Friday 24 March 2017

Where In The World Can You Earn The Most?



The total value of the world’s income is closing in on an eye-watering $70 trillion per year - that’s £43.9tn for us Brits. Wouldn’t it be great to know where on our planet you could get your hands on the most cash? Have you ever thought you’re not being paid what you’re worth? Ecard Shack have created The Global Payscale to show us just that.

The Top 5:

1) Luxembourg
If money makes your world go round, then packing up and relocating to Luxembourg seems like the way to go. They are the top country in regards to earning the most money, with an average wage that pays $29.02 an hour. Sounds too good to be true right?





The economy in Luxembourg is largely based on banking and investment. Many big internet-based companies have chosen Luxembourg as their country of residence; Amazon have their EU headquarters here and it is also the home to Skype’s headquarters.


2) USA

Second on the list of paying out the big bucks is the United States. Home to the world’s biggest stock exchange, the largest producer of oil and the second largest manufacturer in the world the land of the free has an average wage of $28.22.

The United States is the world's largest national economy in nominal terms and second largest according to purchasing power parity (PPP). They are also one of the world’s biggest traders.

3) Switzerland
Third on the list of where in the world you can earn the most is Switzerland.

Praised for their innovative attitude towards their national economy Switzerland have a really high per capita income rates and low instances of unemployment. Moving here you can take a trip to the Alps, or a mini break to the famous ski slopes all whilst enjoying an average wage of $28.07, although it does come at a price. The general cost of living is high and so are the taxes on wages.



4) Norway
One of the wealthiest nations in terms of natural resources including oil, hydropower, fishing and mining concerns Norway boasts an average earning of $24.47 per hour.

Similar to Switzerland, the generous wage promise from Norway comes with a price, Norwegians give up nearly 38% of their income for universal healthcare and higher education - BUT, their average work week is under 35 hours!

Norway can also offer you the chance to see the Northern Lights: the natural phenomenon that takes place across the Arctic sky, and they’re one of the few places on Earth that can,

5) Netherlands
Maybe a quick voyage across the North Sea to the culturally dense Netherlands where an average wage of $24.36 welcomes you is better suited?

Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is home to Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the famous house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. The Netherlands is also home to the largest port in Europe which helps support their successful economy, where they celebrate universal healthcare and higher education.

http://www.vira.co.uk/

Wednesday 1 February 2017

How can J1-Internship help you expand your hospitality knowledge

Either during the course of a program or upon its completion, most awarding bodies enforce rules that make it mandatory for students to do an Internship. These Internships are a crucial element of a student successfully completing his/her degree or diploma.


So what’s a “J-1” Internship?

J-1 Internship is the Internship program that aims to give foreign students and recent graduates the chance to develop their skills, whilst building up their insight into the US business practice & culture. These interns are expected to then share the cross-cultural and professional experience they’ve gained in the U.S. upon returning to their own countries.


How can a J-1 Internship help expand my hospitality knowledge?

Practical Experience
Many people learn the best by actually engaging in an activity, and everyone benefits through witnessing the many methods & theories learned in the class being put to work.

Whether it’s learning a few new recipes as a Chef or even discovering the many ways of dealing with customers. Practice in your actual field of interest will no-doubt increase your expertise & knowledge of the sector.

Greater Sense of Clarity
Interning effectively gives you the opportunity to “test-drive” a job, career path or company before deciding to commit to any form of full-time employment. They also allow you to decipher which aspects you do or don’t like about a specific role or work environment, and can help shape your future path.

Prepare for life after graduation
Internships put you on the front-line to dealing with real-world issues & situations, meaning that you’ll have the chance to solve them by applying skills and knowledge that you gained in the classroom.

Increase Self-Confidence
Working in an environment surrounded by professionals can aid you in the process of feeling more comfortable, confident and at-ease in the workplace. You’ll also develop technical & soft skills which may come of use at some point in the future, developing your confidence in your abilities & knowledge on how to handle certain tasks.



Expand Professional Network
Through meeting professionals working in your industry of interest, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, connect with new people and simply find out things from them that you didn’t know before. The people you engage with can be a great resource as you grow, learn and practice skills within your field.

In summary, gaining practical experience, developing a greater sense of clarity, finding ways to deal with real-world issues & tasks, along with expanding your professional network, will all go towards expanding your hospitality knowledge whilst you undertake your J-1 Internship.


Thursday 19 January 2017

If You Love to Work & Travel, You’ll Love the J-1 Internship!

What is a J1 visa?

The J1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to participate in exchange programs which promote the sharing of knowledge and skills in education, arts and sciences. A J-1 visa holder is allowed to train with a Host Company approved by a Department of State designated Sponsor.



The main aim of J1 Visa is connecting young student and graduates with US businesses, to learn their practices and creating a cultural awareness of the US.

Advantages of a J1 Visa

 As an intern or trainee, you'll get a unique perspective on living and working in the USA.  A J-1 holder may work for institutions or companies within the individual’s specialized field, provided this work meets stipulated requirements and the J-1 program sponsor gives its written consent.

A J-1 Visa holder is able to experience the lifestyle and culture of the USA as he visits different places on their days off and holidays. The individual is able to strike up friendships and relationships with other International trainees as well as bond with Americans. This social interaction goes a long way in the individual’s personality development, improved social skills and diversity.

Another very important aspect of the J1 experience is the opportunity to be exposed to the newest techniques and trends in their industry. Best in class procedures and practises ensures the person is well versed in modern methods in use.

The overall experience equips a person to optimally leverage their professional talents and enhance their performance and competencies. Thus, the individual has a definite advantage over people with limited diverse geographical experience exposure.

Most people who have experienced the J1 program have a fast-tracked career trajectory on completion of the program. The fantastic chance to travel, learn, earn and network with people from all over the globe is a once in a lifetime opportunity, a chance no graduate who can avail of it should pass by.

Tuesday 10 January 2017

5 Benefits of Going on a J-1 Internship to USA?



Who can be a J1 Visitor?

The J-1 visa exchange visitor program is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, to obtain medical or business training within the U.S. Visitors on J-1 visas include Hospitality interns as well as trainees, secondary school and college students, business trainees, trainees in flight aviation programs, teachers of primary and secondary school, college professors, research scholars, medical residents or interns receiving medical training in the U.S., certain specialists, international visitors, and government visitors.

A J-1 holder is specifically allowed to work for the J-1 program sponsor. A J-1 holder may not work for another employer without special authorization. A J-1 holder may work for companies or institutions within his/her specialization field, provided this occupation meets certain requirements and the J-1 program sponsor gives its written consent.

Benefits of an International Internship in the U.S.

Completing an internship program in the U.S. will expand your knowledge, adaptability, flexibility as well as interpersonal skills which will serve you well throughout your career. Enhancing your talents will make you a more sought after resource and help you achieve success in more ways than one. The experience of living and working abroad provides you with distinctive advantages:

Exposure to a Multicultural Environment: Individuals who choose to work abroad experience diverse working cultures. They enjoy the opportunity of being exposed to a cosmopolitan multi-cultural environment which enhances their knowledge, awareness and self-confidence. People with international experience have a definite competitive edge over their less experienced colleagues. Employers are always attracted to people who’ve worked abroad as they appreciate their diversity of outlook. Last but not least, working abroad gives professionals the opportunity to foster a global network of contacts.

Enhanced People Skills: As we are away from home, we interact with people from various cultures, languages, ideas, beliefs, methods of working, life styles and personalities. You become a truly global citizen.

Improved Communication Skills: Socially interacting with people of numerous and varied backgrounds helps one understand accents, mannerisms and guest requirements. Good communication brings people of our planet closer together.

A J1 Exchange Visitor improves a host of their professional skills:

• Learn the latest industry innovations, technologies and methodologies.
• Superior inter-cultural communication
• Enhances Teamwork skills
• Increases proactive thinking
• Strategic thinking

Future Career Path Preparation: The J1 internship helps you prepare yourself for accelerated success in your chosen discipline thus enjoying a fast track career to the top.

Economic Benefit: Since theJ1 internship also involves compensation during your Training Plan period, the opportunity to improve your financial standing exists as well. You will be able to meet your own expenses whilst experiencing best in class training from world class organizations. The opportunity to enjoy the cultural aspects of the USA is the icing on the cake!

Accelerate your career! Enjoy the USA J1 Exchange Visitor program! If you wish to know more you can visit us at www.vira.co.uk or mail us at anjum@vira.co.uk