When choosing among work abroad programs, there are a number of important factors to consider, most of which have to do with the skill set, career goals, and needs of the employee. Finding a work abroad program that is a good fit means finding one that matches up with the employee's skill set and goals as well as her personal and financial needs. If just one of these factors is off, the entire working experience could be difficult for the employee as well as the employer.
Consider finances first. Will the work abroad program pay well enough for the employee to maintain her current lifestyle? Also, will the program cover her costs of relocation as well as the cost to relocate her family? For single people, the latter part of the last consideration may not apply, but it can be crucial for people who have families. Also, consider taxes and figure out how much will be owed in taxes abroad and back at home to make sure that the financial plan is still workable.
Once the finances are confirmed to be workable, consider how the work abroad program may be able to best utilize and build upon one's current skill set. Some people are even willing to take a pay cut in order to have the experience of working abroad and, perhaps learning new skills and improving on current skills as part of the bargain. The best possible situation is a work abroad program that will lead to a pay raise and will also advance the employee in her career.
Sometimes people take part in work abroad programs in order to try something entirely different or to make a major career change. In these cases, the purpose of the work abroad program may mostly have to do with one's professional experiences and professional happiness and less to do with advancing one's career and making more money. In these cases, it is important to make sure that the financial package offered by the work abroad program at least covers the basics even if the participating in the program means taking a pay cut.
For some people, working abroad is more about doing good than advancing their careers or making money. In these cases, it is most important to choose a work abroad program that is most aligned with one's beliefs and one's desires to be of service. However, in order to stay afloat, it is still important to make sure that all of one's basic needs will be met while participating in the program.
