Are you thinking about working abroad and you don’t know how? Companies are global and there are openings everywhere. There are miscellaneous employment opportunities which run across industries, so when it comes to finding the best strategies to work abroad, there’s always a way. This could be at any stage of your life; whether after college, during a mid-career shift, or maybe you are just exploring jobs abroad. It is never too late to make this work for you.
This phrase, ‘working abroad’ sounds relative. It all relies on where you go, who you work for, and the length of time you plan to stay. As you decide on how to go about this, it is very critical to imagine all the details involved. Such details include your age; a very important thing you need to consider. I’ll tell you why.
They say, age is a number but when it comes to working abroad it can sometimes impede your choices. One of the most vital requirements for moving and working abroad is a visa. Now here is where age comes in.
This is because the common visa of choice to work abroad is the working holiday visa which generally works for those between the ages of 18-30 and sometimes 35 depending on the country you’re going to.
Holiday visas are considerable means to work abroad after college since they need little to no experience and are easy to apply for. For the 18-35 age bracket, this is the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for the best way to work abroad after 35, you are unqualified for a holiday visa. But don’t let that bother you, it’s not over. You can simply apply for a work visa. Unlike holiday visas, they are a bit more to get and they take longer. One thing works here, you need to plan. This is because you will need to input your qualifications, professional abilities, and a sponsorship.
Now you know what you need to consider, let’s look at strategies you can use to relocate and work abroad.
VALID STRATEGIES TO WORK ABROAD
• Work abroad as a teacher
If you have a TEFL certification, you can teach almost anywhere in the world and make a positive impact on the students you teach. You can teach them English and maybe pick up a little bit of the local language in return.
You will have flexible hours, and with your salary have time to explore other places in your chosen country. It’s work abroad option anyone can do, young or old, experienced or not. The only prerequisite for these positions is that English is your native language.
Even though this strategy can be a bit challenging especially when you have to embrace the culture of the country you find yourself, the salary structure and low cost of living can be encouraging.
• Relocate abroad, then search for work
Do you know that you don’t always need a job before you get to your destination? If you have the means to go first, then go. You just need to start applying to positions before you land, and network with recruiters.
Using this method, you’ll be independent, having control over your experience. But if you aren’t use to the stressful situations that come with it, it is best you look at other options.
• Freelance/digital nomad
You can earn your money and develop your client base while traveling the world, that is if you are not accustomed to working a 9-5 job. Travel Writing, Web Designing, being a photographer, or Vlogging is some of the numerous ways you can work abroad while seeking your passion.
Aside from the flexible hours of being your boss, your income won’t always be consistent. You will need more than enough savings in the bank to cover up those days you won’t be making money. So, make sure this is what you want before you venture into it.
• Get a job through an agency / program provider
These set of agencies, regardless of where they are based, give a broad range of work, intern, and volunteer abroad openings around the world. They help you sort out everything you did and didn’t think of concerning your visa, phone, job placement, driver’s license, health insurance, etc. , for a fee of course. This fee ranges from agency to agency.
These people will help you organize all your paperwork, even set up your international bank account if you want but their fees can really get on the high side, leaving you with less money once you arrive. One thing that can alleviate this is budgeting ahead.
• Volunteer
If you are someone who likes giving back, this is for you. But it isn’t just limited to your community at home. You can take your passion for a cause and help people from all over the world. In addition to traveling, you get to be a part of something meaningful.
As a volunteer, these working experiences won’t be paid, but the work you put into aiding communities, problem-solving, and practicing cross-cultural communication are experiences that have more value than any paycheck you’ll receive. Since there is so much you can get out of this experience volunteering is definitely one of the best ways to work abroad after college.
• Get a working holiday visa
If you don’t want to work abroad on a permanent basis, grabbing a working holiday visa is a great option. As earlier mentioned, travelers aged 18-35 are eligible and can stay for up to two years depending on the country they choose to stay in.
While your working holiday visa determines where you can work and live legally for a period of time, this visa has no restrictions on any free travel you wish to do.
• Do a work exchange job
If you have a tight budget, completing a work exchange is the closest you can get to traveling abroad for free. Through a work exchange, you can do a range of things from pretty much anywhere in the world. As you work in exchange for your room and board all you have to worry about is securing a visa.
Your housing is free and depending on the program your meals will be free too. Not having to worry about food or where you’re going to stay is a huge relief. The only budgeting you’ll have to worry about is planning for trips of your own.
Another angle you need to consider is that while your housing will be free for the program, you can’t control where you stay. Most of the time, your accommodations will be far from the 5-star living you might be used to at home.
Before you jet off to your new life in the country of your dreams, decide where to go. Figuring out where you should work abroad is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound excellent for your goals. Don’t let your experience (or lack thereof!) hold you back. Also plan your finances.
When it comes to working abroad, there are plenty of opportunities. You just need to make sure you have organized all your paperwork and have a clear plan for what you want to do.
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