Working Overseas General Overview Robert AustinCareer Development and Employmentwww.rmit.edu.au/careers

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Presentation Purpose

• General overview of preparing to work overseas

• Introduce useful working overseas resources

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Five major considerations for working abroad

1.Job search 2.Visa 3.Finances 4.Timeline

5.Living abroad

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1. Job Search • Types of overseas work:

–Internships –Working holidays –Graduate positions –Teaching –International Aid / Community development –Volunteering–…?

• Job searches in each country may follow different process and timelines. • Do your research on WHEN and HOW jobs are advertised to make the most of

any opportunities. A good place to start is the country guide on www.rmit.edu.au/careers/goinglobal

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1. Job Search • RMIT resources and programs

Going Global (login required)

–Country by country information –Work permit/visa regulations–Resume writing guidelines and examples–Employment trends–Networking groups–Cultural interviewing advice–Corporate profiles–Worldwide job listings

www.rmit.edu.au/careers/goinglobal

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1. Job Search RMIT resources and programs

RIIERP Program

–Paid international industry experience –www.rmit.edu.au/riierp

Vietnam Interdisciplinary Projects

–Cross discipline WIL projects in Vietnam –www.rmit.edu.au/wilvietnam

IAESTE

–Paid international traineeships for students enrolled in technical disciplines. Based at Swinburne, but RMIT is a member.

–http://www.swinburne.edu.au/iaeste/

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1. Job Search • Useful international internship sites

– www.aiesec.org/australia– www.cicdgo.com/– www.crossculturalsolutions.org/– www.iagora.com/index.html– www.international-internships.com/– www.internationalinternships.com.au/– www.gvi.co.uk/– www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/internships/index.shtml

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • Working Holidays

-DIAC provides information on countries/regions participating in the Working Holiday Program with Australia. www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/australians-overseas/

– International Exchange Programs (IEP) specialises in international exchange programs for young Australians who want to work overseas. www.iep.org.au.

– Other useful links – www.campamerica.com.au (U.S. camps)– www.ccusa.com/ (U.S. Camps)– www.stbpacific.com.au/ (Disney, Florida)– www.owh.com.au/ (Canada) – www.statravel.com.au/ – www.myoe.com (IT and accounting jobs in the UK)

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • General international job search resources

– www.escapeartist.com/– www.expatengineer.net/– www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/35– www.monster.com/– www.newspapers.com/– www.asiaonecareers.com/ (Asia)– www.careertimes.com.hk/ (Hong Kong)– www.contactsingapore.sg/ (Singapore)– www.graduan.com.my/ (Malaysia) – www.corp.jobsfactory.com/

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • General international job search resources

–www.corp.jobsfactory.com/ (Asia)–www.jobstreet.com/ (South East Asia)–www.mgc.mycom.co.jp/contents/english/index.html (Japan) –www.classifiedpost.com/ (China)–www.faayda.com/ (India) –www.careerjet.co.uk/ (UK)–www.prospects.ac.uk/ (UK) –www.rec.uk.com/jobseeker (UK) – www.aftercollege.com/ (US) – www.careerbuilder.com/ (US) – www.bestjobsusa.com/ (US)

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • Teaching Overseas

– Most teaching jobs require teaching degrees, but native English-speaking university graduates in most fields may be able to teach ESL in non-English speaking countries.

– www.hays.com.au/overseas/ (UK) – www.anzukteachers.com/ (UK) – www.protocol-education.com/ (UK) – www.timeplan.com/ (UK) – www.educationamerica.net (USA) – www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/ (Japan ESL)– www.eslcafe.com/ (ESL in Asia)– www.footprintsrecruiting.com/ (ESL Worldwide)– http://www.transitionsabroad.com (ESL Worldwide) – http://www.eslemployment.com/ (ESL Worldwide)

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • International Aid / Community Development

–International aid and community development can be a competitive field and often requires prior international experience.

–Overseas positions are often in developing countries and may be with religious, political or ideological organisations. Do your research to make sure you are a good match for the job.

–www.redcross.org/jobs/–www.trans.worldvision.com.au–www.oxfam.org.au/–www.ausaid.gov.au/–www.developmentgateway.com.au/cms–www.un.org/en/–www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • Volunteering

– Volunteer positions are often in developing countries and may be challenging but rewarding.

– Check the costs involved, living conditions and reputations of the providers, and do your research and prepare well to make sure you are an effective volunteer.

– www.rmit.edu.au/careers/connect – www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/ (long term) – www.unv.org/ (long term) – www.australianvolunteers.com/ (long term)– www.skillshare.org/ (long term) – www.aiesec.org/ (short term) – www.gvi.co.uk/ (short term) – www.volunteerabroad.com/– www.volunteerinternational.org/– www.globalpovertyproject.com/

Note: this is a non-exhaustive list and RMIT doesn’t necessarily endorse any of the above web resources

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1. Job Search • Networking

–It is estimated up to 70% of jobs aren’t advertised. You can access these ‘hidden jobs’ through a network of colleagues, friends, and alumni while overseas.

–Expatriates groups and alumni usually form very supportive networks when overseas. Make sure you build your overseas networks before you go and once you arrive at your destination.

–For more information on RMIT overseas alumni visit www.alumni.rmit.edu.au/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

–For more information on career networking visit www.rmit.edu.au/careers/students

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1. Job Search

• Job offers

–Although most organisations that recruit internationally are responsible employers, there are, unfortunately, some that are not.

–Make sure you do thorough research on any job offer you receive. You are the one who will most likely lose the most if there are any difficulties and there is limited support your government, friends and family can give you while you are abroad.

–Visit www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/working_os.html for a list of criteria to asses any job offers.

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2. Visa

• Every country has its own visa requirements for overseas workers. You MUST check what visa or work permits are required to work within a country.

• Take note of –The types of work you are permitted to do –The length of time you are permitted to work in the country–The amount of hours you are permitted to work for per week–What qualifications are required and if your qualifications are

recognised–If you can work for more than one employer or are you limited to

only one employer–What happens if you lose your job – will you also lose your visa /

work permit? Will you need to leave the country?

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2. Visa

• Take note of –When your passport expires –The visa / work permit application process (i.e. any costs, necessary

documentation, medical tests, police record checks etc) –The length of time the visa / work permit application will take–If you need proof of inbound and outbound flights –Which countries you can apply from –If you allowed to leave and re-enter the country multiple times –The renewal process

Top Tip: Check visa / work permit requirements on official government websites.

Requirements often change and any information from indirect sources may be outdated or incorrect. www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html is a good starting point.

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3. Finances

To work abroad you may be required to pay for some or all of these expenses (and more):

• Visa / work permits –Passport –Application fees –Medical checks–Police checks –Photos –Supporting documentation–Notarisations –Courier charges

• Flights / transport –Inbound tickets –Outbound tickets –Luggage allowances–Insurance –Airport / arrival / departure

taxes –Airport pick ups or drop offs

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3. Finances

To work abroad you may be required to pay for some or all of these expenses (and more):

• Set Up Costs –Accommodation –Deposit / bond on accommodation –Furnishings etc for accommodations –Insurance–Utilities set up

• Other –Living costs until you receive

your first pay –Money for emergencies

(accidents / returning home)

Top Tip: Salaries are often paid monthly rather than weekly, and in arrears – make sure you are aware of when you will receive your first pay and have enough money to last until then.

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3. Finances

• Other considerations –What kinds of taxes will you need to pay?–Will you need to pay tax in Australia while you are abroad? Check

with the Australian Tax office www.ato.gov.au –Will you need to contribute to a pension / superannuation? Can

you transfer it home? –What kinds of insurance will you need? (Health, travel or contents

insurance)

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3. Finances

• Other considerations –What will be your ‘take home’ pay after deductions? –How does your ‘take home’ pay compare to the cost of living? –What is the strength of the currency you will be earning? –Can you open a bank account?–Can you convert the currency or transfer money out of the country?

Top Tip: Before you leave, check how you will be able to access your money on arrival. Check with your local bank and on www.lonelyplanet.com

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4. Timeline • Preparing to work abroad may take many months. You will need to leave time for:

–Saving for expenses–Research on locations –Job search –Application and recruitment process –Visa / work permit application –Travel / relocation time

Top Tip 1: Begin saving as early as you can. Relocating abroad is often more expensive than expected.

Top Tip 2: Leave at least 3 - 6 months for job search and recruitment + at least 3 months for visa / work permit processing. In many cases people will begin the process of working abroad more than a year in advance.

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5. Living Abroad

• Living and working overseas can be incredibly rewarding and confidence building but it also requires a great deal of preparation and can be challenging.

• You are starting a new job, moving home, traveling and leaving your support networks all at the same time.

• For tips on how to prepare and stay safe, visit www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/working_os.html

• For tips on adjusting to your new country, visit www.overseas-experience.com/culture-shock.htm

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RMIT Career Development & Employment

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Brunswick – Student Services, Level 1, Building 514 Tel. 9925 2078

City – Student Services, Level 4, Building 14 Tel. 9925 2078

Email: careers@rmit.edu.au

www.rmit.edu.au/careers