Working abroad | How international jobs can transform your life and career
Posted by Bhumika Modhvadiya, Graduate Recruitment Consultant on Thursday, June 19, 2025
For ambitious professionals in Quantity Surveying, there are many places your job can take you. From the fjords of Norway to the sunshine of the Caribbean, quantity surveyors have a wide range of attractive destinations to build their careers. In this blog, I will explore the various professional and lifestyle benefits of working as a QS in Norway, Dubai, Barbados, Canada, and the UK - five exciting locations that Maxim has live vacancies for, all offering very different but equally compelling opportunities.
Norway
The first on my list is Norway. Norway offers a forward-thinking construction sector focused on sustainability, green building, major civils, and infrastructure projects. Projects are run under solid legal and regulatory frameworks, offering quantity surveyors a structured, well-organised environment.
Furthermore, English is quite widely spoken in the industry, making it easier to adapt. There are also brilliant landscapes of fjords, forests, and also the northern lights that the country has to offer. It’s no surprise that Norway is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. See Quantity Surveyor Job in Norway.
Dubai
Dubai, on the other hand, is known for its luxury and glamour, but behind that is a booming construction industry. From its massive malls to city-sized developments, Dubai offers projects of a scale you won’t see elsewhere. One of the biggest draws is the tax-free salaries. While the cost of living has been rising, most Quantity Surveyors still come out ahead financially. You’ll also gain experience working internationally on projects that use cutting-edge technology.
Dubai is commended for its extreme safety and cleanliness, making it a fantastic place to relocate, especially with family. It is also regarded as an adventure and travel hub, as there's always something exciting to do, whether it’s desert safaris, skydiving, or five-star resorts. Plus, Dubai’s location makes it a travel gateway to Europe, Asia, and Africa. See Quantity Surveyor Job in Dubai
Barbados
Another new and fantastic opportunity Maxim has taken on, is in the tropical paradise of Barbados. While the construction industry is smaller, your skills are in high demand, particularly in hotel refurbishments, coastal infrastructure, and climate-resilient developments, due to the growth of tourism in Barbados. For those looking to grow their career while embracing a more relaxed pace of life away from the city, Barbados offers the best of both worlds.
If you're inspired by this prospect apply to our live Construction Site Manager or Quantity Surveyor role in Barbados (Visas fully sponsored).
Canada
For quantity surveyors seeking opportunities abroad, Canada emerges as a top destination. With a rapidly expanding built environment, skilled Quantity Surveyors are always in high demand, especially across major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Furthermore, Canada recognizes RICS accreditation and other international credentials, making it easier for experienced Quantity surveyors to integrate into the market without starting over.
Beyond the career benefits, Canada offers a great quality of life, with its clean cities and low crime rates. Canadians have a reputation for being friendly and hospitable, making the settling-in period smooth and easy. Additionally, Canada is home to many stunning natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, Pacific coast rainforests, and national parks.
If you like the idea of working as a QS in Canada view a great opportunity to kickstart your career as a Cost Consultant in Toronto.
United Kingdom
Working as a Quantity Surveyor in the UK allows you to experience both the professional growth and lifestyle benefits the country has to offer. The UK offers a wide range of exciting projects, from infrastructure projects like HS2 to a growing renewables and sustainability sector. Moreover, the UK offers stability with its clear-cut route to advance in your career from junior to more senior roles. UK-based professionals often have access to structured CPD and accreditation pathways.
Outside of work, the UK delivers an exceptional lifestyle — from the cultural buzz of cities like London and Manchester to the peace of countryside retreats, historic villages, and coastal escapes. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and access to public healthcare, the UK offers great stability.
Check out our Quantity Surveyor Job Listings in the UK for your next career move.
Conclusion
Working abroad as a Quantity Surveyor isn’t just a career move — it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the innovation of Norway, the tax-free rewards of Dubai, the relaxed pace of Barbados, the natural beauty of Canada, or the structured progression in the UK, each destination offers a unique blend of opportunity, growth, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your career journey, exploring international roles can broaden your perspective, accelerate your progression, and open doors you never imagined. At Maxim, we’re proud to support QS professionals in making those moves — and we have the roles to match your ambition.
Ready to take your career global? Explore our live vacancies and start your next chapter today.
Bhumika is a Graduate Recruitment Consultant based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, Leicestershire. Day-to-day responsibilities include researching, shortlisting, contacting, and interviewing premium construction industry candidates. I work with the UK team to help construction industry job seekers move into premium construction jobs with market-leading UK and international clients.