working with children and animals. This checks to see that you haven’t got a criminal background. Not all employers will ask for this, but it may increase your chances of getting a job if you want to work with children or animals but are looking to find something whilst you are out there. A DBS check can take a few weeks to apply for so bear this in mind.
Insurance Documents
Having travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but if you get injured at work or fall ill, it might help pay for your healthcare or recovery. Sites like www.moneysupermarket.com are great for shopping for the best travel insurance deal. Some deals provided up to ten million pounds in medical care, as well as paying for travel cancellation and lost baggage. Make sure that you print off confirmation of your insurance before you go so that if you do find yourself in an emergency situation you can give local authorities proof.
Mia Guerra
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