Taking a Gap Year after high school: Can you work abroad in Europe?
You've just graduated from high school and you’re not quite ready to dive into university life? Whether you need a break, want to travel, or gain some real-life experience, a gap year can be a truly valuable time, especially if you’re thinking about working abroad in Europe to help finance it.
But is it actually possible to find a job in Europe right after high school? Is speaking English a must? And what should you consider depending on your home country?
Let’s break it down.
Working During a Gap Year: Is It Realistic?
Yes, not only is it possible, it’s common. Every year, thousands of young Europeans work in entry-level jobs abroad, especially in fields like customer service, tourism, hospitality or sales.
These roles help you cover your costs while discovering new cultures, building soft skills and improving your language level. At Blu Selection, we support many high school graduates who want to gain international work experience in Spain, Portugal, or Greece, particularly in multilingual customer support jobs.
Many positions in Lisbon, Athens, or Barcelona are specifically looking for French, German, Dutch, Polish, Italian, Nordics or Spanish native speakers. If you’re fluent in one of these languages, you can apply for jobs such as customer advisor, sales assistant or technical support often without needing perfect English.
That said:
A B1/B2 level in English is usually helpful to follow training, communicate with teams, and navigate daily life.
The better your English, the more opportunities you’ll have especially in international team environments.
In short: you don’t need to be bilingual to get hired in many relocation jobs in Europe.
What’s the Process Depending on My Home Country?
France No visa or special paperwork is needed to work within the EU. If you’ve been accepted into a university through Parcoursup but want to take a gap year, ask for a deferral before the end of September. Otherwise, you’re free to work and travel.
Germany Gap years (“Auszeit” or “Wartesemester”) are common. You may need to pre-enrol in a future university course if you want to keep your place. Working in the EU is allowed, just check your health insurance coverage if you're doing a mini-job abroad.
Netherlands The Dutch system is flexible: you can delay starting university with no issue. If you applied for a student loan (DUO), you can pause it during your gap year. You are free to work anywhere in the EU.
United Kingdom Post-Brexit, UK citizens need a visa to work in the EU, unless they also hold an EU passport. Consider volunteering programmes, language stays, or countries with easier access for UK passport holders.
Spain No visa needed to work in the EU. You can freely take a year off. If you have a reserved place at university, talk to the institution to request a deferral. Don’t forget to check your European Health Insurance Card before you go.
Nordic Countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland)
Students from the Nordic region can work and live in the EU without restrictions thanks to freedom of movement agreements. Gap years are widely accepted socially and often used to work, travel or volunteer. While higher education is often tuition-free, make sure to check if you need to inform your future university or pause your national student grant (e.g., CSN in Sweden or SU in Denmark) before leaving.
Poland Polish students can work freely within the EU. Gap years are not formally institutionalised but are becoming more accepted. You are allowed to delay university enrolment, especially if you're not applying for public scholarships during that time. Always check with your chosen university if they allow a year’s postponement before starting.
Italy There’s no formal gap year programme in the Italian system, but students are free to delay enrolment or take a break before university. You don’t need a visa to work in other EU countries. If you’ve already enrolled in university, make sure to check the procedures to freeze or suspend your academic status without losing your place.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Do Right After High School?
Across Europe, many companies regularly hire young people for entry-level positions that don't require previous work experience. These roles are often found in sectors such as customer service, sales, tourism, tech support, and e-commerce, all industries that value strong communication skills and language abilities over formal education.
Whether you're looking for a short-term role to fund your travels or a first step into the job market, there are plenty of opportunities available for French, German, Dutch or Spanish speakers.
At Blu Selection, we specialize in helping international candidates like you find paid jobs abroad, especially in multilingual service roles with relocation support and full training.
Do I Need to Be Enrolled Somewhere to Take a Gap Year?
Not at all, but you should plan accordingly.
If you’re not registered at a university:
You won’t have student status
You’ll lose access to student health insurance or scholarships
You can’t apply for an official university césure, but your gap year is still legal and valuable
You can still live abroad, work, volunteer or travel — just make sure you’re covered (health, accommodation, finances) and that you inform any institution where you’ve been admitted.
In Summary
Yes, you can work in Europe right after high school
No, you don’t need perfect English if you speak French, German, Dutch or Spanish
Yes, there are real jobs available, not just volunteering
No, you don’t have to be enrolled in university — but know what you’re giving up
Yes, a gap year is a great way to learn, earn, and grow before studying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work abroad just after high school? Yes, especially in the EU. Many entry-level roles in customer service, hospitality or tourism don’t require a degree.
Do I need to speak fluent English to work in Europe? No. Many roles are for native speakers of French, German, Dutch or Spanish. Basic English helps, but it’s not mandatory.
Will I lose my place at university if I take a gap year? Not necessarily, many universities allow you to defer admission. Check with your national system (like Parcoursup or UCAS).
Can I get paid during my gap year abroad? Yes. At Blu Selection, we only promote paid relocation jobs, not unpaid internships or volunteering.
At Blu Selection, we help you find the right fit, whether you're planning a full year abroad or just a few months of international experience. See you soon on our website!
