Cormactrolan,
It might sound a little harsh on you - and I apologize about that - but I am kind of amused by so many people trying to get into this biz being totally clueless as to how to go about it. It's been suggested to hang around gliding sites, etc. Way to go! There's one, if not two, gliding sites in the vicinity of your residence if you head westerly. Join them. And put it on your CV that you are an
active glider pilot! It shows you're passionate about flying, which I would like to see in an applicant, if I was a chief pilot. Besides gliding is great fun and teaches you some great skills.
As far as I'm concerned that said site operates a tug plane which I'm sure they have people already lining up for to fly. Also, to actually fly it, you'll need your silver gliding certificate and 100 hours PIC. But sometimes one needs to be patient and wait for the opportunity to arise. But it will come.
Moreover, there's a parachute dropping zone near you. As far as I'm concerned skydivers won't fall out of the sky just like that...
It is imperative - if you do not intend to pay your way in! - to get your face known and to come across as not only a decent pilot, but also, and probably even more importantly, as a decent guy. No one wants to spend time in the cockpit with an
. Most pilots love what they do and many do all sorts of flying, even in their spare time. And best way to meet pilots is at - surprise, surprise - airfields...
If you ask me, going to Africa would be a cool thing to do if you would like to see another country. But if you intend to fly in Europe, stay here and work yourself up. You won't be able to make contacts by living down there. There are opportunities around the UK, but you'll have to get your behind into gear and start looking veeery hard for them.
Best of luck!