“When people say England, they sometimes mean Great Britain, sometimes the United Kingdom, sometimes the British Isles – but never England.”
So said George Mikes, an author known for his geographical commentary. Luckily for you, when GoneWorkabout says ‘United Kingdom’, it means four diverse places – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where you can live and work abroad.
The UK tempts foreign workers with its high wages, strong welfare system, stunning scenery and proximity to, literally, everywhere. And few regions in the world have such global influence and inspire as much iconic imagery. Whether you think of changing guards at Buckingham Palace or the blue and white face of Braveheart, Stonehenge or the Devil’s Causeway, fish and chips or Welsh pancakes, there’s an endless list of things to motivate your move here. Need a few more reasons to work abroad in the United Kingdom?
Here they are:
1. The Pound. Though the UK was one of the earliest members of the European Union, it never adopted the Euro. Instead, the region has held onto its own currency. The Pound is one of the oldest, and arguably one of the strongest, currencies in the world. It has survived entire centuries of boom and bust to remain economically stable – and typically worth 1.5 or 2 times as much as the U.S. dollar! Any wages earned here equate to extra cash back home. Save up funds for a massive trip at the end of your work visa, or dole those hard-earned paychecks out on fun (and comparatively cheaper) activities around Europe.
2. The neighbors. Every day could be a vacation with over 50 countries just next door. Cheap airlines and high speed train routes reach every corner of the continent, providing you with countless opportunities for exploration and escape. Not to mention all those bank holidays, non-celebratory days off factored into the yearly British calendar simply to give you a break.
3. The humor. The Monty Python, often credited with introducing British humor to the wider world, is merely one very funny entry on a list of movies and films that are produced in the UK and feature the region’s unique style of dry wit. Devoid of the slapstick antics and bodily function jokes popular in North American flicks, British humor carries more subtle punchlines. Beyond the big screen, you’ll find Brits sarcastic and easily able to laugh themselves.
4. The manners. Sarcastic humor aside, the natives here are renowned for their genteel behavior and polite manners. From the welcoming Glaswegians to the chatty Scousers (or Liverpool locals), these people will more often than not offer help and a friendly “hello” whenever you need it. Small talk plays a big part in this personable behavior, giving strangers a reason to initiate conversation with just about anyone.
5. The visa process. While the UK currently only offers working holiday visas to residents in a handful of countries, this shouldn’t deter you from seeking out other visa options. Many foreigners enter the UK on skilled worker or entrepreneur visas; others earn less but enjoy living in the UK on volunteer visas; artists and musicians may apply for creative visas; and anyone with sponsorship from a valid British company may also live and work in the UK. These application processes are straightforward and easy to follow, with minimal fees. After that, you only need to live here for five years before you’re eligible for British citizenship.
6. The welfare system. Public health is free and covers everything from the common cold to cancer treatments. (Though hopefully you’ll never catch anything more serious than a sunburn while you work abroad in the UK). A second option for private healthcare guarantees that you’ll receive treatment for whatever ails you and don’t have to hassle with international travel insurance.
7. The daily budget. Your capacity for fun doesn’t depend on a huge salary here. While there will always be expensive night clubs and theater tickets, these “dear” costs (as the locals say) are countered by numerous free activities: museums, street performances, pop-up festivals and stand-up comedy shows. When it comes to food and supplies, massive superstores like Tesco and Aldi sell things on the cheap, cutting your expenses even further. Add in reasonably priced public transportation and let your daily budget surprise you.
8. The culture. Look backwards in time and discover over 20,000 years of history through museums, World Heritage sites, regional heritage festivals and some of the world’s most extensive collections of art and literature. Or if you prefer, focus on the present and lose yourself in the cosmopolitan flavors of London, the rich language of the Scottish Highlands, and the political tapestry of Belfast. Culture isn’t just an idea here, but something that seeps out of the very soil.
9. The tea. This drink defines the whole UK. Each borough and town has its own preferred brand, type and method of making, and it will be impossible to leave here without a serious addiction. In most work environments, tea breaks take precedence over smoke and coffee breaks; and don’t be surprised if a manager gulps down 5-plus mugs a day. Tea rituals play a huge part in social visits as well, with “a cuppa” being one excuse to visit friends or pop round to the neighbors. Inside someone’s house, it’s usually the first thing offered – along with a tasty biscuit for dipping.
Not convinced that the UK should be your next home? Check out these other top work abroad destinations. . .
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli