You’ve left your home country in order to see as much of the world as you can. This life, although free, still requires you to make some money in order to keep it up – unless you have a sizable inheritance, of course. But even then, what better way to get experience, meet people and, most importantly, learn their ways, than to find work in the country you have decided to visit. The choices are abundant – let us take a look at the most interesting five.
Go on a cruise
Plot twist, you’re not paying for the cruise, the cruise is paying you! Another plot twist, you have to earn your keep – which means finding a job on a cruise ship. This could be pretty much anything that exists on land as well, however, it is most likely that you will start from the bottom, as a waiter or cashier, unless you have some skills that could prove useful, such as a lifeguard or masseur/masseuse or a personal trainer. You get to spend your time on a luxury cruise ship, where the party pretty much never stops and there is a way to climb your way up the employee ladder. Of course, you will be spending a lot of time in cramped conditions, as your living quarters will be tiny, probably shared with other people, so take that into consideration!
Work with an NGO
Non-governmental organizations, including non-profits, are an excellent choice for people who want to feel as if they were making a change in the world. If you are one of them, all you need is a knowledge of English and any skill that a particular NGO might find useful – IT, management or marketing are particularly sought after – and you are good to go. NGOs are a good way to put your money where your mouth is and show that your degree is not just for show, but you can really and directly help people. Be prepared for low salaries and difficult work conditions, as well as modest accommodation, often in cold or very hot areas.
Teach English as a foreign language
Many native speakers of English find it easy to land a job abroad just because they are exactly that – native speakers. However, this does not mean that everyone else should give up. It is often the case that non-native speakers have a better grasp of how to explain language problems to other people for whom English is also not a native language. Still, in order to get a good position you might want to think about getting some kind of formal education, but even taking some TEFL courses in Hong Kong can help you land a good job teaching English.
A hostel life for me
Hostels are one of the best places to meet people of all kinds. A lot of travelers prefer them, especially if they are young and traveling on the cheap. Many hostels are on the lookout for English speakers to help them out when tourism is in season, which is a great way to stay in one place for a time and learn about the people and culture. You could also think about it from a different perspective and start your own hostel – if you are so inclined and have sufficient funds. In some countries it really is not a lot of money to get everything in order and start receiving guests. However, if your location of choice is a bureaucratic nightmare, you might want to rethink that option.
Nomad, but digital
If you have your office in your backpack, you don’t really need to look for a job – all you need is a desk (optional) and an internet connection (non-negotiable). You can work from anywhere, basically, and in your pajamas as well (also optional). Unfortunately, this kind of work requires you to live or die by your digital skills. Designers, editors and writers can find their niche here, but not many others. The lifestyle is not a lavish one, but this kind of freedom and self-sufficiency can’t be gained by many other jobs.
being a nomad would be such fun. i wish i had the opportunity and ability to do so. it’s interesting you mention owning a hostel. i imagine that’d require a lot of work 24/7. teaching english was the main suggestion i heard when i was in college.
I have thought about being an English teacher. I have 4 college degrees in education. I would love to teach again!
Digital nomad would be an awesome job. How amazing to be able to travel while still working and earning money.
I have tried teaching English not as a job, but in exchange of learning the local language in the country I stayed in for two years. If I were to relocate to a different country, I would love to teach English again but would do it for income.
OMG, all of these ideas are so great! I love the idea of getting a job on a cruise ship. Of course, it’s a job, so it won’t be like taking a cruise, buuuuut… IT’S A CRUISE SHIP! You’ll see all kinds of cool places.
Nomad but digital is my option now after having successfully worked in the corporate world for thirty years or so. And now it’s all about travel and writing and am loving it.
Mmmmaaannnnnn….the digital nomads like I have so much freedom over a lot of things! I love this life of mine.
Some great ideas here for those travelling or moving to a new country! There’s so much you can do remotely now!
Not sure I’ll ever work abroad, but these are great options for those that might!
Being abroad has always been an exciting idea to me. Learning the native language is always my biggest challenge.
I think working on a cruise could be awesome. Not as a housekeeper or anything like that, because yikes. THAT is a lot of work but… Maybe as just a concierge or something. Such an awesome way to see the world!
I’ve always imagined nomads live an interesting life. Nowhere to call home but the land. It’s intriguing to hear their stories.
Great ideas, thank you. I’ve been toying with the idea of becoming a travel writer. Do they get to stay in luxury hotels free of charge….?
I am totally planning to have a digital nomad year next year. I hope to teach English abroad so we will see about the TEFL course! Thanks!
I really like the topic and info.
I used to go studying abroad but in my spare time finding an ok job is a little bit hard. Many of times it’s related to where I’m coming from. If those job you said is good for everyone that’d be greater.
These are great job ideas. I never thought about it before, but I guess teaching English in a foreign country would be a job tailor-made fo an ex-pat.
Great ideas. I did a TEFL Course about 9 years ago but ended up living in Australia so i didn’t need to use it anyway lol
Some great ideas when working abroad! I love you can do so much remotely now!
i have a friend who is working on a cruise and loves it. i have heard some hate it but for others it is a perfect way to travel!
I think working at a hostel would be fun because you’d meet people from all over, the kind of people that make travel happen, which is cool.
Nice information on jobs in abroad!I will like to be a part of an NGO because get to learn about various people and communicate with them.I love to learn about new people.
Those would be some fun jobs for sure. Doing the cruise would be amazing.
These are some excellent ideas. I am glad that my work can go with me wherever I go!
Great ideas..! I will definitely share this blog. It would really be helpful for others.
I hope to be an expat some day! Thanks for sharing these amazing options for jobs!
These are great options. I always bring a laptop when traveling because I work online. I really want to try to volunteer too.
i love this list. but first and foremost, one must have the burning passion to survive, and of course – self discipline. 🙂
I know a handful of people who’ve taught kids in other countries how to property speak the English language. It’s quite impressive.
I have a friend who doesn’t mind staying at hostels. I shame him for it BUT I think it is actually a good idea especially for traveling.
Those are some great ideas especially that being a digital nomad. It’s great when you find a job you enjoy and travel at the same time.
Can you teach English even if English is the only language that you know?
I am always interested to be a digital nomad, however it’s still on my mind and don’t know how to make it started, anyway helpful list for jobs.