Top destinations to work as an expat

Switzerland, Germany and Sweden are the best destinations for students looking to have a successful career abroad, according to new research into expatriate employment.

Europe is judged to be the best region overall, even though expat earnings and benefits are below the survey average.

Nonetheless, more than half the expats working in Europe say that the work culture is an improvement compared with their home country.

The Expat Explorer Survey was conducted by HSBC to evaluate the benefits of an international career.

Students in particular report improved opportunities, job prospects, job security and work culture when comparing employment abroad with work in their home countries.

More than 60 per cent say that their job prospects will improve when they return home.

About two-thirds of expatriates in Hong Kong and Singapore say that the country is a good place to advance their careers – well above the worldwide average of 43 per cent. Across Asia, expats report that their work is more fulfilling since they moved countries.

The research is particularly useful for international students who are already mobile and willing to relocate for better opportunities.

Dean Blackburn, head of HSBC Expat, says: “Some expats are looking for an accelerated route to the top of the career ladder, some want to put themselves on a firmer financial footing, while others want to improve their work-life balance. There is an ideal destination to achieve one or more of these goals.”

Top 10 destinations for a successful expat career