Without contacts, it is as difficult to get a job overseas as it is at home however, you are often closer to driving a turboprop outside of Oz. As for the flying, when you get into a turboprop youŽll wonder what all the fuss was about and you may even think it is simpler to fly than a piston twin - because it is. And when you get in a jet you'll find them easier again.
As for flying overseas, it is not all it's cracked up to be. I worked with people who have experience all around the world. Of those who have worked in Africa, they have all enjoyed the experience and lived to tell the tale - but there are hundreds who can't. The stories of corruption, bungling government officials, aircraft which are unsafe on the ground let alone in the air, broken nav. aids are all true. To make it to the end of a contract without a major incident is unlikely - but you do learn from it. But will you be to apply the knowledge gained to RPT operations? Working in Asia and the sandpit will put you up against the locals so unless you are bringing something special you'll be at the back of the queue.
As for flying larger aircraft with minimal hours, my own company will be taking on maybe up to 100 newbies and they'll join as either Second Officers on long haul or First Officers on regional jets. On joining they'll have just over 200 hours and a bridge course/multi-crew course. They'll slot straight in to flying jets as well (because they are simple to fly). Line pilots will knock the majority of the arrogance some of the sods have, but in general they'll be up to speed in no time. These new pilots will be products of the airlineŽs training school.
So the story remains the same, get networking and don't believe what you hear about flying turbo-props and jets. They are all designed to be flown by average pilots under the worst of circumstances.
PM