How to work abroad
So how do you even get a job abroad? Well, you’ll want to start by finding the destinations where you can legally work abroad and then start your job search. Or, you can find a job that allows you to work abroad, and they will often sponsor your work visa.
You can also get a job overseas with no experience! In fact, teaching English abroad is the perfect job in that particular scenario. However, if teaching isn’t your true calling, you can either apply for international positions while still at home, or apply for a work visa abroad and figure things out once you arrive.
Here’s how to get a job abroad:
- Choose a destination: Places like Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland grant Working Holiday Visas to citizens of certain countries and who meet an age requirement. If you want to work abroad for a year or permanently, then you’ll want to secure a job offer prior to applying for work visas abroad.
- Choose your field: Sometimes, it’s easier to figure out what kind of job you want prior to choosing the destination. The demand for certain positions is higher in some countries than others, which will make your job search a lot easier (or more challenging).
- Apply to open job opportunities: Once you know where you want to go and what kind of job you want overseas, then it’s time to start applying to work abroad programs! The length of this process will vary depending on your qualifications and prior experience, and perhaps even your proficiency in the local language.
- Apply for a work visa: Once you find your job, then you can apply for a work visa. Most likely, you’ll need to show proof of a job offer in order to qualify. There should be someone at your new workplace who is in charge of assisting you with planning your trip abroad.
What are the best types of jobs abroad?
The best types of jobs abroad depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want to only work for room and board? WWOOFING is for you. Are you okay with working odd jobs here and there in order to fund your travels around the world? You can find short term and seasonal work on orchards, vineyards, and farms in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Or, if you want to start a permanent career abroad, nurses, program developers, software engineers, marketers, and teachers are needed all over the world.
Where to work abroad
Your options for working abroad will depend on your nationality. You’ll want to find the easiest countries to get a work visa for citizens of your home country, since the process of applying for work visas can be drawn out and complicated. For Americans, it’s exceptionally easy to get short term work visas in New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland. However, as previously mentioned, you can get sponsored for work visas almost anywhere as long as you have a valid job offer beforehand.
Why work abroad?
There are lots of reasons for working overseas! Perhaps the earning potential is much higher in a country abroad than at home. Or maybe there are better job opportunities overseas in your chosen field. Or maybe, like so many of us, you just really want to be able to live abroad sustainably! Being able to work abroad means being able to travel and immerse in new cultures indefinitely — and that sounds like a dream come true to us.