The desire to travel, experience different cultures and live in different places continues to be a reason for many of us to enter the hospitality industry. Whether you begin via a hospitality school and then seek internships abroad or find a role in a hotel or restaurant once you arrive somewhere, there are many opportunities for those who seek them out.
Finding these opportunities, however, can be challenging. Navigating visa requirements, finding available roles and settling into a new culture can all pose difficulties even with all of the online resources and easier communication tools that are now available. If this is a path you are looking to take, here are some suggestions for steps to take and things to remember.
Research the Country and the Industry
Start by researching the country and the hospitality industry there, looking for information on the visa requirements, job market and cultural norms. Some things to look out for are:
Visa requirements: Are you qualified to get a work visa for the country you want to go to? Some have working holiday visas which can be easy to obtain, whereas others will require you to have a job before acquiring a visa. If the latter is the case, visas are often available only for positions that are seen as more difficult to fill locally; management roles and specialised skills such as chef are more likely to be on the list than entry level positions such as receptionist or waiter.Visa applications usually include criminal background checks, health checks and information about your education, family and other personal details; these may need to be translated into the local language. Be prepared to provide this and expect that it can take some time both to put together for submission and for a response.
Whether you must apply for a full work visa or apply for a working holiday visa (usually simpler), do be sure that you have the finances both for the application fees and to support yourself for a time once there. You may not find a job straight away, or have extra costs from moving; either way, you will have less stress if you know what your budget is going in.
Job market: If you need a job to support yourself once you move, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what’s available! Use Hospo Jobs or local job search websites to find openings and apply; remember, not all are available if you don’t have a visa already so this is something to look out for.Usually, larger cities and tourist hubs will have more openings for international applicants. Tourist areas may have seasonal roles available, which can be a great option if you want to work and travel in different locations.
Cultural norms: Living and working abroad is very different from traveling. Cultural differences which may be overlooked or enjoyed when passing through can feel very different when they are ones you experience as part of daily life. Remember – you will need to adapt to local norms, not the other way around. Doing your research is important not only to ensure it will be a place you are comfortable living but also that you are respectful and avoid unintentionally offending someone. Check online articles and reach out to expat groups and networks, looking for information both a social and professional expectations. When possible, visit first.Even for those of us who enjoy learning about and adapting to new cultures, living somewhere we aren’t familiar with can have moments of frustration. Foreign laws, bureaucracies and social norms can all feel overwhelming at times; when this happens, remind yourself of the good things and seek out advice if necessary. Finding a group of friends, both local and expat, can be essential both as support and as a source of information.
If you are moving somewhere with a different local language, consider taking lessons; you will feel more comfortable and have an easier time getting a job, and the local community will appreciate your effort!Finding a Role
Once you have settled on a destination, applying for jobs and/or internships is your next step. Depending on your circumstances there are different ways to go about this; you may attend a school with internship opportunities or work for a company that can facilitate international transfers, or you may be in the country already as a tourist so that you can approach local businesses directly. Here are a few suggestions for where to start:
Polish your CV: Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the hospitality industry. Highlight any relevant experience you have, including customer service or hospitality experience, as well as any language skills. If you have the right to work already, whether through passport or visa, be sure this is noted. Use your resources: Are you attending a hospitality school, or working for an international hotel chain? If so, they may be able to help. Schools often have satellite campuses in other locations as well as internship programs and connections abroad, while hotels will have internal job postings with international vacancies. Talk to an administrator or someone in HR to find out more about the possibilities. Network: Reach out to your network and let them know you're interested in an internship or job in hospitality abroad. Ask for referrals or introductions to people who may be able to help you. If you attending a hospitality school or work in hospitality already, alumni and former colleagues can often be great resources. Apply to hospitality companies: Look for hospitality companies in the country where you want to work and apply directly to them. Many companies have international internship or job programs, so be sure to check their websites for opportunities. This approach is often more effective you are already in the country on a working holiday or tourist visa, however, as many companies won’t look at international applications when a local candidate (who can start immediately) can be found. Use job search websites: There are many job search websites that specialise in international positions. Use them to search for hospitality internships or jobs in the country you're interested in. In Hospo Jobs, companies can specify which roles are available to international candidates, helping you narrow your search. Contact recruitment agencies: There are also recruitment agencies that specialise in placing candidates in hospitality positions abroad. Contact them and see if they can help you find an internship or job. Be persistent: Landing an internship or job in hospitality abroad can be competitive, so be persistent and keep trying. Don't give up if you don't hear back from companies right away. Remember to stay organised and keep track of your applications and contacts.Settling In
Once you have successfully navigated the visa process and settled into your new job, there is also the matter of setting into your new home! Finding everything from accommodation to health care, a gym and even the local grocery store can feel daunting, especially if you are living somewhere where you aren’t fluent in the local language. While everyone will have their own roadblocks, here are a few things to remember about the most common:
Accommodation: No different than at home, just harder if you don’t know the city or town you are moving to! Start by checking out the different areas to see what neighbourhoods meet your basic needs: are they safe, close to public transportation, near your workplace? Find the ones that make the most sense for you. Once you’ve figured this out, you can use property websites to search for the right place to live. Be sure to find out any local norms or laws; some countries greatly favour landlords over renters for example, and others have minimum lease periods which may not match your plans. Be sure you know these going in. Healthcare: Some countries provide care for all residents and others none at all; others may provide health care but still advise/require private insurance. It’s best to figure this out – and look for a doctor – before you find you need medical help. If you have a local network, asking around for recommendations is a great way to get started. Basic needs: Where to buy food, transportation, which bank to join, the best place for buying furniture or clothes. Part of the fun of moving somewhere new is exploring, but when you just want to settle in trying to figure all of this out at once can be overwhelming. The only thing to do is prioritise: you might start with the closest grocery store and look later for a larger or cheaper one, for example. Luckily these days it’s a lot easier to search for and buy things online, but it will still take time and effort to find everything you took for granted back home. Finding friends: This one can feel hard, especially if you are moving alone and don’t yet have a job lined up. Look for expat networks and meetup groups, and consider volunteering or getting involved in activities you enjoy as ways to start interacting with others in your new home. Having a local support network can help you settle in more quickly and lessen the culture shock you might feel, especially if it’s your first time living in a new country. Have fun: Sure, you will have your challenges and some days will be hard. You also have an incredible opportunity to get to know places and people with histories and cultures different from your own. Don’t forget to take advantage of this and enjoy your experience. Travel, try things tourists don’t see, learn something new. You might find you are ready to go home after a year, or it may just be that this is only the start of your adventure!Getting a hospitality internship or job abroad can be a great way to gain valuable international experience and build your career in the hospitality industry. It is also an incredible way to see the world and gain deeper knowledge of other cultures, as well as to experience places in a way you can’t as a tourist. If you have doubts, need advice or are frustrated, remember that there are networks of expats in hospitality, including here in Hospo Friends, and in other industries who can help. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and try something new; the rewards often greatly outweigh the risks.