Working and Living Abroad

Looking for a longer, more meaningful experience abroad, a growing number of people are choosing to work or live in another country. By working in a country rather than just traveling through, you're given an opportunity to really get to know a place and experience a different culture. Working abroad can also make it possible for you to travel longer than you could otherwise afford.

Finding a job in another country can often take up to a year. If you are determined to live abroad, begin your job search at home and set a date between 6 months to a year ahead for your departure. If you haven't found work by then, you may want to make your move and look for work while in the country you've chosen. Here are some tips to get you started.

Finding a Job

Finding a job abroad is similar to finding a job at home. You first need to assess your skills, write a resume and research the job market. Many excellent books and internet sites list jobs opportunities in other countries. After these first steps, it gets a little more complicated.

Work Visas

The paperwork varies from country to country. Here is a rough guideline for what you can expect.

• Short-term or volunteer positions often don't require work visas. However, you will need a tourist visa to cover the length of your stay.
• Those who are self-employed (consultants, journalists, artists, etc.) usually don't need work visas either.
• Working abroad as a contractor for a company that's based in your own country is an excellent option since your employer will often take care of the paperwork and you can sometimes be guaranteed better pay and benefits.
• The final option is working as a national in a foreign country. It can be very difficult to obtain a work visa since you will likely be competing with a large number of locals with similar work experience. Your chances for getting a work visa are much better if you have specialized skills or work in a field with a high demand for skilled employees, such as the computer industry.

Helpful Hints

• If you're unable to find a job before leaving home, make sure you've saved enough to cover airfare and living expenses for 2 to 3 months while you look for work abroad.
• Before you leave, try to make contacts in the country you'll be moving to so you'll have a place to stay while looking for housing. This saves money and helps make the transition easier. Talk to everyone you know about your plans. It's likely you'll find a least 1 person who knows someone in the country you're going to.
• Be open to a volunteer or unpaid position. Often, this is the best way to get your foot in the door.
• When contacting potential employers, enclose international reply coupons to increase your chances of getting a response. IRCs are available from post offices.

Options for Employment Abroad

Many different types of jobs are available to foreigners abroad. Finding the best match depends on your skills and interests.

Transitions Abroad magazine is an excellent source of information for all types of work abroad.

Volunteer Programs

These range from short- to long-term programs all over the world. Working first as a volunteer is sometimes the best way to find out about other opportunities. However, you'll need enough money to support yourself during your stay. Some programs also charge fees.

Work Exchanges and Internships

For college students or recent graduates, work exchanges are the best option for finding a job abroad. Most jobs students find through these programs are in the restaurant, retail or tourism industries.

Internships are usually unpaid, although some will count for college credit. Many programs charge a placement fee from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

The following programs provide more information on work exchanges and internships. Students should also check with their college or university for opportunities.

• BUNAC: This organization arranges temporary work permits in Britain and Australia for students or recent graduates.
• Council Work Abroad: People to People arranges unpaid internships for students and professionals for a fee. Students can earn 6 undergraduate or graduate credits.
• Internships International: For a fee, this organization arranges unpaid internships for either college seniors or recent graduates.

Short-Term Jobs

These include jobs such as au pair work (almost exclusively for women) and jobs in tourism and agriculture. Wages are low but many provide room and board or basic housing.

Other resources include the embassy and tourist offices of the country where you would like to work. Here are some organizations to help start your search.

• Association for International Practical Training: For a fee, places students and professionals in paid positions and arranges work permits for up to a year.
• Au Pair in Europe: Places young adults ages 18-27 in au pair positions throughout Europe.
• International Cooperative Education Program: Arranges paid summer work in retail sales, tourism and agriculture in several countries.
• Volunteers for Peace: Lists workcamps all over the world. Projects include archaeology, construction, farming and social work. $200 fee includes room and board.

Teaching English

Opportunities are available nearly everywhere for teaching English, although the highest demand is in Asia and Eastern Europe. Most schools require Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) credentials. Several programs offer TEFL certificates in 4-week courses and provide support in finding a job. Other programs do not require TEFL certification but charge a fee for placement.

Here are a few samples of TEFL certification programs.

• Directory of Professional Preparation Programs in TESOL: This guide to academic courses in the US does not include short courses.
• New World Teachers: This program features accredited 4-week certificate courses and lifetime job placement assistance.
• St. Giles Language Teaching Center: Training courses leading to the prestigious Cambridge RSA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). Also provides job placement assistance.

K-12 and University Teaching

These jobs almost always require teaching certification. Options include teaching at Department of Defense schools, private international schools or volunteer organizations.

For university teachers, options include teaching for study abroad programs, regular faculty positions or special placement programs for those with advanced degrees.

The following resources list many overseas positions for teachers. Job fairs are another excellent source of information for teaching positions abroad.

• Friends of World Teaching: Offers listings of English-language K-12 schools in over 100 countries. Most positions are salaried.
• International Schools Services: This association recruits for approximately 200 international American schools worldwide.
• US Department of State: Describes English-language K-12 schools abroad and opportunities for teaching.

Living Abroad

Before you leave for a job abroad, there are a few things left to consider.

• Culture shock: Moving to another country can be overwhelming at first. Do your homework before you leave. Read as much as you can about the country you're moving to and its customs.
• Insurance: Some jobs will provide you with insurance, but most won't. Research the different policies available for coverage in other countries. Some policies also feature trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical evacuation. Whatever you do, don't leave home without insurance.
• Finances: Depending on how long you plan on being gone, you'll either want to have your address changed to your new one, or designate someone at home to take care of mail and bills for you while you're gone.
• Your stuff: You can choose between selling or renting your house. Leaving it empty creates extra liability and many insurance companies won't cover your home if it will be unoccupied for a long time. You can also choose to sell or lease your car. If you'd rather keep it in storage, talk to your mechanic about how to store it safely. Finally, find long-term storage for the rest of your belongings. Now you're ready to go!

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