Job facilities in other countries
As a citizen from a Member State of the European Union, everyone has the right to apply for any job vacancy advertised in the EU countries, and to live in that country for a 'reasonable period' of time (this period is usually six months) in order to look for a job. It is quite a simple thing to do in the era of globalisation, since the relaxation of border controls in the EU. Now there are more opportunities for people to find a job abroad.
What makes this possibility attractive is that while working abroad people have new experiences, they practice a foreign language, learn the national traditions and make international relationships. In recent years, many people move to other countries in the hope of better living conditions as well.
Actually, it appears as if working abroad has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Regarding recognition of professional qualifications, the basic principle is that, if someone is qualified to exercise a profession in their home country, he/she is qualified to exercise the same profession in any other EU country.
- Working abroad can provide an opportunity for total immersion in a foreign culture, in a way that a short travelling through cannot.
- The different environment and culture often challenges people. They feel even if their job is the same type of work as at home, it is much more interesting.
- This form of work experience makes a CV more attractive for employers, so future career development opportunities may be enhanced by a period spent working abroad.
Disadvantages:
- In real life there can be significant differences in the various countries between the training provided and the diplomas, certificates recognized, with the result that it can sometimes be difficult to have a training fully recognised.
- The lack of language skills can cause isolation. Some people suffer from the absence of relatives, friends and social activities. Sometimes they get worse jobs with lower salaries if they do not know the language well enough.
- Employees have to adjust to the environment of their new job. It is important to prepare mentally for the 'culture shock' they might experience. In some cases they have to fight prejudice and other difficulties as well.
- There are just a few 'information points' where people can get information about the advertised jobs in other EU countries, and the official way of getting a job is still too difficult, so employees decide rather to take a job illegally.
It is advisable to work out how a worker will be able to keep in contact with those who stay at home. In spite of the fact that working abroad has some disadvantages, the numerous advantages can easily surpass them if everybody decides on mature consideration.
Workshop led by Hungarian organization