If you’re hoping to do as I’m currently doing, and work, while you travel (or travel because of work), there are plenty of opportunities. Here are five options for those looking to work abroad.
Working Holiday Visas
Several countries offer work-holiday visas that will allow you to live and work in different parts of the world. Typically, these expire after you turn 30, so if you’re on the fence and aren’t yet 30, now’s the time to act! If you live in Norway and are seeking a visa to the US, check out visum USA-ESTA.
Ski Resorts
If the slippery slopes are your thing, working at a ski resort offers the bonus of free ski passes and equipment, allowing intrepid snowboarders and skiers to hone their skills at no extra cost. Jobs are varied, and can include chalet host/cook, ski guide, nanny or driver, depending on skills and experience. Disadvantages are that most jobs are short-term and seasonal, and many countries require a work permit to be in place before taking up a job, making advance planning essential.
Cruise Ships
Life on the ocean wave can provide a whole host of new travel experiences alongside an opportunity to earn money. Cruise holidays are increasingly popular and liners are becoming more and more sophisticated, so that job opportunities are equivalent to those available in any major leisure resort, and pay is comparable, with tips often better. The benefits include being provided with board and lodging, so saving money while working is possible, although, some cruise ships will require you to work some pretty crazy hours.
Chinese Hospitality
Joining the hospitality industry is a fabulous way to travel to a number of different countries, learning about their culture and heritage. There are always paid internships in hotels in Beijing and Shanghai, for example, and often paid posts in travel agencies in a range of locations. This is a great way to improve language skills, and many hotels will offer accommodation and board as part of the package. The disadvantage with internships is often that the pay is not so great, as these are viewed principally as training opportunities.
Farming Down Under
As it’s possible to arrive in Australia without having a pre-arranged job, or on a working holiday visa, many people start by offering their services to work on the land whilst waiting for independent migrant visas to be processed. This is physical work, and laborers benefit from fresh air and exercise if they are fruit picking or similar. Shared accommodation in huts is usually provided on site. A downside is that this type of work is seasonal, and many workers find they need two or more jobs at the same time while the work is available.
Teaching English
International teaching jobs are available worldwide and the demand for English as a second language continues to remain high. The great things about teaching jobs is that they offer the chance to live in and learn about a new community, and to improve the teacher’s language skills at the same time as their pupils. The disadvantage is that some level of qualification is required – although these can start at graduate level in many places.
These are just some of several ideas for working abroad. If money’s holding you back–don’t let it. You can travel, and get paid, too!
photo credit: amiefedora
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Cool! This is very ideal for people who want to travel in the long-term. Funds are rapidly depleted while on the road, and it makes perfect sense to have an on-the-go job to finance the passion for traveling. Since I’m steering towards that direction, I might as well take your travel-career suggestions into heart. Thanks!