Working at a Hotel Abroad: Jobs, Destinations, and Requirements

Working at a hotel abroad is more than just a job in a foreign country – it is your chance to grow both professionally and personally. Whether you are welcoming guests at reception, serving food and drinks, or preparing dishes in the kitchen, you can put your existing knowledge and skills to the test on a daily basis. At the same time, you learn new procedures and techniques in an international environment.

This change of perspective enables you to interact effectively with people and groups from different cultures – a skill that is essential in the international hospitality industry. As a result, you will not only improve your intercultural understanding, but also build up a global network within the hotel sector. Depending on the destination country, a stay abroad also gives you the opportunity to improve your language skills or even learn a new language.

In short, a job abroad not only looks good on your CV, but also prepares you for all kinds of challenges in the future. This is not least due to the fact that in your everyday working life in another country, you often have to demonstrate a great deal of independence, openness, and flexibility.

Generally speaking, the more specialized knowledge and professional experience you have, the easier it is to find a job. Ultimately, however, the precise requirements depend on the prospective employer and the area of work.

Nevertheless, there are some key skills that you should have for a hotel job abroad:

• Good language skills in the relevant language
• High mental and physical resilience
• Open and friendly demeanor
• Good self-organization and initiative
• Flexibility (shift work)

Note: If you want to work abroad, it is often necessary to have your diplomas or qualifications officially recognized. Check in advance whether and where you need to do this. Each country has its own specific guidelines for recognizing foreign educational and professional qualifications.

Can I Work in a Hotel Abroad Without Prior Training?

Yes, this is possible. Many hotels abroad do not just hire specialist staff on a seasonal basis; motivated career changers, students, and school leavers are also in demand.

If you show dedication and commitment and possess the above-mentioned competences and skills, nothing stands in the way of you applying for a job abroad. Incidentally, internships or trainee programs are also a possibility and provide a good introduction to the hospitality industry.

The job opportunities in hotels abroad are diverse and are often adapted to the specific requirements and wishes of the hotel in question. However, staff in service, in the kitchen and in reception are particularly in demand. Each of these areas calls for different qualifications and skills in order to meet the expectations of guests and offer them a first-class customer experience.

Whether you want to use your talent in direct customer contact or work in the background to ensure that everything runs smoothly, you are guaranteed to find the place that is right for you in the international hospitality sector.

The answer to that is simple: wherever there are hotels. However, the top favorites are European countries such as Spain, France, England, and Switzerland. These countries attract visitors not only with their breathtaking scenery, but also with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. This is because within Europe you do not need a visa.

In this respect, Switzerland in particular stands out: besides offering high salaries and being one of the countries with the highest quality of living in the world, it also scores with an exemplary healthcare system. What’s more, you do not need to have your German diplomas and qualifications officially recognized, but can apply for jobs directly.

Diverse Working Environments: From bustling major cities like Zurich or Basel to picturesque mountain villages – Switzerland offers an impressive range of great places to work.

Unspoilt Nature: In Switzerland’s cities, unspoilt nature with its lakes, rivers, and mountains is often only a few minutes away.

Above-Average Pay: You can expect especially high salaries in the hotel sector, particularly in Zurich, the economic heart of Switzerland. 

Springboard to Europe: Thanks to Switzerland’s central location, many European capitals can be reached quickly and easily by car or train – perfect for short weekend trips away.

Simple Entry Requirements: No visa is required for stays of up to six months. If you have an employment contract for at least one year, you will receive a five-year residence permit, which subsequently can easily be converted into a permanent permit.

The hotels in Zurich will support you in order to make your start in the country’s biggest city easier:

• Organizing Accommodation: Your employer will help you find suitable accommodation – for the first few weeks you can often even live in the hotel where you will be working.
• Providing a Network: Use their established network to make important initial contacts in the hotel industry.
• Providing Further Training: Benefit from their training opportunities that will help you develop your skills and improve your career opportunities.

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Christian, Jennifer, Lisa, and Simon took the plunge and moved to Zurich – and would do it again in a heartbeat. They talk about their move to Switzerland, their first days at work, and their life here. Read their stories and find out what makes them feel so at home in Zurich.

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