Western Europe
Where to go and why
For many chefs, a stint in France will be de rigueur. For those in hotels, a spell in Germany or Austria will look good on the CV. Switzerland (outside the EU) may prove more difficult but is equally desirable. Whether you go to learn the language or are already fluent, there's no getting away from the fact you'll need at least one other language to advance your career in the four- and five-star market in Western Europe.
Of course, for some it could be a seasonal posting - many of the ski companies will soon be recruiting for next winter. Running a chalet, cooking or acting as operations director for any one of several British ski companies is one way to get abroad with the job.
For something warmer, head for the Mediterranean and don't forget Gibraltar, the British enclave minutes from Spain. Malta also has a strong tourist industry - and everyone speaks English.
Money
Currency: Soon the euro will cover the lot but until then it's French francs, German deutchmarks, Italian lira and Spanish pesetas.
Salaries: should be comparable to most UK postings.
Seasonal work: Holiday managers: £430-£600 a month - rent, food, and travel all included in package. May have incentive bonuses. Chefs: £100-£150 per week.
Taxes: paid locally.
Employers
International chains: Starwood; Six Continents; Marriott International; Kempinski; Accor; Sol Meli ; Corinthia International (Malta).
Regional chains: Concorde; Dolomiti Hotels (Italian alps).
Seasonal employers: Crystal; Mark Warner; First Choice; Thomson; Neilson.
Living/working conditions
At the four- and five-star levels, living and working will be much as you would expect in the UK. Chalet staff work hard, so while the upside is the chance to improve your skiing style, don't think you'll spend all your time on the slopes - changeover days are particularly hard work.
Red tape
None. Here's the real asset to staying within the European Union: you're free to work (and pay tax) with no visa hassles.
Health
The UK has reciprocal medical agreements with most EU countries - check before you go. Private healthcare insurance may still be a good idea.
Developmental outlook
As long as the USA doesn't plummet headfirst into recession and take the EU along for the ride, things are relatively stable at the moment. The skiing industry is thriving particularly - so go on, grab that snowboard.
Useful links
For seasonal work: www.natives.co.uk.
Careers Europe, a UK resource centre with info on careers in the EU: www.careerseurope.co.uk.
Info on rights and requirements for people with qualifications in one EU country who want to work in another: www.dfee.gov.uk/europeopen.
