Working Overseas

When traveling on a budget, you sometimes run out of money and need to work somewhere. Or maybe you just found a place you want to stay in a bit longer and get to know it more. Working overseas is a great way to not only earn more money for traveling but also learn about a new culture, get to know a place intimately, picking up a new language, and make some new, international friends.

If you decide to work overseas, you have many options. One of the most common ways people find work overseas is by teaching English. However, if teaching is not your thing or you are not from an English speaking country, you have other options too. Many travelers work in hostels, bars, as dive instructors, pick fruit, run tours, or get working holiday visas. You always have options as long as you are not too picky on what kind of work you do. Below is a list of resources that can help you if you want to work overseas.

If you are going to work overseas, try to learn the local language. It will help give you a deeper appreciation for the local culture and the locals will be very happy and very welcoming that you tried to learn the local language. Sign up for a local language course or use a software like Tell Me More.

Places to Look For a Job
Local Newspapers- Local papers are a good source of finding a job in your local area.
National Newspapers- National newspapers hold the same benefits for job hunting as local papers – the jobs advertised are local to you.
Websites- Sites like Craigslist and Gumtree are good places for a backpacker to begin. They usually have office work or temp work posted that can be good for someone seeking short term employment. See below for work abroad programs.
Hostels- A lot of hostels hire people for work. If not, they might know places who are hiring. Moreover, many have job boards that can tell you about hiring. This is especially true in countries where working holiday programs are popular.
Job Placement Companies- There are a lot of companies out there that place travelers in jobs. This is especially true in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Southern Europe. These places rely a lot on seasonal workers so usually in backpacker area’s there are people who can place you with short term, temporary jobs, some for as little as a day.

Work Abroad Programs
Council on International Educational Exchange Work Abroad Program- It offers short-term work permits for Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland, Canada, and Costa Rica for students and recent graduates. Council helps students obtain elusive work permits and offers advice and support but it is your responsibility to find a job.
Alliances Abroad- Guarantees paid work placement before your departure and organizes accommodations.
BUNAC- Offers work abroad programs in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
InterExchange- Another nonprofit organization that offers a variety of programs such as paid agricultural work in Norway and Australia, au pair placements in France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, volunteering in Costa Rica, Peru, India or South Africa, and English teaching in Spain. Open to anyone.
Peace Corps- A U.S. governmental program that places people around the world. Open to only U.S. citizens. Volunteers get a stipend and money at the end of their contract. The program also helps pay off student loans.

Teaching English Overseas
Teaching English is one the best ways to work overseas and one of the ways most utilized by travelers. The subject matter is so broad that it would hard to discuss in a little blurb so we have a special five part section dedicated to it:
Part 1- Types of English Teaching Jobs
Part 2- ESL Job Requirements
Part 3- ESL Jobs in Asia
Part 4- ESL Jobs Around the World
Part 5- ESL Teaching Resources