Post-graduate options: Navigating work visas and employment abroad

Studying and working abroad is fast becoming an appealing option for students around the world.It also provides an opportunity to experience different cultures while gaining world-class education at the same time.

That said,navigating the journey of being an international student and trying to establish a career thereafter overseas can be both challenging and rewarding.

A crucial aspect of this transition is to first gain in-depth knowledge of the post-study work visa requirements available in different countries.

Post-study work visas allow students pursuing graduation abroad to work without any restriction for some years before returning to their home country. 

Here are some options to consider that will allow students to see a new side of the local culture beyond the academic perspective by working in a local industry and mingling with the local population.

Cruise line internships and apprenticeships

If you are studying abroad to get a degree and are considering a long-term career in hospitality you should consider applying for an internship with a cruise line.

Recent changes in federal law have brought about many advantages of doing an internship on a cruise. Not only does one gain valuable work experience,but in most cases get paid as well.

In addition to paid internships, students who are attending college at maritime universities can avail of apprenticeships for potential candidates seeking to become officers in ship operations.

Applying for a friendly nation visa

Under this program, citizens of certain countries can apply for a permanent Friendly Nations Visa which not only allows them to live in a particular country,but study and work there as well.

The Panama Friendly Nations Visa,for example,is a special immigration program where citizens of eligible countries,who have strong economic ties with Panama, can apply for permanent residency,get a Panamanian ID and work there indefinitely as long as the meet  all the requirements.The ID is not mandatory but highly recommended if you apply for the Panamanian Friendly Nations visa. 

On campus jobs

Working on the campus offers a unique opportunity to meet other students outside of the international exchange circle where you can improve your language skills by working in the language of the locals.

So check beforehand if your foreign university has a center for work study or enquire from local students about job opportunities on the campus.

Restaurants and Bars

Working in a restaurant or a bar is not only fun but earns enough money to offset some of the daily living costs. Working as a bartender can be a wonderful way to learn the local language as well.

Carry your CV and evidence of a visa which allows you to work abroad and take a stroll in a popular area of the town and chat with a restaurant manager to score a gig quickly. Be careful as these jobs can be draining and do not distract you from your studies.

Teaching English

More than 1.5 billion people in the world speak English making it the third most widely spoken language in the world and a first language in many countries.English is also dominant in schools and professional settings. So if you have a command over this language, teaching English is a wonderful option when studying abroad.

Most teaching institutions do not require a degree or being a teacher to teach English, which works in your favour. There are a few exceptions where a TEFL(Teaching English as a Foreign Language)certificate, which can be easily earned online for an affordable price and can be completed beforehand for schools, generally requires that you have a TEFL certificate.