Making plans to live and work abroad for the first time? Check out some of the most sought-after international entry-level positions below!
Beginning a new life and career in a foreign country might be daunting. The benefits, however, will more than compensate for any apprehension you may feel at first. One of the many potential benefits of working overseas is the chance to broaden one’s horizons, develop one’s global citizenship, and acquire invaluable foreign job experience.
Here are the top 8 entry-level international jobs for first-time expats that we’ve identified! If you’re an English speaker interested in working abroad, read on to learn about some of the possibilities, average incomes, and best locations to look.
1. ESL Instructor
One of the most typical entry-level careers for native English speakers is teaching the language in a foreign country. There are more and more opportunities to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) in practically every part of the world. You can locate a teaching job that is a good fit for your skills and expertise, whether you are an experienced teacher or just starting out. Even if you only want a summer or temporary teaching position, you can find one.
Do some homework on the prerequisites of the country you want to teach English in before you start sending out applications. Furthermore, a TEFL certification will assist you prepare for the job, whether or not it is required.
Read more: which-credit-card-are-ideal-for-study-abroad-students
2. Worker at a hostel
Hostels, like unused couches from friends, are a godsend for weary travelers. Hostels are like a less stuffy hotel, including common areas like lounges and bars as well as kitchens and dining areas for guests to use.
During the busiest times of the year for tourists, hostels need more people to work at the front desk, in the kitchen, and in housekeeping. Many of these jobs are “work exchanges,” in which you work for free in exchange for living expenses. Some unpaid internships can lead to compensated full-time jobs.
3. Tour conductor
Independent program participants often have more than one tour guide at their disposal during group outings. Guides, whether to the Louvre, Tiananmen Square, or the Sahara Desert, are subject matter specialists who must convey the awe inspiring nature of their respective destinations to their audiences.
These positions are typically freelance and rely heavily on tips in addition to a base salary. As a freelancer, your income isn’t guaranteed, but you have greater control over your schedule and can make as much or as little as you choose.
4. Caretaker, or nanny,
Au pairs are young people who live with a host family in another country and care for the host family’s children in exchange for free lodging, food, and transportation, as well as a small monetary stipend. Becoming an au pair could be your passport to an exciting new life overseas if you have experience working with children, a passion for teaching, or both. The age restriction for au pairs in most countries is 30.
Au pairs provide child care and may also be asked to do housekeeping or light cooking. An au pair is supposed to feel more like a member of the family than a paid employee. The monthly au pair stipend may be low in comparison to other paid positions, but the free lodging and meals will allow you to live comfortably during your time off and see the area.
5. Staff Member on a Cruise Ship
The largest cruise ships resemble floating sparkling metropolises. There is hardly any work that can be done on land that doesn’t exist on a cruise ship, as they have everything from restaurants and spas to casinos and shops. A large number of cashiers, as well as personal trainers, massage therapists, doctors, nurses, hospitality workers, lifeguards, waiters, cooks, and performers, are required.
Specialized vocations will also be highlighted on board, depending on the sort of cruise. Some cruise lines cater to retirees by including investing portfolio managers on board, while others like Disney Cruise Line hire professional youth counselors.
6. Staff member at a hotel or other accommodation
Jobs in the hospitality industry, such as serving, cooking, hosting, and front desk work, are widely available in many countries. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada all provide year-round employment through their working vacation visa programs, whereas some countries only hire English-speaking hospitality employees during high seasons.
There are now seven countries that have signed working holiday agreements with the United States, but if you’re not American, chances are your home country has something similar. Visas typically last for one year but can be renewed, and their holders are then free to apply for any open positions anywhere in the country. Jobs in the hospitality industry are plentiful and sometimes don’t necessitate a lengthy resume for entry-level work.
7. Physical education teacher
Skills in Physical Conditioning, Verbal Interaction, Group Control, and Organization
Since you enjoy working out, why not take your talents abroad? Sports and fitness instructors work in a wide range of international contexts, including hotels, resorts, camps, and private businesses. There are interesting opportunities in many nations if you have a certification to teach surfing, skiing, yoga, scuba diving, or are a wilderness guide.
Nonstandard hours such as early mornings, late nights, and weekends are common for these positions. Adaptability is essential.
9. In addition: remote worker
subject to context
With the advent of digital nomadism, anybody with a secure contract or freelancing income can work from anywhere in the globe. Web and graphic design, freelancing writing and photography, and computer programming are all prominent forms of employment for digital nomads. As the world becomes increasingly connected, digital nomads are no longer limited to their home office.
Since you have steady employment lined up, obtaining a visa that will allow you to establish yourself abroad is your top priority. More and more nations are allowing digital nomad-specific visas that offer tax breaks and the chance to gain permanent residency or even citizenship.
Initial foreign resident visas
In order to work abroad as an American, you’ll need to deal with visas. Working illegally in a foreign nation is alluring, but it can lead to serious consequences. Any kind of paid labor typically necessitates a visa, with the exception of work exchanges where amenities like housing and board are supplied instead of monetary pay.
It is generally simpler and quicker to secure a visa for a country if you are a digital nomad, a seasonal worker, or an English teacher. Americans aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of working holiday visa deals; citizens of several countries have similar opportunities. These visas allow you to work and travel for a year, and they allow you to apply for any job for which you qualify.
How to Locate Employment Abroad
It takes some legwork, but happily you can start your search for appropriate expat employment overseas on GO. Some suggested jump-off points:
- The GO job board is a great location to uncover international employment opportunities posted by companies all over the world.
- Recruiters and suppliers of programs: if you want to teach English or work as an au pair, there are groups that will help you find a job and get a visa.
- Want a career as a sport and fitness instructor but lack the necessary qualifications? After completing a training program, certain employers may offer to hire you. Learn to scuba dive and become an adventure guide in a foreign country!
- Although participants in work exchange programs do not receive any monetary compensation for their efforts, they do receive free lodging and meals in exchange for their labor. WWOOF is one organization that facilitates work swaps.
- Local expat groups: social networking services like Facebook are useful for bringing together people living in different parts of the world. Joining one of these clubs can help you get a job, make connections with other foreigners, and promote your business.
Don’t allow the job hunt get you down. Finding work outside of one’s own country can be more difficult, but the rewards of living and working overseas are worth the effort.
Get your career going in a foreign country right now!
It might be difficult to balance a desire to see the world with the requirement to support oneself financially. You can, however, combine the two for the optimal experience. All of the aforementioned low-paying professions overseas are within the reach of native English speakers like Americans. Your first day as an expat might be as soon as tomorrow if you get started on your application today.
