Working abroad

All students have the option of doing their placement abroad. It is possible to take paid or unpaid employment with a company or organisation, or to spend the year as a research assistant in a University. A placement abroad should give you the confidence to feel that you can live and work in your chosen country, or in careers that require an understanding of the society and culture there.

Finding a placement abroad

Your Placement Tutor will provide help with finding your placement, but the main responsibility lies with you. There are a number of ways to search for possible placements. The websites below give useful information and contacts to help you start your search. Organisations that specialise in arranging work experience abroad, such as BUNAC and Council Exchanges, are worth investigating. The University Careers Advisory Service has a large amount of information about commercial companies and voluntary organisations operating abroad. Your Placement Tutor will keep you informed about any opportunities that he/she finds. Your tutors may also be able to provide information. You should also think about using personal contacts, family business contacts and so on, which might help in locating a suitable placement.

You will need to write speculative letters to the organisations you would like to work for. In addition to thinking about the content of the placement and the working environment there are a number of areas you may wish to consider that are specific to overseas placements:

• How far will you be working beside local people?
• Has the organisation had experience of hosting students? Will there be other students there? How will that affect your work and role?
• Have you done enough independent background research on the organisation and the country? Do you need any help in getting more information?
• Have you thought about gender issues, the social aspect of the placement, your status within the organisation, social taboos, issues around race and colour?
• Have you thought about language training and the degree of fluency you would need to be able to operate? This is particularly important in countries where English is not the second language.
• Will you be able to put your overseas work experience towards your final dissertation?
• Will you have access to reliable phone or fax and medical facilities?
• Will your supervisor give you time to see a bit of the country?

Useful websites

• http://www.bunac.org/ – advertises and organises placements abroad;
• http://www.uk.aiesec.org – student–run organisation that arranges placements abroad;
• http://www.yearoutgroup.org – volunteering placements abroad;
• http://www.wse.org.uk – website of Christians Abroad – information for everyone about working abroad;
• http://www.job-hunt.org – placements/internships in the US;
• http://www.oneworld.net – volunteering opportunities in overseas development;
• http://www.fco.gov.uk – Foreign and Commonwealth Office – detailed current information about all major countries, travel advice;
• http://www.doh.gov.uk – Department of Health – information on vaccinations and other health precautions needed for each country;

Volunteering abroad

There are a number of UK-based volunteering organisations that operate projects overseas. They can offer valuable experience, but you usually have to pay them. Websites that may be useful include:

• www.teaching-abroad.co.uk
• www.earthwatch.org

If you want to do a voluntary placement overseas, there are a number of companies and trusts that may be able to help with funding. You will need to write to them, explaining what you intend to do, why you feel that is it worthwhile and why you need the funding. Details of these organisations can be found in the library in following publications:

• A Guide to the Major Trusts, Vols 1 & 2    Ref: R361.7
• The Guide to UK Company Giving    Ref: R361.7
• Directory of Grant Making Trusts    Ref: R361.8

You could also try approaching charities such as your local Rotary Club and the Royal Commonwealth Society, Bath.

Checklist before going abroad

• Passport
• A copy of your birth certificate and passport
• Driving licence
• Visa (if necessary)
• EHIC form (if travelling to an EU country)
• Insurance policy and medical insurance documents
• Tickets and travel documents
• Proof of student status
• Enough local currency for the first few days
• Access to funds to cover your living expenses for two months
• Spare passport sized photos
• Contract of employment if received and any correspondence from/to your employer
• Important telephone numbers and addresses (e.g. employer, accommodation, bank/credit card emergency numbers etc)
• Council Exchanges information and booklets, if you have obtained your visa from them
• Medication, insect repellent, malaria tablets etc, if needed
• Guide Book

Support from the University

As with students on placement in the UK, you will be assigned a tutor with whom you should maintain regular contact and who will give advice and support should you encounter any difficulties. The Placement Tutor is also available for advice and support. You will be invited to attend the Placement Conference in the spring, but as you will normally be responsible for the cost of travelling back to the UK, attendance is not compulsory. If you are unable to attend, you are asked to send in a written outline of the presentation you would have given at the conference instead.

You will need to ensure that all arrangements for you to obtain a grant or loan when you return to University after your time abroad are made before departure. Student loan companies may require a letter from the University indicating whether you are paid a salary or not while you are abroad. Please contact the Placement Tutor before you leave to arrange this if it is needed.

Passports and Visas

All students preparing for a placement abroad must ensure that they hold a valid current passport that will remain valid for the duration of the placement. Students from outside the European Union (EU) who are planning to spend the placement year within the EU must ensure that they have any required visas. Students visiting a country outside the EU must ensure that they have the requisite visas. Contact the Consulate or Embassy of the country concerned for details on how to apply. If you intend to do a placement in the US, the Placement Tutor can assist in arranging your visa.

You will probably need copies for visas and other documents before departure and whilst overseas (where it can be expensive to have them made). You are recommended to obtain a dozen spares. Photographs for official use must be full face on a plain light background and should measure 2 x 2 inches.

Driving Licence

If you have a driving licence you should take it with you. Up-to-date information on International Driving Permits can be obtained from RAC Travel Processing, PO Box 1500, Bristol, BS99 2LH. Tel: 0800 550055. It can take 2 weeks to obtain an international driver’s licence and will cost £4.00 with a passport sized photo. Main post offices now also issue international driving licences over the counter.

International Student Identity Card

International Student Identity Cards (ISIC) can be obtained from STA travel on campus or via the website at www.statravel.co.uk and entitles the holder to discounts throughout Europe.

Medical cover and vaccinations

Students who are EU nationals and travelling to EU countries should apply for form EHIC which will give the student free access to the same level of medical facilities as enjoyed by the nationals of the countries to be visited. The Department for Work and Pensions (http://www.dwp.gov.uk/) advises that the individual should take out additional cover, as the available medical facilities of a particular country may prove inadequate. Form EHIC is advised.

The EHIC can be applied for by telephone: 0191 225 4811. Students will need their National Insurance number and specific dates of travel. If the placement is to be spent in more than one country then specific dates will be required. Form EHIC should be applied for not less than 2 weeks prior to departure to ensure sufficient processing time.

It is a good idea to have both medical and dental check ups before you go. You are responsible for registering yourself with a local doctor when you get there.

If you are travelling outside the EU, contact your doctor’s surgery to see whether you need to have any vaccinations. It is important to do this in good time, as some vaccinations require a series of injections that can take a couple of months for completion. You should also check the Department of Health website: http://www.doh.gov.uk, for information on health precautions needed in different countries.

Personal Insurance

You are strongly advised to purchase a personal accident and travel insurance policy. This should include an element of personal liability, which would cover any injury or damage that you may cause outside working hours, which is not provided under the University cover. Endsleigh Insurance offers a range of travel insurance packages, some of which are specifically tailored for placement students abroad. Travel insurance can also be purchased through banks, insurance brokers and insurance companies.

Students travelling abroad on placement are required to take out a travel insurance policy to cover the duration of their stay. This policy should cover the placement activity and include cover for medical expenses, personal injury and accident benefit, personal belongings, cancellation expenses etc while on placement. It should also include cover for personal liability to cover personal actions, eg outside the placement situation. Endsleigh Insurance offers a tailored insurance product for students going on placement, but travel insurance is also available through banks, insurance brokers and insurance companies. It is the student’s responsibility to check that the personal insurance purchased is adequate for their needs.

Finances

Most placements are paid although some students do unpaid placements. It is important to find out how much the salary is and what the local living expenses are likely to be and to calculate whether you can afford to take the placement. You should ensure that you have easy instant access to sufficient money to cover your living expenses for 2 months as it may take longer than you expect to set up a bank account in another country, or your pay cheque may be slow in arriving. You will also need to identify someone in the UK who would provide funds during your placement in the event of an emergency.

You will normally be responsible for finding your own accommodation, although your employer may be able to help with this. Find out the average cost of rent in the area before you decide to go, and make sure you include it in your calculations. Remember that you will need to pay for hotel or hostel accommodation for the first week or so whilst you look for a flat.

Students pay their own travel fares unless they have been awarded specific funding or unless arrangements have been made for the employer to pay.

Contact details

It is very important that you fill in the two forms, as we must be able to get in contact with you and your supervisor from the outset by telephone, email and post: we ask that you provide additional contact details if you are undertaking a placement abroad for next of kin or someone we can contact in the UK in the event of an emergency and someone who can provide you with emergency funds. Please ask your nominated contacts to keep the Placement Tutor informed of any change of address etc.

Social and cultural issues

Find out as much as you can about the area you are going to before you leave. Ask students who have just returned from a placement abroad. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk for the latest information and advice on individual countries. Invest in a good guidebook, such as Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. Find out as much as you can about local culture, what to see and where to go.

Safety Guidelines

• Do not travel alone or on foot if it is dark or late. Carry a mobile phone, identification and a personal alarm. Be alert to danger and leave the area if you feel unsafe.
• Be aware of the politics of the area. Stay away from areas of civil unrest or military action. Do not enter secure areas where there are instructions not to do so. Do not try to photograph or video these areas.
• If your job involves fieldwork visits, keep a visit diary. Record the date, time and nature of the visit, the address and telephone number of the place to be visited, your own mobile number, address of accommodation if you are to stay overnight and your expected time of return. Hand this diary to your supervisor or another responsible person.

Personal Behaviour

The onus is on you not to cause unnecessary offence and distress to the people of the communities in which you live and work. On arrival in the country it is most important to find out as soon as possible about local customs and etiquette. You are likely to be judged on the basis of your appearance and first impressions are important. If in doubt, dress as smartly as your circumstances allow and reason suggests, it is easier to relax your dress code later than to overcome an unfavourable first impression resulting from what may be considered inappropriate dress.

Politics and Religion

In some countries, it is best not to express strong views on politics or religion. You should be wary of entering into political discussions. Be particularly careful of commenting on local politics and on no account become actively involved. You will most likely be welcome to practice your own faith as long as you also respect the official religion and do not attempt to proselytise.

Breaking the Law

You should obviously take all reasonable precautions to ensure that you do not break the laws of the country where you are working. If you do so inadvertently and find yourself in trouble, you should inform the Placement Tutor as soon as possible, giving an honest account of the circumstances. The University cannot accept responsibility for payment of fines or take any action which evades the legal process. We would draw your attention to the laws most countries have concerning black market currency dealing and drug use and trafficking. Students should also be aware that in many countries homosexuality remains illegal with severe consequences for people whose lifestyle attracts the attention of the authorities or local community.

Emergencies

It is important that you register with the British Embassy or High Commission on arrival in the country. In the case of civil disorder or natural disaster, your placement provider is responsible for taking whatever action is necessary to safeguard you as a student. Please ensure that you inform the University, who will inform your nominated emergency contact in the UK.

If an emergency arises in your family while you are overseas, we will do all we can to get the information to you as quickly as possible if we are asked to do so. For this reason we ask all students to make sure that the employer has a contact address for you if you leave your placement for more than one or two days.

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