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Working internationally

We currently have over one thousand members working abroad. Many find employment within the EU while the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa remain consistently popular destinations. Use this page to find out more about working outside the UK.

Before you go

Wherever you work abroad you must be registered if registration is in operation. Abide by the rules governing practice in the host country eg: check that your particular field of interest falls within the scope of practice allowed. Have a level of language skills to ensure safe practice. Ensure your CSP membership category includes professional liability insurance or arrange local cover if PLI is not valid in your host country. And finally, make sure you research your country thoroughly.

Other considerations

Some other things you may also want to think about are:

Information papers

Information papers for our most visited countries are listed below. We also have information papers on many other countries: contact our enquiries team by phone on 020 7306 6637 or email enquiries@csp.org.uk. Each one contains details of members who have agreed to share their knowledge with other physiotherapists going abroad. You will also be able to find more information on the WCPT and ER-WCPT websites where applicable. Do remember to contact the physiotherapy organisation concerned before you leave the UK as part of your briefing.

You may also want to see our Guidance for CSP members working abroad.

The European Economic Area (EEA)

The EEA includes all the countries of the EU plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein. For registration purposes, Switzerland is also included.

Registration is governed by Directive 2005/36/EEC on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. If you want to work abroad in the EEA on a temporary or occasional basis, for example during the ski season, new rules apply. These are explained in the EEA Country information papers: contact our enquiries team by phone on 020 7306 6637 or email enquiries@csp.org.uk for specific country information.

British Overseas Territories

Of these, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Gibraltar provide opportunities for work in a different setting as they have the largest populations. The Foreign and Commonwealth office has country profiles. Contact our enquiries team by phone on 020 7306 6637 or email enquiries@csp.org.uk for specific country information.

The Rest of the World

Some members wish to work in less resourced parts of the world to contribute to health care development. You can volunteer with agencies like VSO, Handicap International and others Some pay a regular salary. Most cover volunteers' basic living and travel expense and provide pre-departure training and in-country support. Contracts are usually one to two years but can be shorter.

Student Electives Abroad

In some countries UK physiotherapy students have to be registered with the professional body and or with the host university. Please contact our enquiries team by phone on 020 7306 6637 or email enquiries@csp.org.uk for more help.

Responding to Disasters

After natural disasters like the China earthquake, rehabilitation of survivors is crucial. The best way to volunteer is to link into existing projects run by experienced agencies so efforts are coordinated. See the WCPT position statement. Financial support can be sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)

CBR is an important multi-sectoral model of practice, broader than traditional community physiotherapy. The concept was developed nearly 30 years ago by the World Health Organisation to widen the reach of rehabilitation services in under resourced areas. Originally part of primary health care it is now described as 'A Strategy for rehabilitation, equalization of opportunities, poverty reduction and social inclusion of people with disabilities. CBR is implemented through the combined efforts of people with disabilities, their communities and health, education, vocational and social services providers. It focuses on empowering people with disabilities and their families, and ensuring inclusion and social participation.'

Volunteering

If you plan to work abroad as a volunteer, perhaps with a development agency see:

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