Working abroad

Please check whether your visa allows you to undertake paid work on your placement before you accept any employment on your study abroad placement.

Working abroad provides an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a different cultural environment, while also developing your language skills. However, before you go, it is helpful consider what it will be like to transition from a university to a work place environment. You will be faced with new challenges that you might not have encountered before. Considering what some of these challenges might be will help to prepare you for the experience.

Commuting

Being a student of St Andrews, you may be accustomed to a short walk from your front door to the library or lectures. On your Year Abroad, this might not be the case. You might well need to use public transport to get to and from work. It is therefore worth considering this element of your life abroad, as it will affect your budget and free time. Consider where your accommodation is and if it is near good transport links. Remember to also set aside a section of your budget for transport.

Work environment

Work environments vary from placement to placement but it will be very different to studying in St Andrews. Ask your employer what the dress code is, or try to gauge it on your first few days at the placement. You will also be expected to interact with people in a more professional and formal way. This is particularly important when using email.

Dealing with difficult colleagues

This is never a pleasant experience but one you may encounter on your Year Abroad. Always be polite and remember that most disagreements in the work place are due to a lack of clear communication, which can be aggravated by the fact that you may not be a native speaker. If a problem does arise, do not ignore it but try and communicate with the person. Hopefully any issues will be resolved this way. If you are having serious issues remember that your manager will be there to solve these kind of problems. Speaking to them about this issue will be a good step towards finding a solution.

Workload

Work placements are called as such because you will be expected to work! It might feel strange to have such a regimented timetable after having so much freedom in St Andrews but remember that this is all part of adjusting to a work environment. You will soon get into the swing of things! Be warned that finding your own work placement rather than going through British Council normally means you will end up with more working hours. 

Social life

It might be daunting going to a new country not knowing many people. Try and alleviate this problem before you even get there by seeing if you know anyone else in the area and contacting any other St Andrews students who are going to the same city. You may also find friends at work. Try to find accommodation in a flat share, preferably with native speakers as they will have a readymade friendship group for you to fit into. Other ways of meeting people are to join local clubs (such as the gym) and attending events (such as local festivals).