Job hunting has become a worldwide competition thanks to digital technology. This shift has opened up more opportunities for people in remote areas, but unemployment gaps still exist. Moving abroad for work can change your life, giving you the chance to grow professionally, experience new cultures, and develop personally. Many people choose to work overseas for better career prospects, higher pay, or simply a new environment.

But moving abroad takes more than just packing your bags. You need to plan carefully, find the right job, and make sure your qualifications are accepted in your new country. This guide will walk you through these steps and share useful strategies and resources to help you succeed.

Also read: Best financial apps for remote workers on the move

Understanding degree validation

One of the most critical steps in pursuing work abroad is validating your academic credentials, also known as credential evaluation or recognition. This process confirms that your degree meets the standards of the host country, which is vital for job applications, professional licensing, or further studies. Without validation, your qualifications may not be accepted, which can limit your opportunities. You should bear in mind that this may come at a cost and

The procedure varies by country.

• European Union (EU): the ENIC-NARIC network serves as a gateway for recognising foreign qualifications across 56 countries, including non-EU nations. To start, visit the ENIC-NARIC website, select your target country, and access its national information centre for details on higher education systems and recognition procedures. Europass is another valuable resource for comparing qualifications within Europe.
• United States: Recognition is handled by private organisations under the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), like World Education Services (WES).
• Canada – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from approved agencies.
• Australia – Skills assessments are conducted by professional bodies such as Engineers Australia or the Australian Medical Council.
• Middle East – Gulf countries often require attestation through your home country’s Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs, followed by authentication from the local embassy.

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How to find a job and validate your degree abroad

As the job market becomes more global, it’s important to validate your degree because employers abroad might not know your country’s education system. Job hunting overseas also means using different strategies, like searching on international job boards and learning about visa rules. With good preparation, you can overcome these challenges and start a rewarding career abroad.

1. Research and plan

Before you start applying, take time to research which countries and industries are the best fit for you. Look at your skills, experience, and what you want in a job, then see where those match up with global opportunities. Check which countries need your skills most, and think about things like economic stability, cost of living, work-life balance, and what’s required to validate your qualifications.

2. Compile all necessary documents

Have your diplomas, transcripts, and a detailed list of courses readily available. If you have a higher education degree from a European country, request a Europass Diploma Supplement from your university. It explains your qualifications in detail. You will often need to provide official, certified translations of your documents into the local language. It is usually better to get testimonials from past employers and referees early to ensure you don’t experience delays when you need them.

3. Validate your degree

Once you have a shortlist of countries you can work in, follow the recommended procedure for credential validation. You'll need to submit transcripts, diplomas, and, in some cases, syllabi.

4. Update your application materials

Your CV or resume is often the first thing recruiters see, so it’s important to make it count. Avoid sending the same CV everywhere. Instead, customise it for each job to catch employers’ attention. Highlight your passion, experience, and goals in your online profiles, like LinkedIn.

5. Start your job search

You can look for jobs abroad in several ways, and trying different methods will boost your chances of finding the right position.

• Use international job boards: Search on websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Go Overseas, and GoAbroad.com.
• Check company career pages: Look for jobs directly on company websites and set up job alerts for new opportunities.
• Consider recruitment agencies: Agencies can help place people in international roles, especially in fields like healthcare and IT, for a fee. However, be wary of fraudsters.

6. Network effectively

Reach out to professionals and alumni from your university to get advice and learn about job openings. Use LinkedIn and other platforms to connect with people in your field in your target countries. Joining groups for international job seekers or your profession can also help you make contacts and find opportunities.

7. Leverage university resources

Meet with career services professionals for advice and guidance on finding international jobs. Look for part-time jobs, research assistant positions, or tutoring roles on your university's official pages.

Also read: Currency conversion traps to avoid when relocating

Managing your finances as you move abroad

Finding a job abroad can take time and effort, but it’s worth it if you want to work in your dream country. You’ll need to research, prepare carefully, and keep going even when it gets tough. Don’t forget to validate your degree, as this step is key to making sure your qualifications are accepted.

You’ll also need a reliable way to manage your money while moving abroad. For example, paying for degree validation often means using foreign currencies like USD, GBP, or EUR. Grey makes this easier by offering multi-currency accounts, low fees, and good exchange rates. Most banks abroad won’t let you open an account before you arrive, but with Grey, you can set up your finances ahead of time and avoid any problems when you get there.

Get started with Grey today to make managing your finances easier as you move abroad.

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