International Work Experience
Learn about opportunities to work internationally, during your time at Ulster.
Opportunities to explore
Your Global Placement Journey Starts Here
Imagine spending part of your degree living, working and experiencing life in another country.
Whether it's a summer internship in Canada, a placement in Germany or a year working in Australia or America. A Work Abroad placement can transform your confidence, your career and your university experience.
This opportunity is available to second-year students undertaking a 12-month industry placement, as well as students in any year of study seeking shorter-term workabroad opportunities.
- Are more likely to achieve a First-Class degree: 43.1%, compared with 31.1% of non-mobile students.
- Experience stronger employment outcomes, with 75.9% of mobile students entering professional-level employment, compared with 72% of non-mobile students.
- Graduates who complete a mobility or international experience earn 5.5% more six months after graduating compared to non-mobile peers.
According to the Gone International: A New Generation report by Universities UK International (2025), students who spend time abroad:
Why work abroad?
- Level up your CV with international work experience that employers love.
- Build confidence by stepping outside your comfort zone and becoming more independent.
- Live somewhere new while earning money, gaining experience and immersing yourself in a different culture.
- Make friends and connections from around the world and grow your global network.
- Get recognised for your experience through the Ulster Graduate Award.
Explore Your International Journey
Whether you're just getting started or already abroad, we're here to help
“Could I work abroad?”
This is where your global journey begins. Whether you're simply curious or seriously considering an international placement, this is the perfect place to explore what's possible.
If you're in your first or second year, now is the ideal time to start researching your options. Planning ahead gives you more time to prepare, build your skills, and discover the opportunities available to you.
What you’ll find info on:
- Benefits of working abroad
Discover how an international placement can help you build confidence, gain valuable global experience, develop transferable skills, and stand out to future employers. - FAQs & myth-busting
Have questions? We've got the answers. Find information on topics such as visas, costs, funding, accommodation, and more to help you make informed decisions. - Where can I go?
Explore popular destinations, industries, and employers that have hosted Ulster students. Browse current opportunities and start imagining where your placement could take you.
“I’m interested – what do I need to do?”
You've decided that working abroad could be for you—now it's time to start turning your plans into reality. This stage will help you understand what to do next and guide you through the planning process, one step at a time.
What to focus on:
- Read the Work Abroad Student Guide
From exploring destinations and finding the right opportunity to securing your placement, we'll guide you through each stage of the process. - Application tips & CV support
Learn how to create a CV that stands out to international employers, improve your applications, and access one-to-one support from our Careers team. - Funding & financial support
Find out what grants, scholarships and funding may be available, along with budgeting advice to help you plan for your placement with confidence. - Visa and requirements overview
Understand the key travel requirements for your destination, including visas, passports and other essential documentation, so you can plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises.
“I’ve got a placement – now what?”
Congratulations! You've secured your Work Abroad placement – an exciting milestone. Now it's time to get everything in place before you travel, so you can start your placement with confidence.
What to focus on:
- Pre-departure mandatory
Make sure you've completed all the essential tasks before you leave, from submitting your documentation and confirming your accommodation to completing the mandatory Travel Preparation Assessment Form - Visa, Insurance & travel requirements
Find everything you need to know about visas, travel insurance, and other important requirements. You'll also find links to the University's UMAL Travel Insurance Policy and the UK Government's Foreign Travel Advice to help you prepare safely and confidently. - Staying connected & supported
Wherever you are in the world, we're here to help. Find out who to contact before, during and after your placement if you need advice or support email workabroad@ulster.ac.uk
“I’m about to go / I’m there!”
Congratulations, you're about to begin (or have already started) an exciting international experience. This is your opportunity to grow personally and professionally, build lasting connections, and create memories that will stay with you long after your placement ends.
What to focus on:
- Make the most of every opportunity
Take every chance to learn, build new skills, and expand your professional network. Connect with colleagues, get involved in local activities, and embrace new experiences that will help you grow. - Showcase your experience
Share your journey with the Student Talent Team through photos, blogs or videos, and update your LinkedIn profile to highlight the skills and experience you're gaining. Reflecting on your placement now will make it much easier to talk about it in future job applications and interviews. - Turn your experience into future success
When you return, use your international experience to strengthen your CV, applications and interviews. You may also be able to gain recognition through the Ulster Graduate Award for your Work Abroad experience. - Inspire the next generation
Your experience could encourage other students to take the leap. Share your story, become a Work Abroad Ambassador, or take part in future events and student testimonials to help others begin their own global journey.
Working Abroad
What steps do I need to take?
Planning to work abroad is exciting, but there’s a little preparation to do before you go. We’re here to help you understand the process and feel confident about taking your next steps. Explore the information and resources below to help you prepare for your placement, plan your finances and get answers to common questions.
Travel Advice
Thinking of working abroad? Read our FAQ's to help get prepared.
Apply for Work Abroad
Find international placements and take your next step abroad. Employers can also partner with us to create valuable student experiences....
Budgeting to Work Abroad
We have a number of useful resources for you to consider, whilst budgeting for your Work Abroad experience
Work Abroad Placements
Are you thinking of working abroad? Read on to find out what steps you need to consider.
Everything You Need Before You Go
Ready for an international adventure?
This guide breaks the work abroad journey into four simple stages: Discover, Apply, Prepare and Thrive. You'll find everything you need to help you explore opportunities, secure a placement, get ready to travel and make the most of your time overseas.
If you're planning to work abroad it's mandatory to complete the Travel Preparation Assessment Form at least 2 weeks prior to the start of your mobility
The form helps you prepare for your placement, identify any potential challenges before you leave, and ensures we can provide the right support. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by the Employability and Graduate Futures Team and your Placement Tutor, who will email you with the outcome and the latest FCDO travel guidance for your destination.
Foreign Travel Guidance
- FCDO - The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office site will provide you with the latest travel guidance and entry requirements for your host country.
- Overseas living guides - Please research the guide applicable to your host country
- British Embassy/Consulates
- Irish Embassies/Consulates
- U.S Embassy and Consulates in the UK
- Prospects Country Guide - Another helpful resource for students travelling abroad
