Finding work outside the UK

Learn how to find work in other countries, including USA and China, and the practicalities to consider.

Where to look for opportunities

Start by using MyCareerHub to find international jobs and internships. Use the location function to filter results by ‘international’:

MyCareerHub - Opportunities (UoE login required)

GoinGlobal is an online platform with resources for over 40 countries around the world with a separate section for major cities. The University subscribes to GoinGlobal so you don’t need to set up your own account. For each country, the resource includes:

  • employment guides
  • links to major job sites
  • jobs and internship listings
  • CV and cover letter guidelines
  • background information, for example about the cost of living

GoinGlobal (UoE login required)

Work Abroad initiatives - the UK Government's Turing programme is funding Study and Work Away activities as the UK's participation in the Erasmus+ programme ended on 31 May 2023:

Turing scheme

In the Working abroad section of the Prospects website, you’ll find reports for over 30 countries, written with students and graduates in mind. They have information on popular graduate jobs, internships, major industries, vacancy sources, language requirements, visas and applications:

Prospects - Working abroad

GradLink is aimed at international students in the UK. They include graduate opportunities and labour market information, and cover South East Asia, the Gulf, Canada, Europe, Africa and India:

GradLink   

Online national newspapers and journals show which employment sectors are growing and which organisations expect to recruit graduates. Social media can also be helpful when looking to work in another country. Following local companies, organisations, embassies, consulates and key people will help you keep up-to-date with what's going on.

Preparation and support top tips

  • Do your research before signing up to anything.
  • Networking can be a great way to stay informed of country-specific information and make connections. The University of Edinburgh Alumni LinkedIn group gives you access to over 20,000 members of the community. 

University of Edinburgh Alumni LinkedIn group

  • University Careers Services in your home country or city can be useful as their websites may include resources on where to look for work. If you were a student in your home country before you came to the UK, check whether you are still eligible to use your previous university or college's Careers Service.
  • Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice before booking travel:

GOV.UK - Foreign travel advice

  • Immigration departments for the country you’re interested in are the most reliable source for information about visas and immigration. Familiarise yourself with any restrictions and contact the relevant embassy or consulate for further advice.
  • National employment agencies exist for many countries (the UK equivalent is Jobcentre Plus). They often support jobseekers by advertising jobs and providing advice on practical requirements such as registering to pay social security and tax. 

Finding work in the USA

Learn how to find work in the USA, and get guidance on visas, resumes and networking.

Finding work in China

Learn where to look for opportunities in China, and find out about the Chinese job market and tips about applications.

This article was published on