London Long-Term Work

If you’re planning on spending a substantial amount of time (more than 3 months) working in London, search for a job well in advance. Although often only available to college students, internships are a good way to segue into working abroad; even if they are un- or underpaid, many say the experience is well worth it. Be wary of advertisements for companies claiming to be able get you a job abroad for a fee—often the same listings are available online or in newspapers. Some reputable organizations include:

Council Exchanges, 3 Copley Pl., 2nd fl., Boston, MA 02116, USA (☎617-247-0350). Charges US$300-475 for arranging short-term working authorizations (generally valid for 3-6 months) and provides extensive information on different job opportunities.
International Exchange Programs (IEP), Level 3, 333 George St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (☎+61 02 9299 0400; www.iep.org.au); P.O. Box 1786, Shortland St., Auckland 1010, New Zealand (☎+64 0800 443 769; www.iep.co.nz). Helps Aussies and Kiwis who have working holidaymaker visas find employment, lodging, and friends. AUS$215/NZ$495 fee.
Tate, 7 Hanover Sq., London, W1S 1HQ (☎7408 0424; www.tate.co.uk). Arranges secretarial placements for foreigners in London.

Teaching jobs abroad are rarely well-paid. Volunteering as a teacher in lieu of getting paid is a popular option; in this case, teachers often receive some sort of daily stipend to help with living expenses. In almost all cases, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be a full-fledged teacher, although college undergraduates can often get summer positions teaching or tutoring. The British school system is comprised of state (public, government-funded), public (independent, privately funded), and international (often for children of expatriates in the UK) schools, as well as universities. Applications to teach at state schools must be made through the local government; public and international schools must be applied to individually. University positions are typically only available through fellowship or exchange programs. Placement agencies are often a good way to find teaching jobs in Britain; vacancies are also listed in major newspapers. An alternative is to make contacts directly with schools or just to try your luck once you get there. If you are going to try the latter, the best time of the year is several weeks before the start of the school year. The following organizations may help in your search.

Independent Schools Council, 30 Orange St., London WC2H 7HH (☎7766 7070; www.iscis.uk.net). Lists British independent schools and further information on teaching opportunities.
International Schools Services (ISS), 15 Roszel Rd., Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543-5910, USA (☎609-452-0990; www.iss.edu). Candidates should have experience teaching or with international affairs. 2-year commitment expected.
European Council of International Schools, 21B Lavant St., Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3EL (☎1730 268 244; www.ecis.org). Provides contact details for British international schools, as well as placement opportunities.

Au Pair Work

Au pairs are typically women (although sometimes men), aged 18-27, who work as live-in nannies, caring for children and doing light housework in exchange for room, board, and a small spending allowance or stipend. One perk of the job is that it allows you to get to know London without the high expenses of traveling. Drawbacks, however, can include mediocre pay and long hours. Weekly allowances for au pairs in London run between £60 and £80. Much of the au pair experience depends on the family with whom you are placed. Visit www.au-pair.org for information about working as an au pair and help finding positions. The agencies below are also a good place to look for employment.

InterExchange, 161 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10013, USA (☎800-287-2477; www.interexchange.org).
Childcare International, Ltd., Trafalgar House, Grenville Pl., London NW7 3SA (☎8906 3116; www.childint.co.uk).