Earn money to fund your travels, experience a different culture and gain invaluable experience for your CV.

Even if you have little work experience and don't speak another language, you'd be surprised what skills you do have if you think about it. There are lots of different jobs you can get abroad. From au pair and ski chalet jobs, waitressing and bar work to summer camp staff and teaching English.

Although the world is less safe than it used to be, that shouldn't stop you going. You can avoid unsafe countries by checking the Foreign Office website or, if you'd prefer "abroad but reasonably familiar" you could try Europe.

Paper Work?

If you are a UK citizen or hold an EU (European Union) passport, you can work in any other EU member country without a visa or work permit and there are countless jobs available to students who can speak the right languages.

Before you go, make sure you have all the paperwork you need, including visa's and work permits, and that you understand all the regulations and restrictions.

It’s worth taking a couple of copies of all your paperwork, leaving one copy at home with someone reliable and packing another copy separate from the papers themselves, just in case they get stolen or lost.

Casual and Temporary Work

There are several different types of casual work available:

• For seasonal work, holiday companies are a good starting point. However, be aware that they recruit well ahead of the season, whether it's summer sun or skiing.

• Holiday representatives have a wide range of duties, from meeting people at the airport and arranging excursions to general troubleshooting and providing entertainment. You'll need to get on with old folk and children, as well as people of your own age. Plus a sense of humour is essential!

• Administrative work and temping is a good way of earning money whilst travelling. Many countries, such as Australia, have temping agencies that you can join who will find you suitable employment for a set period of time. The agency will take a commission from your hourly rates for this service. If you plan on temping, remember to take some smart clothing on your travels or expect to hit the shops for suitable clobber!

• Agricultural work is an option in Mediterranean countries and Australia. The work is hard and you need to be physically fit. Often, accommodation is provided as part of the deal, but the standard can vary enormously. This kind of work is usually arranged on the spot, so you need to work out when the harvest starts and make sure you're there in time.

• There are often more specialised openings in childcare, catering, sports instruction and, in the case of cruise liners, entertainment, hairdressing, casino personnel, retail, and so on.

• First stop could be your local travel agency to see what holiday companies are offering and what staff they're likely to need.

• You can take TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English as a Secondary Language) courses in this country or abroad. You can teach almost anywhere, though China, Japan and South America have particularly high demand for English teachers. Go to the LearnDirect Scotland website to search for courses. 

• Preferably, try and set something up before you go. If you can't, take enough cash to tide you over.

• Also, for safety reasons, let people over here know where you are - especially if you're moving around.

Permanent Work

• If you are thinking about moving to a foreign country permanently you may wish to try and arrange a job before you go or wait until you arrive, this may affect the type of visa you get.

• You should  do your research, consider and approach companies with an email or letter explaining that you are looking for work in the country.

• Search and apply for jobs online.

• You could also contact UK companies that may be part of a global group or have offices abroad. Banks, insurance, IT and chemical companies often have strong global links.

• There may be agencies which assist the movement of professionals from one country to the next, shop around for the best help.

• Different countries have different ways of writing letters of application and CVs. If possible write in the appropriate language. Careers Europe (contact them through your local Careers Service office) can help you with the different formats.

• If you are not confident about translation, then get someone to do it for you. A local college may be able to help.

• If it is not possible to arrange a job before you go, you are still in a very strong position as you are in the area and can take avantage of local connections and facilities to find your ideal job.

Volunteering

Volunteering abroad is another great way to see the world, gain invaluable work experience and do something rewarding. Have a look at the Volunteering section for more info.

Before you go...

Direct Gov recommends that you ask yourself the following questions before you move abroad for work:

• Do you or your family need work permits, resident permits or visas for the country?

• Is the salary enough, taking into account the cost of living?

• What are the chances of promotion and salary increases?

• What currency will you be paid in?

• Are there any arrangements for temporary accommodation when you first move?

• If your job ends and you wish to stay in the country you have been working in, what permits would you and your family need and what are the chances of finding a new job there?

Visit the DirectGov site for more information.