Where in the world do you want to work?
Think Global Recruitment: Our Adventures...
Click on the drop down menus below to read more about our adventures in some of the most amazing locations around the world!
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Dublin, Ireland
Pam relocated to Dublin from Wellington, New Zealand. Pam is originally from New York in the USA
What prompted you to take the decision to switch offices/countries?
Think Global Recruitment was talking about opening the Dublin office, and it sounded like an exciting opportunity to help open an office and be based in Europe. When it worked out that my Partner was able to transfer with his own company, it made the decision/move a lot easier.
Did you have any concerns about relocating overseas?
No, as I have done it before, from New York to New Zealand, but it was exciting for me to do it again.
How long did it take you to settle in to life in Dublin?
A few months. It took time to set up a bank account as I needed a bill with my name and address on it. It also took some time to research and to know what area we wanted to settle down in and then find an apartment but luckily we had a company assist us with this.
How important was it that you stayed with Think Global Recruitment?
It was important as I like the company and like what I do, so I was really glad to have the opportunity to stay with Think Global Recruitment.
How accommodating were Think Global Recruitment/how did they assist with the relocation process?
They offered me sponsorship, flights and accommodation when I arrived.
What are the main cultural differences you have noticed between Dublin and New York?
Things are a bit slower here than what I’m used to in New York. For instance, the train in the morning is very busy and only comes once every hour. In New York during rush hour, trains come all the time and are very reliable. Here in Dublin, they are not so reliable.
On the plus side, it is more laid back here and better work/life balance. People are very friendly here, and of course I love the fact that my holiday time doubled then what I had in New York.
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It is more laid back here |
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What have been your highlights so far about life in Dublin?
Travelling around Europe. I love how it is so easy and cheap to do. I also love the friends that I have made and I enjoy the culture of Ireland. I enjoy the pub atmosphere and the Guinness is really good!
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
My plan is to carry out my contract here in Dublin and then perhaps help open another Think Global Recruitment office down the line!
How do you think working in an overseas office will enhance your career in the long term?
I think it has really helped me both personally and professionally. I think the value to working overseas is very beneficial and has opened my eyes to things I would have never experienced if I had stayed in New York.
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I also love the friends that I have made |
What advice would you give for anyone thinking of making an overseas move?
It’s a great opportunity, so if you have the chance, definitely embrace it!
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Sydney, Australia
Elspeth relocated to Sydney , Australia from Glasgow, Scotland.
Why did you decide to move overseas?
To join my boyfriend on a corporate relocation – it was such a fabulous opportunity that we couldn’t miss out on.
When you arrived in your new location, how long did it take you to settle in?
It took me longer than expected to adjust to the climate, the time zones and the culture – It was 6 months before I really felt at home.
Has your move met your original expectations? How?
It more then met my expectations! I gained international experience working with blue-chip international headquarters. I thought that I would miss my family and I did however my mum visited 3 times and our whole family went on holidays on the East and West Coast. I built my own network of Australian locals and, over the years, I was joined by school and university friends from Scotland.
What has been the biggest benefit of moving?
Building an international network.
Has your standard of living/quality of life improved? How?
I lived in wonderful apartments in Sydney – hotel accommodation on arrival; a resort style apartment in Darlinghurst and also by Bondi and Coogee beaches.
Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
I took up dragon boat racing. This really made me feel part of a community. We would train on the harbour in the morning and follow up with brunch afterwards. Taking part and watching sport is a sure fire way of enjoying and settling into Australia. Most sporting events are followed up with a barbecue and drinks!
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I took up dragon boat racing. This really made me feel part of a community. |
What are the main work culture differences you have noticed in your new location?
I would say that the culture in Sydney is more open. I was encouraged to bring my own cultural nuances to my work in Sydney – to work hard, be myself and contribute to the multi-cultural environment.
What have been the highlights so far about life in your new location?
Walking to work in lovely weather; taking up new hobbies, wonderful weekends away and exotic holidays in Australia and in the stop off locations between UK and Australia – eg Cape Town, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
What has disappointed you about life overseas, if anything?
Nothing disappointed me about moving to Sydney.
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
I planned to stay for 6 months and stayed for 6 years!
Will you return to your home country to work or do you plan to work in another country?
I did return to my home country in 2007 – with network sites such as Facebook, I have kept in touch with every single friend and colleague! There will always be traffic between here and Australia – I have had two visits already!
Do you feel your career has developed significantly as a result of your move overseas?
Absolutely! My clients were companies such as Vodafone, Diageo, Top & Mid Tier Law Firms. There are many aspects of working style and work ethic in Sydney that I have really learnt from.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?
International experience is of natural interest to an interviewer – it demonstrates independence, autonomy and indicates a sense of adventure. If you have worked overseas, an interviewer will be assured of your interpersonal and networking skills.
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International experience is of natural interest to an interviewer. |
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You will also be attractive to employers that seek a global perspective – the best kind!
What advice would you offer to other people thinking about working overseas?
Do research to ensure that you have reasonable expectations and to get excited about your trip. Take advantage of any social or work contacts that your friends and colleagues provide you with. Keep in regular contact with your friends and family – send them photos and invite them over!
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Edinburgh, Scotland
John moved to Edinburgh from Sydney
Why did you decide to move overseas?
I had traveled on 3-4 week holidays in the past but this only gave a taste of lifestyle in a new country, I always enjoyed trips to Edinburgh and knew that this would offer a very different lifestyle to Sydney. I have also had a number of close friends who have moved away from Sydney and they all recommended the experience of challenging yourself to get established in a new environment.
When you arrived in your new location, how long did it take you to settle in?
It took me about 2-3 months. We had found an apartment within 3 weeks and I had a job lined up within around 6 weeks. After 2-3 months we had settled into the neighborhood and had a new circle of friends.
Has your move met your original expectations? How?
Definitely – It is a challenge to move away from the home comforts but really worth it, we have traveled all over Europe and now have friends for life in Sydney and Edinburgh..
What has been the biggest benefit of moving?
Too many to mention – I would say travel.
Has your standard of living/quality of life improved? How?
Fairly similar – Edinburgh offers an opportunity to experience inner city living but you are only every 15 minutes from the Outskirts giving great access to outdoor activities (Golf / Mountain biking / Running) and Sydney is more similar to London with so much time spent sitting in traffic etc. However, Sydney has definite advantages in terms of climate (Although Edinburgh is not as bad as its reputation!).. All in all very similar.
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Edinburgh offers an opportunity to experience inner city living |
Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
Yes – I had never really been into Mountain Biking in Sydney and Edinburgh is surrounded by world class facilities. I have also taken up Curling (Winter Olympic Sport) – this is not really on offer in Australia.
What are the main work culture differences you have noticed in your new location?
Not really many – apart from fact Aussies probably start earlier and possibly finish earlier in the evening, but the culture is very similar
What have been the highlights so far about life in your new location?
Friends made & places visited – If you are living in Australia you do not have the opportunity to take a quick (Cheap) flight to Switzerland with your mates to go Mountain Biking!!
What has disappointed you about life overseas, if anything?
Nothing really – it does create a desire to be in 2 places at once though!
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
Already have – originally planned to move for 1-2 years but this realistically became 3 years before leaving. We have extended to the point that we have now been away for 7 years and are not intending to return for another 3-4 years.
Will you return to your home country to work or do you plan to work in another country?
Open to this, but will probably return to home country
Do you feel your career has developed significantly as a result of your move overseas?
Yes – as mentioned above, pushing yourself initially to become established in a new market it great preparation for any workplace.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?
I have had numerous meetings with numerous recruitment managers and they are always impressed by people who have stepped outside of their comfort zone and overcome challenges, I feel confident in dealing with people from all walks of life and as such believe there will be numerous opportunities for future employment.
What advice would you offer to other people thinking about working overseas?
Just do it! (I know it is the Nike slogan!!)
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Sydney, Australia
Abigail moved to Sydney, Australia from England. Abigail is now living in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Why did you decide to move overseas?
I went to Sydney on a working holiday and feel in love with the city and stayed. When it was time to come back nearer to home I decided to try out Scotland instead of my home town in England. Again I fell in love with the city.
When you arrived in your new location, how long did it take you to settle in?
I settled into both locations in about 2 weeks!
Has your standard of living/quality of life improved? How?
Greatly. I love both cities because there are less people living in them than the cities in England. I also love being able to leave the city at the weekend and within less than an hour being in lovely countryside. Weather in Sydney was fantastic because you could live an ‘outdoor lifestyle’ and have/attend lots of BBQ’s etc.
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I love both cities because there are less people living in them |
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Edinburgh has quite nice sunny skies and daylight through to 11pm in Summer which is fantastic. Both cities are lovely to look at with Edinburgh castle or the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as great icons to cheer you up.
Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
I am in an international fun running/social club and have taken it up with the local groups in both cities. I also played softball for a while in Edinburgh and netball in Sydney.
What are the main work culture differences you have noticed in your new location?
People in Sydney like to take their public holidays off. In Edinburgh they store up the public holidays and taken them off at a quieter time, I prefer that. Other than that not really a lot of differences.
What has disappointed you about life overseas, if anything?
Nothing! Although you can miss an English Country pub in both Edinburgh and Sydney!
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
Yes I already did in Sydney and am continuing to do so in Edinburgh.
Will you return to your home country to work or do you plan to work in another country?
I would not return to live in England again. It’s too built up for me with too many people. However, I can see why others like being there and visiting London is fantastic.
Do you feel your career has developed significantly as a result of your move overseas?
Absolutely. Had I not moved to Sydney and then Edinburgh I would not have had either the confidence or skill set/experience to set up Think Global Recruitment.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?
It really enhances your cv. Future employers can see you have made a step out of your comfort zone and survived. They will know that increases your confidence and also your ability to work with different cultures. The world is becoming a smaller place with the internet, cheaper phones, cheaper/more flights available etc. It can only add benefits to have first hand experience or other locations and cultures.
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It really enhances your cv. Future employers can see you have made a step out of your comfort zone and survived. They will know that increases your confidence and also your ability to work with different cultures. The world is becoming a smaller place with the internet, cheaper phones, cheaper/more flights available etc. It can only add benefits to have first hand experience or other locations and cultures. |
What advice would you offer to other people thinking about working overseas?
Do it whilst you can! It really is the experience of a lifestyle – sorry I stole this from a quote someone we placed once said – However, he really did sum it up!
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Wellington, New Zealand
Pam moved to Wellington, New Zealand from New York, USA
Why did you decide to move overseas?
I knew I always wanted to go as it was something I always heard of other people doing, and wanted to experience it for myself. I knew the option for me was there if I ever wanted to go back home, so I figured I would give it a go and worse thing that could happen is that I didn’t enjoy it and I could go back home, of course I loved it and going back home was never an option!
When you arrived in your new location, how long did it take you to settle in?
No, it took me 1 weekend to find an apartment and it was ready within 1 week. All I needed to do was buy furniture for my room, which was all part of the fun. I would say it took me a month or so to start getting into a routine from the day I arrived.
Has your move met your original expectations? How?
More so! It was even greater than I expected and not scary at all. The people are really friendly and I made friends right away. I always had something going on. The country was amazing and I enjoyed exploring it and countries near by (I've visited Fiji, Australia and Japan).
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The people are really friendly and I made friends right away. |
What has been the biggest benefit of moving?
Meeting Mark, now my fiancé!
Has your standard of living/quality of life improved? How?
Coming from New York which is very expensive, New Zealand was much more affordable. I was able to live in the center of city and could walk everywhere. I didn’t need a car so I saved on that. I also loved the no tipping policy and the fact that taxes are included when you shop for clothes, which is something that is very easy to get used to. There is also more work/life balance in New Zealand and things are much more laid back.
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Coming from New York which is very expensive, |
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Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
Hiking- never did that in New York. And camping- my first time was in NZ.
What are the main work culture differences you have noticed in your new location?
Things are more relaxed and people are friendlier.
What have been the highlights so far about life in your new location?
Meeting new friends and exploring new places. Trying new cuisines as well.
What has disappointed you about life overseas, if anything?
Nothing at all, I love it!
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
Yes, moving to South Africa next (Cape Town) to experience life in a new country.
Do you feel your career has developed significantly as a result of your move overseas?
Yes, I think it is such a great experience and you meet so many people that you entire network quickly expands.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?
I think future employers will think you are a step above those who have not gone overseas. It shows a bit about your personality as well, which I think is very important.
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I think future employers will think you are |
What advice would you offer to other people thinking about working overseas?
Don’t wait - if it is something you want to do, make sure you do it! If you don’t, you will always regret it and by the time you feel you are ready, it may be too late.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Ian relocated to Ireland and the UK from Brisbane, Australia
Why did you decide to move overseas?
At the age of 29 I had never lived outside of Australia. I’d had a few trips to Europe and was very keen to live overseas, see different things, learn about new cultures and broaden my horizons.
When you arrived in your new location, how long did it take you to settle in?
About a month. I met some great people soon after arriving and quickly got into my own accommodation that was affordable and close to work.
Has your move met your original expectations? How?
Yes it has. I have a much broader view on the world and I’ve met some great people on the way and had more than a few experiences that wouldn’t have been possible in Australia.
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I have a much broader view on the world |
What has been the biggest benefit of moving?
Meeting my wife in London!
Has your standard of living/quality of life improved? How?
Yes it has – in living in London, Dublin and Edinburgh I’ve lived in places that are full of history and contemporary life.
Have you taken up any new activities/sports?
Swimming in the Irish Sea on Christmas Day!
What are the main work culture differences you have noticed in your new location?
Not too many compared to Sydney
What have been the highlights so far about life in your new location?
The ease of travelling to see new things
What has disappointed you about life overseas, if anything?
Europe is a long way from Australia and it can be hard to not see a lot of family and friends at home
Are you planning to extend your stay overseas?
I’ve been here 8 years so far – I think so!
Will you return to your home country to work or do you plan to work in another country?
I’m in Scotland for a while longer I think.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?
Experience in an overseas market is invaluable when looking at career options in your ‘home’ market
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Experience in an overseas market is invaluable |
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What advice would you offer to other people thinking about working overseas?
There is always a reason not to go. Focus on the original reasons that made you want to look into the move and go for it! It always takes time to settle in when first arrive in a new location but ultimately its worth the effort.
.GIF)
