Visit the country you plan to move to, talk to people who are resident and working. Find out about local salary, employment regulations and any benefits if they are available.

For example, in Cyprus if you have worked for more than 6 months in your position you may be entitled to claim unemployment benefit. It mainly depends on your Social Insurance contributions so you should ensure your position is legal and that your employer is paying and deducting your contributions on your behalf.

It can take up to 12wks before you receive your first unemployment cheque. Please always plan ahead for any eventuality and ensure you have finances in position before moving abroad.

In Cyprus, there are localities that depend purely on tourism and either close or become extremely quiet out of the main holiday seasons. If you intend to work in the tourist sector (hotels, bars & restaurants) you should seek a resort that is open all year round. Work in Ayia Napa & Protaras is very difficult to come by in the winter. Paphos quietens much more after Christmas until Easter whereas Limassol does still stay open but again some bars & restaurants may close for a couple of months.

If your work will not be in the tourist industry you should be aware that the west (Paphos end) consists largely of retired UK expats and the east (Ayia Napa end) does not offer much in the line of office positions.

Nicosia is the capital and the biggest city so has a greater variety. However, with all capital cities, it's the most expensive place to live but salaries are generally a little higher.

Larnaca is up and coming and is probably the 2nd place to gain work in comparison to Limassol, which is multiculteral and more cosmopolitan in comparison to Paphos.

Most countries have a government job portal but be aware jobs may be advertised only in the local language. In Cyprus, there are a number of employment agencies with websites - so, Google is a good place to start.

Visit forums to seek out information from expats who are already in a similar situation as yours. (Continue)

We also have the UKCA club in the town which is frequented by UK ex-pats.

If you are an animal lover, there are loads of sanctuaries that are seeking voluntary help and we also have the Samaritans who regularly need assistance. (Continue)