Do you ever catch yourself sitting at your desk, gazing longingly out of the window, daydreaming of faraway lands? When you only get a handful of vacation days per year, plus a few bank holidays, it can seem impossible to quench your wanderlust.
We’d all rather be abroad, skipping through a forest!
But, what if there was another way - a better way - to see the world, travel, explore, meet people, discover new cultures, and escape the 9–5 with its commutes, endless meetings and oppressive cubicle walls? What if you could just jump on a plane to an exotic location and experience the world, whilst enjoying a fulfilling career, and even adding new skills and experiences to your resume? Sounds too good to be true? Well, think again! Because, that is exactly what tens of thousands of people are doing right now, all across the world.
Maybe you’ve just graduated from college or high school, but you just don’t feel ready to settle down – after all, there’s a whole world out there to see? Welcome to the world of working abroad! You might think this option is reserved just for CEOs and trust-fund kids, but you couldn’t be more wrong. There are hundreds of jobs you can do abroad, in the country of your choice, right now.
Curious about this idea, but confused where to start? Then read on! Here are our top tips for first-timers working abroad, including must-know things to know before you work abroad.
Researching beforehand is essential!
Important things to consider before working abroad
1. Pick the right job
First things first, it’s important to know what kinds of jobs you could be doing abroad. The good news is, there are tons of jobs for people who love to travel! Basically, most jobs that you can do at home could also be carried out abroad. Of course, there are some jobs that are more popular than others and that lend themselves to an adventurous lifestyle abroad:
- Teaching. Teaching is one of the most popular fields of work abroad and there’s no shortage of teaching jobs, even if you’re not currently a teacher. If you’re a native English speaker, you could become an English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teacher. There are hundreds of schools in almost any country in the world where students, both children and adults, are learning English. Some schools require a TEFL certificate, which you can obtain either by attending a course online or in person.
- Hospitality and tourism. Hospitality and tourism are also very popular fields for working abroad and can be a fun way to explore new cultures while making new friends.
- Au Pair. If you love children and want to properly immerse yourself in a new culture, then working as an Au Pair could be a great choice. You’ll live with a local family and experience your host country as a local.
For more information and ideas, read 8 Best Jobs Abroad for 2019.
When you pick the right job, you’ll meet awesome co-workers and have a blast!
2. Be picky with your program provider
To make your life easier, there are many programs and organizations that can help you find the perfect work abroad job or program. Especially if this is your first time working abroad, you might want a little more support and help, as it can be quite overwhelming to figure out all the logistics and details yourself.
Picking the right provider is really important, as it can make or break your work abroad experience. Some of the key things to consider are the following:
- Length of the program. Some programs are seasonal or last only a few months. Other programs can last up to a year. It’s really up to you how long you want to stay abroad.
- What’s included? Always make sure you know exactly what is included in the program and what isn’t. This will help prevent any unpleasant surprises when you arrive in your new home. Some programs pay a stipend, whilst others pay a proper salary. Some programs include room and board or flights, whereas others don’t. Don’t be shy to ask all the questions as any good program will be very transparent and helpful.
- Application process. Find out well in advance what the application process is like for your desired program. Some applications only take a few days, others can take a few months, especially if you need to apply for visas. Also, make sure you know how much you’ll have to pay for the application, in case there’s a fee.
Asking all your questions will ensure you’ll have a great time!
One of the most important things to know before you work abroad is who is a reliable, trustworthy, and honest job agent. Some of the most popular work abroad providers are:
- International TEFL Academy. One of the most renowned TEFL programs, International TEFL Academy, offers TEFL courses in over 25 countries around the world. You can choose between a 170-hour online course or a 4-week, in person placement. ITA even offers lifetime job placement assistance for 80+ countries worldwide.
- LoPair Au Pair China. LoPair is one of the leading Au Pair programs that places hundreds of adventurers with local host families. They offer orientation when you first arrive in China, ongoing support, Mandarin classes, activities and even a bonus if you decide to stay a full year.
- BUNAC. Explore the land down under with a little bit of support from BUNAC. BUNAC Australia (or New Zealand) is one of the leading working holiday providers. They’ll help you with visa applications and preparations, set you up in a hostel in Sydney upon arrival, and offer job search support and access to a huge jobs database.
Working abroad and getting a bonus? What’s not to love?!
3. Choose your destination wisely (or not so wisely)
The world is your oyster, right? Well, when it comes to picking the country you want to work in, there are really no limits. This can feel a bit overwhelming though. Therefore, how do you choose from the whole world? There are two main options:
- Throw a dart at your globe or world map (how’s THAT recommendation for insider tips before working abroad?!)
- Research thoroughly to find the perfect fit
But, there’s actually another option that I would recommend. You probably already know where you want to go, even if you’re feeling stuck with the decision. Surely there’s a country or city you’ve been dreaming about visiting since you’ve been a child. Maybe a place you read about in a favorite book or saw come to life in a movie? Make a list of all those places that are usually reserved for your bucket list, and make it happen.
You can go anywhere you want! You got this.
Of course, you can’t just be romantic about the decision. There are lots of details to be considered. For example:
- Do you want to go somewhere where you speak the language already? This will narrow down your options a lot.
- Do you want to chase summer and go to a hot destination or do you prefer cool weather and snow?
- Are you eligible for a working or working holiday visa in your desired country?
- What are the living costs in your chosen country?
- Do you want to stay close to home, so you can visit occasionally? Or, do you want to be on the other side of the world?
These are all questions you should research, before making a final decision on the country or city you want to base yourself in. And don’t forget to have fun with it. If you have any passions or big hobbies you want to take with you abroad, find out where the best places in the world are to follow them. For example, if you love surfing, look for the best surf spots around the world that offer work abroad programs.
Hang ten! ;)
Some of the most popular countries for work abroad are:
- Australia. Australia is the motherland for working holidays and for good reason. It’s all about a great work life balance down under, the salaries are great, and the country has no shortage of places to discover. Hospitality and agricultural jobs are very popular, but office jobs and teaching are also easily found!
- China. If you’re looking for a different cultural experience, China is a perfect choice. It’s a hotspot for teaching and Au Pair jobs, and low living costs mean your dollars will stretch much further than at home. Between the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, you won’t get bored in China.
- Ireland. The emerald isle is a dream come true for travelers and expats alike. Ireland offers great salaries, stunning countryside, friendly locals and is conveniently located as a hopping off point to the rest of Europe.
4. Take time for logistics
This is crucial on our list of things to know before you work abroad. Picking the right job, program provider and country are crucial to guarantee you’ll have an amazing time abroad. But what do you need to look out for? There are a lot of small, logistical details that are easy to forget, so here’s a list of things to consider:
Once you know how much you will make, you’ll know how much you can spend on travel once you’re there!
- Salary. Ok, so this one is a biggie. Make sure that you know exactly how much you will be earning before you accept a job abroad. It sounds simple, but there are a few things you might forget. Do you have to pay taxes? If yes, how much will they be and will the company help you file them? Are there other deductions, like superannuation (a pension plan) in Australia? Don’t be shy and skip this step, it’s really important.
- Hours. As with the salary, it’s crucial to know how many hours you’ll be working. For example, there are teaching positions that are only part-time, so naturally, your salary will be lower. But if you only work for your school for 20 hours a week, you might be able to pick up some well-paid private clients in your spare time. This can help balance out your salary. Be vigilant and find out exactly what is required from you. That includes whether you have to work weekends or late shifts. Again, don’t be too shy to ask.
- Visas. The same goes for visas. If you’ve only traveled to places on tourist visas in the past, you might forget to research the type of work visa you need and how you can apply for it. A good work abroad program will help you out with this, but you’re still responsible for your own visa in the end, so make sure you do your homework.
- Other benefits. Before starting your job, find out if your program or the company offer any other benefits. Some programs offer free language classes or day trips. Others provide a stipend for flights. Ask all the right questions and you might get some unexpected perks.
5. Health and safety first
It’s important to stay safe and healthy, especially while abroad.
While the media want to make us believe that the world is a terribly dangerous place, the truth is that most travelers don’t experience any problems on their trips. But of course, that doesn’t mean you can be reckless and forget about common sense. Safety should always be a concern wherever you travel. Here are some of the things to consider:
- Get travel insurance. I repeat. Get travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you’re going or where you’re from, accidents can always happen. Travel insurance is a necessary evil of any trip and you should never leave without it. Not only will you be covered in case of medical emergencies (think, being airlifted from a mountaintop in Peru), but depending on your cover and plan, you’ll also be protected in case your flight gets cancelled, you lose your luggage or have to return home for a family emergency.
- Get your shots. Another must-have item on your travel prep to-do list is getting vaccinated. Ask your doctor or visit a travel clinic at least a few months before your travels, to leave enough time to get a full course of vaccinations. Find out what immunizations are required and advised for your destination and keep a record with you when traveling, as you might have to prove you got the shot to be let into the country.
- Do your research. Before booking any trip, make sure you are aware of the political situation in the country you’re visiting. You can check out any travel warnings for the country you’re visiting on your state department’s website.
- Beware of scams. An easy way to prepare for any possible tourist scam is to google the country or city you’re visiting, plus the word ‘scam’. You’ll find all the most common scams, ranging from classic taxi rip-offs to more elaborate tea ceremony scams in China. It’s good to protect yourself from any dodgy situations that can easily be avoided. When in doubt, trust your gut, it’s usually right!
6. Save a nest egg
One of the most oft-overlooked insider tips before working abroad is preparing for future fund shortages. The whole point of working abroad is that you can fund your travels with your job, right? But that doesn’t mean you can just rock up in a new country with empty pockets. You should always save up a nest egg before traveling.
How much will you need? Well, that depends on many factors, such as your destination, whether you’ve secured a job before arriving, and your lifestyle. It’s always advised to save up at least 2 months of living costs for your new country, just in case you don’t get paid immediately and to cover costs like deposits for accommodation. Also, it’s a good idea to have an emergency or rainy-day fund to get you home in case of emergency (or homesickness).
Savings are smart :)
If you can, save up a bit more, just to take some pressure off yourself at the beginning and to help pad out that travel budget.
7. Pack half the stuff and take twice as much money
Worrying about what to pack for your work abroad experience? The old saying still holds true. Packing is a topic that many-a-traveler has lost some precious sleep over. But in the end, there’s rarely a situation where you can’t replace forgotten or lost items on the road. Consumer goods, toiletries and clothes can always be replaced.
Packing light has so many benefits. You save money on flights if you don’t have to check luggage, you don’t have to wait for your bags at the carousel, the airline can’t lose your bag and you’re simply more flexible.
So, instead of buying all the ‘must-have’ travel gear you’ve read about in blog posts, try to save up a bit more money so you can splurge on activities and souvenirs abroad.
Next steps to working abroad
Now that you have the inside scoop and know what to expect for becoming an expat abroad, it's time to figure out who you want to work abroad through! Choosing a work abroad program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:
Research, research, research! And then go have an adventure :)
- Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should work abroad is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals. Don't let your experience (or lack thereof!) hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
- Pick your job. Do some reflection on what skills and knowledge you bring to the table, and which type of company or organization—and role within—would best benefit from your time and energy.
- Choose from the best work abroad programs in the world. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right job program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Learning how to save for jobs abroad is essential prior to your travels!
- Get prepared! Preparing to work and move abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
Let’s get this work abroad chapter started
Get out there! You got this :)
There sure is a lot to think about before working abroad, but hopefully these tips for first timers working abroad will lend you a great head start. It’s normal to be a bit nervous before embarking on such a big adventure and new chapter in your life, but you’ll be rewarded with an experience of a lifetime. Whatever job you pick or country you go to, you’re going to learn new skills, broaden your horizons and meet incredible new people.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s high time you go work abroad!