Stop wondering where to look for work abroad because we have the best place for you to find jobs: England. US citizens need to take a trip across the pond and experience life abroad in England. But now you’re wondering how to work in England, right? No worries — we’ve got 5 great ways for you to do so, from being an au pair to breaking into the business industry.

A lot of people travel because it’s super affordable to live in exotic places like Thailand or Costa Rica. But not everyone can be a digital nomad. Some of us have a cosmopolitan side that we need to support with a full time gig. Work in England for a chance to truly thrive in a foreign land, and have a cracking good time while you’re at it. 

Why work abroad in England?

England is known for famous landmarks like the Eye of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Diagon Alley (shuddup you know it’s there), and Big Ben. Not only is the scenery delightful, but the culture is quite nice as well. Tea time means you’ll get oodles of scones, tea cakes, jam and cream sammys, and much more, on a DAILY basis. That’s sooo much yum for the tum. If sweets aren’t your thing, England’s mouth watering restaurant scene is sure to draw you in. There are over 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK, which works out to approximately 30 samosas a day for a year if you play your cards right. And if you don’t fancy Indian food, there’s always good ol’ fish and chips!

Even though food is arguably a good enough reason to do anything, maybe getting hired is what will win you over. From Au Pairs to football (*ahem* soccer) coaches, there are so many jobs abroad in England that are hiring right now! It’ll be easy to start applying (as soon as you whip up a smashing good C.V.) since you likely already speak the language.

A lot of programs help you get situated, which is super helpful when moving to a foreign country to work. Having someone help you set up a bank account and find accommodations makes a world of difference when you’re finding work abroad. Even if you speak the language, navigating those bloody details is a pain in the arse. Luckily for you, the GoAbroad team is here to help you navigate these details by finding the perfect match for you. So grab your jumper, and prepare for work in England. 

What to think about before working in England

Did you even get your Hogwarts letter yet?? Or are you an imposter from another… roster…? That’s ok, you don’t have to be a wizard to work abroad in England. However, you do have to think about the requirements, work hours, and how much you’ll get paid. 

• Some jobs don’t require any experience whatsoever. Zero. zip. Nada. none. That’s perfect for a recent grad who just wants get the hell outta compton before they figure out what they’re doing with their life. Jobs that require little to no experience are often pretty baseline in terms of pay, but if you’re just looking to shake things up, what’s wrong with that? Just keep in mind you may need to be pinchin’ pennies while you work in England. 
• Other jobs need a little more… well, experience! If you’ve read any job description ever, this shouldn’t be a surprise. There’s all sorts of work in England for foreigners, all ya need is a little experience in whatever sector you want to go into. 
• Keep in mind that certain jobs require experience and a degree. It would be a total bummer to show up in England a nice suit and tie all ready for your corner office business job, and realize that you don’t qualify for lack of experience/ or don’t have a degree. Just a friendly reminder to check all the requirements when looking for work. England may be a foreign country, but they follow many of the same rules that you’re used to at home. 
• What kind of hours are you looking for in the UK? Jobs abroad offer a range of options, just like at home! If you want some time on the weekends to explore, look for a nine to five gig. If you would prefer to sleep in, maybe working weekends and evenings is for you. Some jobs, like Au Pairs, require 24/7 availability. That being said, they often offer perks like a house to stay, and food to eat. 

How to work in England

1. Au Pair

The term Au Pair is French for “equal,” or, “on even terms”. What makes au pairs work is the relationship you cultivate with the host family. Instead of working for them, you’re kind of working with them; you become a part of the family, where both you and the host family gets something positive out of the experience. You help out with housework and childcare and get to know the people and the culture. You also get a chance to represent your own culture by bringing things from your own background to England! You’re way more than a nanny. Plus, having a fancy French job title doesn’t look bad on a resumé.

If you’re looking for childcare work abroad, England is a great place to become an au pair. As long as you have applicable experience, you’re well on your way to being the next Mary Poppins. Au pair programs in England will organize your departure, hook you up with room and board, and offer flexible schedules so that you have a chance to explore while working abroad. 

• Requirements: Experience
• Work hours: 24/7
• Payscale: $$ 

2. Education

Raise your hand if you randomly shout “TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!” when something great happens. Anyone? Anyone….? Ok, fine, maybe not all of us are deep in the Harry Potter fandom, but it would be pretty sweet to become a teacher in England, even if you’re not teaching at Hogwarts. 

First, there are plenty of options. #EducateYourself. Second, you won’t be confined to just teaching English! There are so many places you can teach English abroad, but not everyone is interested in that. Are you a science teacher? Great, England needs science teachers! What about maths (yes, they say “maths” there.)? Boom, you’re hired. England is the place for you to teach whatever subject is in your wheelhouse.

• Requirements: Experience, Degree
• Work hours: 9 to 5
• Payscale: $$$

3. Hospitality & Tourism 

Working in hospitality and tourism is perfect for all you recent grads looking for work. England offers a myriad of tourist hotspots like the Eye of London and Big Ben, loads of restaurants, and an assortment of seasonal gigs for the uber noncommittal. Going through programs like Student Works are great for someone just dipping their toes in the hospitality and tourism industry. They guarantee job placement, help you set up a bank account, and find housing. 

Most jobs in hospitality and tourism require minimal to no experience, offer flexible schedules, and a chance to actually make money while galavanting the globe. Whether you get a gig in a hotel lobby or as a server in a cheery pub, hospitality jobs in England are a great way to really experience authentic British culture.

• Requirements: None
• Work hours: Evenings & Weekends
• Payscale: $

4. Business & Finance 

If you want to get into business and finance, maybe you should be looking for jobs abroad in England. The industry is forecasted to add 2 to 3 percent to the UK gross domestic product along with 47,000 jobs by 2020. Which means YOU get a job, and YOU get a job! Programs like BUNAC's are great because they provide full-time, paid internships right in London! And they put you up. 

International experience will look fantastic on your resumé, so it’s really the best excuse to live and work in England for foreigners. You’ll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, with enough time to explore the country while living abroad. 

• Requirements: Experience, Degree
• Work hours: 9 to 5
• Payscale: stacksonstacksonstancs

5. Sports

Ok let’s say this together: they call soccer football. Because your foot, hits the ball. Get it? Great! You’re ready to work in the sports industry in England. Not all jobs are delegated for the extremely sporty among us. If you love sports but can’t manage to kick a ball, why not check out sports journalism? It’s a great way to dabble in the world of sports without breaking any bones, practice your communication skills, and live, and work abroad. England is the perfect place for people interested in Euro sports like football, cricket, and rugby. Other jobs on that are more on the sidelines include sports marketing, recruiting agencies, and other desk based yet sport-centric office jobs.

If you are more of a hands on athlete, you can still get your head in the game. Are you a free agent looking for a team? Maybe you’ll be the next David Beckham! You could also look for a job at a gym as a personal trainer if you have the right experience. 

• Requirements: None
• Work hours: Evenings & Weekends 
• Payscale: $

You’re ready to find jobs in England for internationals!

What draws you to England? The dry, satirical humor? The way they toss an e at the end of words ad nauseum? Maybe it’s the lack of sunshine (save money on sunblock!) or the ridiculous amount of musical geniuses that hail from the nation. 

More likely than not, it’s a combination of these things. The best way to delve into this fascinating country is to find work. England is a perfect place to take an international hiatus in because you can do anything there you would in your home country. 

Speaking the Queen’s English is a perk, but, many jobs, like au pairs, encourage people who don’t speak English to apply. That way you get paid to practice speaking English with a local family. Jobs abroad in England really have something for everyone. From gung-ho business bros looking to crunch some major digits, to the flexible folks in the hospitality industry who are looking to pounds of tips. 

When it comes down to it, it’s stupid easy to find work in England for foreigners, you just have to start applying. If your friends say you sound a bit posh upon your arrival home, you can tell them to eat their trousers, because with a job in England, you’ll be singing “God Save the Queen” in no time. 

Get Matched with 5 Jobs Abroad in England for FREE →