Hi guys. I'd like to pick your brains on something. I'm seriously considering going overseas to complete the final part of a professional qualification I'm currently pursuing locally. However I'm uncertain as to the merits of it. I'm looking for valuable input on this matter. The following is my situation: 

About me: I'm a mid twenties working adult currently pursuing chartered accountancy(ACCA). I'm in the last leg of it and am thinking of completing it in the UK next year. It should take approximately one year, after which I intend to stay abroad and work for a couple of years. 

Why I think it'll be a good idea to go: 

Exposure: I'm in my mid twenties and have been in Malaysia all my life. Somehow I get the feeling that my personal development has reached a plateau. I think a new country, a new environment would be a great to place reinvigorate myself and gain fresh perspective. 

Experience: I'd very much like to work overseas for a couple of years. It'd enable me to gain useful experience in my field. As i am pursuing a financial course, it'd be beneficial to work in a financial capital like London. I think it'd be easier to go into the UK as a student then as a job applicant. I'm worried as i've heard many rumors of stringent rules preventing students from staying to work after completing their studies leaving. This is a very important issue to me as working abroad is the primary reasons for me wanting to go. 

My concerns 

Finance: I am a working adult and would have to finance the initial cost of my plans using savings. The cost, based on rough calculations, even for a year, appears daunting. I'm weary of whether it's a good idea to use a significant portion of my savings for this purpose, when I very well know that I can complete my education here for a fraction of the cost. If i do go, I expect to work part time while studying to cover the cost of living. However I'm unsure of the feasibility of this as I'm aware of rules in the UK restricting the hours you can work. Also, I'm not sure how possible it is to obtain work in London. 

Location: London is where I want to be. I realize that the cost would be significantly reduced if I were to opt for Birmingham or Manchester but I'm biased towards London as I don't see the point of going abroad, only to spend my time there in a sleepy hollow. 

So that's it. There's my problem. Do I go next year or try my luck getting a job after completing my education here. What do you think ? 

Constructive information and comments are welcomed, especially from people who've been to the UK to study. I'd appreciate it if sarcastic and rude comments could be refrained from. 

Thank you

Np. Thank you for asking. I've no past qualifications. I've completed 7 papers, 9 by year end. So basically completed knowledge and skill modules by the time I'm there. Complete professional level there- 5papers.

This post has been edited by VijayHari: May 25 2012, 11:09 PM

Point noted. Thank you very much. Btw, is it right for me to assume that pursuing masters/doctorate would allow me to stay back there ?

Ty. Your post was very informative. Btw, I understand from your profile that you currently work in Switzerland. May I ask how were you able to land a job there ? Did you complete your education here or were you there all throughout ? Hopefully your journey will shed some light in my quest.

I understand. Definitely going there to study without having first worked out employment arrangements appears to be a wrong move. Considering the initial investment I'm required to fork out, it could be a catastrophic blunder. Looks like I've to seriously work on amassing overseas contacts. 

Anyways, I know I've made it sound like UK is the only place that I'm keen on going to in terms of work. Far from the truth, I'm actually open to other places as well. Do you happen to know how's the immigration situation like in other countries. Europe ? Australia/NZ ? 

Also, I remember once reading somewhere that the best way to get into the UK is through one of the other EU countries. Obtaining a work permit in the UK after first obtaining PR in say Norway or Austria, would be a lot easier. How true is this ? 

Btw are you an accountant/auditor ? 

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Added on May 26, 2012, 8:45 amMakes sense. . Anyways, if you were in my position, how'd you go about it ? What would be the best course of action ? The one with highest chance of securing employment abroad.

This post has been edited by VijayHari: May 26 2012, 08:45 AM

Je ne sais pas.

This post has been edited by VijayHari: May 28 2012, 07:40 PM