Working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad like?

• Does food, a lively work environment, and fast-paced collaboration sound appealing? Then working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad can be a great way to gain international experience, earn money, and discover different food cultures.
• Working in a restaurant or kitchen revolves around hospitality, teamwork, and timing. In the restaurant area, the emphasis is on service, advising guests, and serving dishes. In the kitchen, the focus is on preparation, hygiene, pace, and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
• In many hospitality establishments, these worlds overlap, and good communication between the waitstaff and the kitchen staff is essential.
• Positions can range from waitress, runner, or host to kitchen assistant, dishwasher, prep cook, or all-around kitchen staff.
• The role differs significantly from that of a head chef or independent cook: the emphasis is usually on support, execution, and service.
• The international context, location, and type of hospitality establishment strongly determine the content of the work. In tourist areas, the emphasis is often on speed and volume, while in small-scale restaurants, lodges, or retreats, there may be more focus on local ingredients, atmosphere, and guest interaction.

Responsibilities

• Taking orders and serving guests.
• Serving meals, drinks, and snacks.
• Explaining menus or dishes.
• Coordinate with the kitchen regarding timing and special requests.
• Cutting, washing, and preparing ingredients.
• Supporting with simple preparations under supervision.
• Dishwashing and cleaning workstations and equipment.
• Performing mise en place and preparing tables.
• Cleaning tables, bar, and work areas.
• The level of responsibility often increases with good performance. In some kitchens, more independence in prep tasks can develop over time.

Working conditions

• Salaries vary considerably by country and can consist of an hourly or monthly wage.
• In some countries, tips constitute a significant portion of income.
• In tourist areas, the minimum wage is often based on tip sharing or a service charge.
• Temporary or seasonal contracts are common, but in some countries, they are informal contracts or verbal agreements. These shifts often include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Sometimes meals during shifts, shared accommodations, or staff discounts are included.
• There are opportunities for growth towards becoming an independent chef or specializing in food preparation.

What are the reasons for working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad?

• To become stress-resistant: working during peak hours in an international kitchen requires calmness and focus.
• To learn to collaborate: good hospitality revolves around collaboration between kitchen, wait staff, and management.
• To become flexible: changing menus, cultural eating habits, and unexpected busy periods require considerable adaptability.
• To develop communication skills: working with international guests and colleagues significantly tests communication skills.
• To be results-oriented: meals must be delivered on time and according to standards, which encourages a focus on efficiency.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in a restaurant or kitchen abroad?

• Being service-oriented: hospitality is at the heart of restaurant work.
• Being stress-resistant: peak workloads during busy periods are normal. Collaborative skills: Good communication between kitchen and service staff is essential.
• Flexible: Working hours and tasks can vary significantly.
• Professionalism: Proper guest handling, food safety, and financial management are important.
• Results-oriented: Meals and service must be delivered on time and to standard.

What are the best countries and locations to work in a restaurant or kitchen abroad?

• Countries with a strong gastronomy and restaurant culture: France, Italy, Japan, Peru, Thailand, Mexico, Spain.
• Countries with international hotel and restaurant chains: the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Canada.
• Countries with a high level of seasonal tourism employment: Greece, Spain, Croatia, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and Portugal.
• Countries with a strong street food and local food culture: Vietnam, India, Morocco, Indonesia, Colombia, and Thailand.

What are the risks of working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that income fluctuates due to dependence on tips or seasonal pressures.
• that physical injuries can arise from prolonged standing, walking, or lifting.
• that accidents such as slips, trips, cuts, or burns occur.
• that work pressure during peak times leads to mental strain.
• that some countries have a less safe work environment due to infrastructure, health risks, political instability, or local circumstances.
• that someone contracts a contagious or local disease, is temporarily unable to work, or even has to be flown home.
• When you work in the hospitality sector, you may be exposed to greater financial or legal risks as soon as you start performing your work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is adequately insured for accidents, technical errors, or misjudgments. Of course, this is not always the case, nor can it be always ascertained in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether to perform certain risky tasks.

Are you insured while working in a restaurant or kitchen abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
• See also: insurance for working in a restaurant or kitchen for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.