Jetting off on holiday is possibly one of the best feelings in the world; but how about killing two birds with one stone and enhancing your job prospects whilst gallivanting around the globe? Working abroad or perhaps participating in a volunteering project makes you stand out from the crowd when it’s time to start job hunting. Here are our top 5 travel ideas that’ll attract fab future employers.

1. TEFL

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is an amazing way to travel abroad, learn a new language, strengthen your CV and in some circumstances, even earn yourself a bit of cash. There are hundreds of TEFL courses on offer that you can study for in the comfort of your own home before you jet off to your chosen country. You don’t need previous teaching experience or a second language, just an enthusiasm to teach and get involved with children. Loads of travel companies recommend TEFL packages to ensure that all your travel plans are taken care of; STA Travel sorts out your accommodation, course and flights. Working in a school also means you still get loads of free time to spend on the beach, in a museum or eating proper good grub.

2. Summer camps

Summer Camps are hugely popular all over the States. There are loads of different types of camps, meaning you meet a great range of people. The vast number of destinations means you are completely spoilt for choice, and even when camp is over you still have a free month to explore the rest of the country. Summer Camps get you involved with all sorts of different activities and roles which ultimately develop into employability skills that you can start to list on that résumé. Camp America offer packages that include your flights and accommodation, which means you can focus all your time on making the most out of your summer.

3. Conservation programmes

Conservation programmes are available worldwide and end up being super rewarding. Perhaps you want to get involved with marine conservation and earn your PADI certificate in Fiji? Or you could always volunteer with disadvantaged women in India as part of the Women’s Empowerment Project. You can even help turtles in Costa Rica and actually live on the beach. The possibilities are literally endless. As well as enjoying a new culture and developing those brilliant skills of yours, you’re also giving back to a community that will remember and appreciate your efforts for a very long time. Companies like GVI (http://www.gvi.co.uk/volunteer-abroad/projects/) work closely with worldwide charities to ensure your hard work is used where it’s needed the most.

4. Volunteer with children

Working with children demonstrates leadership, patience and creativity so get ready to tweak those CV skills! Volunteering in a foreign school will also help you improve on a second language, which always impresses employers. There are so many programmes on offer, including working within social care or supporting youth sport groups. Community In Action offers volunteering projects in Rio de Janiero, a fab holiday destination but also a city stuck in complete poverty. Working in cities like Rio means you get the best of both worlds in having a world class holiday but also understanding how the locals feel and making a massive difference where it really matters.

5. Internships

Internships are a great idea when you know what field of work you ultimately want to go into. If you’re looking to make it big in global business, there are plenty of internships available with impressive companies in Shanghai and New York. If fashion is your thing, programmes in the fashion capitals of the world, Milan and Paris, are there for the taking. Or perhaps you journalism students would be interested in interning at a Mexican radio station? Whatever field of study floats your boat, there’s something out there for you. Check out Go Overseas for a wide range of destinations, courses and placements that’ll demonstrate to your future employment just how passionate you are about your work.

Aside from these 5 main ideas, there are hundreds of other opportunities that will present you with a holiday and a chance to develop your employability skills. The best bit about these programmes is that you’re able to become a part of the surrounding community, something you wouldn’t normally experience from your standard summer holiday. If you’re still not sure where to start, I’d definitely recommend having a browse through STA Travel. Check out their ‘work abroad’ page, as they’re student based and have tonnes of inspiration that’ll leave you spoilt for choice.

Words - Eleanor Lee