Working abroad

What work shall I do?

If you want to pay your way whilst you're away, there are loads of options, depending on where you are, how hard you want to work and how much cash you want to earn. But basically your options are:

• Casual and temporary work
• Voluntary work

Casual and temporary work

• Holiday companies are a good starting point for temporary work, but they tend to recruit months before the summer season.
• In Europe, there's a lot of agricultural work on offer in the summer. This is often casual, cash in hand stuff, so it can be a case of being somewhere at the right time. It can also be very hard work.

Voluntary Work

Most voluntary workers should be 18 and above, and most (but not all) schemes require at least a year's commitment.

• Voluntary work is rewarding; it will give you new skills and knowledge, and improve your self confidence;
• It can offer you an insight into your future choice of career;
• It looks great on your CV as far as potential employers are concerned;
• And you never know, a paid job might materialise with the organisation you are volunteering with.
• But volunteering can be very challenging, both mentally and physically.
• Opportunities appear throughout the developing parts of the world, such as Africa, South and Central America, Asia and the Middle East, as well as in Europe. You can participate in anything from English language teaching, adventure training and projects, to health and community development support. Check out www.gapyear.com to see what's on offer.

Finding out about voluntary work

• The International Voluntary Service has many opportunities abroad for young people each summer, as well as smaller programmes throughout the year. The type of work varies, depending on both the area and the country. The work can include building, gardening and decorating, providing roads and water supplies to rural villages or constructing adventure playgrounds. They can place volunteers in workcamps abroad for one to four weeks. You must be 18 or over.

Find out more at: www.ivs-gb.org.uk or call the IVS South Office on 01206 298215 between 10am-4pm

• VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) recruits skilled and experienced people to work for a minimum of two years in developing countries at local rates of pay, in order to share skills, build capabilities and promote international understanding and action, in the pursuit of a more equitable world. Skilled volunteers are needed in agriculture, education, health, business and social development, technical trades and engineering. You should be over 20 years of age and have a recognised qualification and experience in one of the above fields. VSO also has youth programmes for young people aged between 17-25 for either six months or one year. For these pro grammes there is no local salary and you are expected to raise at least £500 to wards the cost.

Find out more by calling 020 8780 7200 or go online www.vso.org.uk

• EVS (European Voluntary Service) offers free European exchange places for young people, and even give you a living allowance whilst abroad.

For more info, contact Jakki MacPhail at Learning South West, who arrange the trips, on 01823 365437. jakki_macphail@learning-southwest.org.uk

• UNA Exchange which is an organisation that organises -?workcamps' in over 70 different countries. Costs £10 membership and £110 for an application if you are a student or unwaged.

For full information: UNA Exchange Temple of Peace and Health Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3AP 0292 022 3088 (9am-5pm), or visit www.unaexchange.org.

Taking a year out

• Most universities and colleges welcome the maturity and experience young people gain on a structured year out taken after leaving. On the plus side you can attempt something you may never again be free to do: On the minus side, returning to education after an interesting and challenging year can be painful - and dull!
• You'll need to check this with the university/college of your choice before committing yourself. If you are hoping to defer your place for a year before going to uni, remember that only you can negotiate this with the relevant institution, especially if you have to apply for a place through the clearance scheme. Contact the Connexions Service for further advice on planning your year out and ensuring a subsequent place on a suitable HE course.

Work/Study abroad as part of an HE course

If you are studying, or plan to study, a subject at a UK university, it is possible that you could continue, or add, to this study by a period in a European country. It is also possible to get help to pay the costs of travel, accommodation and fees.

And Remember...

• Your local Connexions Shop will have a range of information that will give you lots more detail about spending time abroad. The booklet Your Way Forward - Options at 18+ also contains a comprehensive section on taking time out, and is available from your Connexions Shop, along with a wide range of books on working abroad and voluntary work opportunities.
• If you aren't old enough or you just don't fancy the schemes and projects above, why not see which international opportunities your youth service is providing for young people this year? Each year, the Service runs exchanges to a number of countries - many of the trips are very cheap, too. Contact your Youth Worker.