It’s no secret that work and travel can come together to create amazing “workcation” experiences. If you’re looking to travel overseas in pursuit of a new adventure, working abroad is a great way to make your travel dreams a reality. You can also gain meaningful experience inside or outside your industry.
The pandemic showed the world that maintaining a productive remote workforce was possible. Consequently, remote work is on the rise. It is also easier now, more than ever, to work from anywhere in the world. In fact, the popularity of combining remote work and traveling has created a new group of workers known as digital nomads.
A digital nomad is someone who travels freely while working remotely using technology and the internet. Whether you want to pursue the digital nomad lifestyle or you just want to go on an extended workcation, there are ways to make your dream a reality.
5 Ways To Work Abroad
Work and travel programs
Work abroad programs is the term used for when a person interns, volunteers, or teaches in a foreign country through a program. You gain valuable work experience while being immersed in a foreign work environment. Usually, fees range from agency to agency but provide comprehensive support in your move from country to country. No doubt, literally traveling across an ocean for work can be intimidating. This is where work abroad program providers can help. Finding work through these programs can ease your transition by helping you navigate everything from visas to driver’s licenses to health insurance in your pursuit of foreign jobs.
Settling in a new country first
There’s no blueprint for moving and working abroad. If you have the means, nothing is stopping you from moving abroad and finding work once you’re settled. Certainly, most companies may be more amenable to local workers than global ones. Remember, however, that you will need to have enough money saved to sustain you in your new home until your job search is successful! A great advantage of this, however, is that you’ll be settled into your new country and culture at once, without the added pressure of having to navigate a new job all at the same time. For a smoother transition, start applying for jobs beforehand and network with recruiters online.
Work as an ESL (English as a second language) teacher
Teaching English abroad jobs offer many advantages like flexible hours, which means you can use your salary to enjoy adventures in your new country. In order to teach English abroad, you’ll need to start by earning a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Once you’re certified, you can teach others while you pick up the native dialect and language.
Do a work exchange
A work exchange allows you to spend time abroad while offering services in exchange for boarding, and can also extend to professionals or students who swap out with their counterparts in a certain country to spend a stipulated time in that country. This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to work abroad and still enjoy the perks of a new country. Often, work exchanges will see you do a variety of jobs or switch jobs for a period of time. A great example is that of a professor who spends an allotted time lecturing abroad on an exchange program.
Become a freelancer
Doing freelance work allows you to manage your own time and do your work wherever you want. This is great for creative careers such as content writing or travel photography is another way to realize your hopes for living and working abroad. This also offers one the freedom to earn, choose your hours, and relish your time away.
Travel Insurance When Working Abroad
As a remote worker traveling abroad, you might not always have a permanent position. However, you’ll want medical insurance in case you need urgent care while living abroad. Your domestic healthcare won’t cover you. Travel medical insurance can help to support you in this regard, as many countries may not offer short-term visitors health insurance. For instance, if you’re leaving home for under a year of travel, then travel medical insurance may be ideal for you. Some countries, such as Costa Rica, also have visas tailored to the needs of the freelancer, so be sure to do your research on the options available to you as a digital nomad.
For those bold enough, working abroad means seeking new ground to plant their roots. Working abroad offers a viable solution if you’re searching for that work-life balance—that sweet spot between work and play.
