University vacation periods are a good time to earn money and gain experience. The summer provides several months when you can work, travel or volunteer full time, while the Christmas and Easter breaks offer a few weeks to get experience. Even if it's not related to your degree or future career, holiday work is excellent for developing transferable skills which employers want: team working, initiative, problem-solving, communication skills and others.
Careers ServiceInternational vacation work
What you need to know
Checklist
Have you decided what country (and city or region) you want to go to?
Do you speak a language and want to use it?
Are you looking to learn a language? Summer language schools may be an option.
Cost - some vacation programmes (for example, summer camps) have programme fees. In addition to these, you'll most likely have to pay for flights, visas, travel insurance, health insurance, and accommodation. Have you budgeted for these costs?
Do you know what type of experience / job you are looking for? This will help you target your search more effectively.
Do you need a visa?
Working in Europe - immigration rules for UK nationals post-Brexit
You’ll need a work permit to work in most EU countries if you’re a UK citizen. The GOV UK website Work in an EU country has links to UK-based embassies, and Living in country guides, for every EU country.
What kinds of jobs are available?
Working at a children's summer activity camp.
Hotels & holiday parks may all need staff for busy vacation periods - check their websites or ring up and ask.
Tourism, ski seasons & summer resort jobs.
Agricultural work, fruit picking etc.
Work in shops, bars and local businesses may be easier to find once you are in the country. However, you must have the correct visa before looking for work.
General advice
Prospects working abroad
Each country page has a section on summer jobs.
Season Workers
A work and travel website.
GoinGlobal
The Careers Service subscribes to GoinGlobal, an online international jobs and internships database which gives Strathclyde students access to the latest vacancies (DS login required).
It's a great resource for those thinking about a global career and includes worldwide country guides covering:
- job search resources, job hunting tips and local job search links
- CV guidelines and tips, with examples for each country
- visa information
- cultural advice
GoinGlobal is free for all Strathclyde University students and graduates of the last five years.
Resources to find a job in...
Camp Canada by NYQuest Summer camps in Canada
Summer camps:
Au Pair agencies:
LEOLingo Sprachcamps fur kinder (Teach English at language camps)
BUNAC Work America and Summer Camp programs
Camp America Summer camp jobs
CCUSA Summer camp jobs
Wild Packs Summer camp jobs
Camp Leaders Summer camp jobs
Yummy Jobs Work and Travel Program Hospitality jobs
Prospects: Summer camp jobs in the USA