Want to work abroad? Check out these top five tips

Have you ever dreamed of jet-setting around the world? I know I have, writes Abhirup Banerjee. The good news is that some jobs allow you to travel, perhaps even covering some of the expenses?

What are these jobs, and how can you obtain one? Updating your resume layout can’t hurt. Below, we’ll outline a few jobs that are hot right now that you can carry with you. We’ll also discuss funding your trip, learning local laws, keeping yourself safe, and enjoying slow travel to the full.

Tip #1: Teach English or work remotely (or both)

You can search for jobs that would include international travel. Or, if your current company operates internationally, you could inquire about a transfer. But if you want to see the whole world, two types of work give you the most control.

Remote work is trending, and it can be done anywhere with an internet connection. Common careers well suited to remote work include software development, web development, writing, graphic design, tutorial, sales, and customer service call centers.

Teaching English online is one especially popular route. Some programs require a bachelor’s degree, while others like Cambly do not. You can get paid for conversing with adults trying to learn English classroom-style lessons with children.

Another option is teaching English in person. A number of organizations will sponsor native English speakers for six months to a year, providing a salary and housing during the duration of the assignment.

Tip #2: Plan your budget

Travel is expensive. It takes good planning to avoid spending your entire remote paycheck on hotel stays.

Consider moving to a country with a good currency exchange rate and a low cost of living. According to Go Abroad, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Bulgaria, Mexico, South Africa, China, South Korea, Thailand, Peru, and Poland are among the most affordable countries for a year-long stay.

Housing will likely be your biggest expense. Use resources like Airbnb to find long-term stays for reduced daily rates. You can also consider housesitting. Trusted Housesitters, for example, allows you to stay for free in beautiful locations around the world. In exchange, you look after the pets of the home’s owner. Sits range in length from one week to several months.

Tip #3: Learn the rules of the road

We use the term “rules of the road” both literally and figuratively. Before entering a country, learn about their laws, including standard driving and traffic rules. Abide by the country’s laws at all times. Rules about prescription medication, weapons, political activity, using credit, and even photography may be different than they were back home. Make yourself aware of social customs and cultural differences to avoid offending the people who live there.

There may also be regulations about what you can bring into and out of the country, the best skills to include on a resume, how long you can stay, and the type of work you can do while there (for example, working remotely from your laptop is fine, but getting a job at the store down the street may not be without a special visa).

You can look up information on specific countries at travel.state.gov or contact a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Tip #4: Play it safe

Learning the rules as discussed above is one way of keeping yourself safe while traveling abroad. You should also follow international news concerning the country to which you are traveling and the surrounding region.

Always check for government-issued travel advisories before selecting a destination. When destinations are rated “do not travel” or “reconsider travel,” this indicates a considerable risk to your safety. You can click on each advisory for more information. Advisories may be given due to COVID-19 regulations, natural disasters, or sociopolitical instability.

You can register with the U.S. embassy in each country you visit. Then, if a disaster occurs, they will know to look for you. It is also advisable to keep friends and family updated as to your location. Consider enabling a location tracker such as those on Google Maps or Strava, especially if you are traveling solo.

Tip #5: Live like a local

Slow travel is gaining popularity. Slow travel means more than just hitting the tourist destinations. It means staying in an area for an extended period of time, and living like a local - eating where they eat, shopping where they shop, and going where they go. It’s about getting to know people and building relationships.

Working remotely abroad can allow you to do just that. Structure your work schedule so that you can visit the attractions and events you want to see. Go for a jog on the beach. Learn how to cook local dishes. Learn a few phrases in the local language and the names of those you meet at the grocery or coffee shop.

Author biography

Abhirup Banerjee is an experienced content writer & he writes on various topics. He is mainly associated with renowned business and finance blogs as a guest author where he shares his valuable business & financial management tips with the audience.

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