Working as a Model Abroad

Now going abroad either to work or look for work can be fun and an very interesting way to expand and develop your outlook on life.

But if you have any sense you will make sure that you know something about the country that you are about to set off to, as well as that country's policy on foreign workers ( the foreigner will be you) such as whether or not you will need certain items like visa's and work permits.

Because if you do not get your research right, what may seem like a dream idea can soon turn into a complete nightmare if you have not got your facts straight.

So this is where various Government offices do their best to help and inform you about travel and working abroad. Utilise these Government Departments since they have been put in place for exactly that reason... To help YOU... The public.

'I am 18 years old and going abroad with an Agency to Milan for training and to build my portfolio. Is there any advice you can give me before I go?' - Before you get too excited, do check before leaving the country your contract for the "what if" factor - make sure your contract does not hold unreasonable terms for compliance such as they will sue you for all costs if you refuse to do some of the work they offer you or take up any "opportunities".

Make sure that you have a return flight ticket (even if it is open ended) and a mobile that will work in Europe and keep it charged to keep contact with family or loved ones so they know you are safe. Always take the contact and address details of the British Embassy in case you get into ANY difficulties.

Before you go leaping off to Milan, you must make up your mind that you will be sensible to hold onto your own passport AND return flight ticket- do NOT surrender these to anyone else as instances have been experienced of girls becoming stranded and made to work in situations they did not want to such as Glamour & porn to get their tickets & passports back!!

If you are taken out to be "entertained" be very careful of your drinks - Milan is quite notorious for older businessmen spiking young models drinks. Sadly we did an article with the Sunday Times which covered the case of a young model who's drinks were spiked and whilst so very doped she was gang raped by a number of so called respected older business men. So do not be naive, yes be entertained but do not be the entertainment and make sure you do not leave your drinks around !

Never leave yourself nearly broke in a foreign country- make sure you have the flight or fare to get home or to the British embassy if you need to. Sadly our comment sounds quite scary, but we have to warn you of what can happen before you go so that you keep you whits about you and remain in control.

Passports are Essential and the Passport Agency do have their own very useful and informative web site: www.ukpa.gov.uk

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office London, is an absolute must if you are going abroad either as a tourist but especially if you plan to work abroad. This web site is full to the brim of up to date concise information on countries.

It also gives you a great deal of information about who you can contact in any hour of desperation whilst abroad and where to contact those organisations. Something you must make sure you know before you go - just in case. Web site : www.fco.gov.uk

Let us be frank, some countries can be a bit of a cultural shock to those who do not quite know what to expect. So our advice is that you need to find out as much as you can in the time space that you have before leaving for your destination. The access to information is easy to obtain through the tip of your fingers via the web... so use it and be well informed before you leave this country.

Alba 'A List' agents abroad Click HERE

Top Ten essentials for you to pack in your bag Click HERE