Working Abroad: Facts and Advice
Seasonal Jobs in Europe: Spain and Greece
The summer season is getting ever closer, which for some, offers the chance to work in some of the top European sunshine destinations. Whether you are thinking of escaping to one of the clubbing capitals such as Ibiza or Magaluf, or if you want somewhere more relaxed, namely Santorini or Tenerife, this article contains a wealth of advice, intended to prepare you better for your venture abroad.
Basic Necessities
It may seem obvious but make sure that you have all the necessary documents with you, most importantly, your passport. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is also important, which you can apply for online. The EHIC is crucial, as it covers medical bills abroad. Otherwise if you become ill or injured you would personally incur the medical costs. As the insurance market is so competitve now, it is possible to shop around for cheap travel cover. Some reasonably priced insurance suppliers include the Post Office, STA Travel, as well as many companies online. Do not even think of leaving home shores without travel insurance!
Finding Work Abroad
Getting a good job is dependent on the line of work you are interested in and the resort you intend on living in. For the vast majority of working holidays on the continent, service industry positions are the norm. Bar, waitressing/waitering and promotional work are commonplace in all major resorts. In many businesses, employers advertise their vacancies online. If you would prefer some peace of mind regarding finding work, you may want to pursue a position online. However, in many holiday destinations, positions become available throughout the season. This is for a variety of reasons: many employees return home mid-season, people get fired, the level of tourism in certain destinations can fluctuate, increasing peak-season.
It is also worth pointing out that many employers will hire you if you can demonstrate a skill which may be of benefit to his/her business, even if they are not looking for staff at the time. For example, if you can demonstrate that you have charm, charisma, then you may very well get snapped up for a promotional position, or if you can bar-flare, it is likely that you will have little trouble finding work.
However, it is commonplace to simply book a one or two week holiday, and look for work towards the end of that period. By then you will know the places that you might like to work in and you will likely have made some contacts out there.
Accommodation
If you are set up with a job before you arrive at your chosen resort, many employers will provide accommodation, or find you a place to stay. Otherwise, the same rules apply as with job-seeking. Most resorts have plenty of accommodation available, and you will usually find advertising wherever you go. If you take a holiday first, you will have the chance to scope out the resort for the best places to live. In many Greek and Spanish resorts you can usually find an apartment for two for 250 to 400 euros ($400 - $650) monthly.
You might want to take a book or two to read! Yes, you will be in the sun and there are so many things to occupy your time, particularly with sandy beaches and pools to choose from, but now and again, you will need to kill some time.
Pack some sunscreen, mosquito repellant, and beware the cockroaches! Other than that, enjoy yourself. Most people who work abroad would say that the experience is nothing but beneficial, whether it is that they are infinitely more confident as a result, or because of the friends they made and the people they met. It's what you yourself can make of it, and if you do it right, it can be the experience of a lifetime.
The beautiful Magaluf, Majorca
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