Simple Ways to Find Work Overseas
If you’re tired of the British weather and your job search is getting you down, spending a year or two working in a foreign country could be the best antidote. Not only will this experience enrich you as a human being, but it will also broaden your employment prospects in the long term.
The benefits of working overseas are plentiful. Learning a new language, exploring other cultures and meeting new people are just a few. However, it’s not as easy as jetting off and hoping for the best, and many people struggle to find jobs despite having lived in their new countries for months.
Travel is said to be one of the only ways you can spend money that ultimately makes you richer. That said, living abroad requires money, and it stands to reason that you will need to have this part of your venture sorted before you depart. Here are a few suggestions for finding work overseas.
Teach English
One of the best ways to make money when you’re living abroad is to become an English teacher. There is high demand for teachers all over the world, both in European countries like Italy and Spain, and more far-flung locations such as Japan and Korea.
To teach English abroad, you don’t need to be an English Language graduate (or even hold a degree in most cases) but you will need a TEFL qualification. This certificate can be obtained online over the course of six months, or more fast-tracked if you wish. There are options available to suit every budget and schedule, so teaching overseas is something anyone can do.
Apply Online
You can find overseas work opportunities much the same way as you apply for jobs in your home country, by searching online. It helps to narrow your ideas down to a select few countries you want to live and work in, research you short list and narrow it down to one so that you can focus your search on that area.
There are dedicated resources for those looking for paid opportunities abroad, such as the Jobs in the Maldives site. This website caters to anyone looking to work in the sunny Maldives, listing everything from admin and accounting vacancies to hospitality roles. If you have another destination in mind, perform a quick Google search to see what other opportunities are out there.
Register for Work and Volunteer Programmes
As well as job listings for specific locations, there are other more general resources available to overseas job seekers. For instance, you can register with employers like BUNAC for work and volunteer opportunities in locations like USA, Canada, New Zealand, Nepal, China and much more.
Become a Paid Intern
Internships are an excellent way to travel and work abroad, as your position, accommodation and living expenses are all taken care of before you go. Typically, interns complete their training “on the job” and will have a teaching or work placement arranged before completion of the course.
Interns usually receive a living allowance and free accommodation for the length of their contract. Accommodation could be either private or shared depending on the organisation. Top internships also offer free language lessons and graduation bonuses, so they're often the most cost-effective option.
Bear in mind that some internships have minimum age and qualification requirements. Some, for example, only take on graduates. You will usually need to be a native English speaker to qualify.
Use Social Media
When you’re looking for work, it makes sense to use every resource at your disposal. You should view social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as networking opportunities, so make sure your profile is up to date with your relevant work experience, testimonials, and a clear, professional headshot. Create a separate account if you need to.
Get a Work Visa
Depending on where you plan to travel, you may need a visa to work outside of your home country. There are numerous paid and voluntary work visas you can apply for, such as graduate visas, entrepreneur visas, and charity work permits to name a few.
Some visas are harder to obtain than others. If you’re looking to work in the US, for example, you will need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that proves your eligibility to work in the States. Students, foreign nationals and other workers (depending on individual circumstances) should be eligible, as well as spouses or dependents of US citizens.
Don’t forget to get health insurance when you’re moving abroad, and be sure to contact your GP about any required vaccinations.
Find a Job When You Arrive
This option is not for everyone, and it goes without saying that if you want just to take off and look for a job when you get to your destination, you will need to have the financial resources to support yourself initially. It’s risky, but most people who live and work abroad find it easier to apply for jobs in person, once they are physically in the country.
If you decide to take your chances, it’s advisable to prepare yourself as much as possible before you relocate. So, brush up on your language skills, ensure your C.V. is up to date, and most importantly of all, check that your passport will be valid for the estimated duration of your stay. You will also need to make sure you'll be able to use your mobile phone and bank account when you arrive. This sounds like basic advice, but many people forget to take care of the simple things when they're planning to relocate.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Find Work Abroad
Moving abroad can seem like a colossal undertaking, particularly if you’re looking for a job at the same time. However, the British jobs market is challenging, so now could be the time to sit out these hard times in the sunshine and get some valuable experience under your belt.
Some countries offer better prospects for UK workers than others of course, and at times the search for jobs can feel like a slog. With planning and perseverance, however, it is entirely doable, particularly if you have a financial buffer.
