9 Work Abroad Opportunities: Get Paid & See the World!

Whether you’re a college student searching for a gap year opportunity or thinking about places to bunker down as a digital nomad, pursuing a job abroad can boost your professional experience. 

Skills like learning a new language and working with different cultures will help your resume stick out. Working abroad could help you reach new heights in your career field. 

Today, there are hundreds of ways to make money while traveling abroad. A quick search will come up with an overwhelming amount of options. I’ve gathered some of the best work abroad opportunities. From Europe to Asia and Latin America, keep reading below for the one that best suits your needs!

Why Work Abroad?

Learning a new language, making new friends, and getting out of your comfort zone are a few reasons to work abroad. It also allows you to explore a new country without using up all your vacation days in a short amount of time.

One of the best parts of working abroad is that the experience will become a valuable addition to your resume as a well-rounded job candidate. 

Top 9 Opportunities Work Abroad

Below you’ll find a list of the 9 best work abroad opportunities. Remember to always verify the visa process for the job or program you’re interested in so that you can work legally in another country. 

9. WWOOFing

WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOFing offers work abroad on a farm or vineyard in exchange for housing and meals. It’s a credible organization that’s been around for more than 50 years. 

You can choose from work opportunities like fruit-picking in Hawaii or mashing grapes at wineries in France. It’s an excellent way to support sustainable farmers and have a place to rest your head while you live and travel abroad! 

You can search for host farms that are hiring and apply directly through the WWOOF website. We also have an in-depth review of WWOOF you can check out.

8. Teach English

Teaching English overseas is one of the most popular ways to work and live abroad. There are enough paid opportunities around the world to find a destination that fits you.

Keep in mind that most of the international paid teaching programs are in Europe and Asia. Countries like South Korea and Thailand usually pay around $2,000 per month and offer a housing allowance.

In Europe, you can make enough to live and travel as well. Most teaching programs require a Bachelor's degree in any subject to apply. In general, native English speakers are highly valued, and there are even English teaching opportunities for those without a college degree. 

You can expect to earn anywhere from $700-$1,200 per month for most teaching positions in Europe. Popular destinations for teaching English include Spain, the Czech Republic, France, South Korea, and Thailand.  

You can get a contract with a private company abroad or apply for a government program like the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program or the North American Language and Culture Assistants program in Spain, among others.

7. Corporate Transfer

If you’re an experienced professional working in a large company, an internal transfer to an office abroad can be a great way to work in another country.

Companies often prefer to hire and transfer from within. Talk to your manager and human resources department about working at one of your company’s offices in another country. This way, you can continue your career path while still getting the unique experience of living abroad. 

6. Internship

Recent college graduates that want work experience and an opportunity to live abroad can apply for internships. This is a great way to get a preview of life abroad without committing to a full-time, permanent position. 

It also allows you to explore your future career path instead of pursuing teaching English or another work abroad opportunity you may not be as interested in. 

You can search company career pages for internship openings abroad, or reach out to your university’s career services department for help. Since you’re looking for an internship, they may either be paid, unpaid, or offer school credit. 

5. Hostel Work

Hostel work is an excellent way to get hospitality experience and have a place to stay while you spend time abroad. While most hostels don’t pay salaries, they will offer free accommodations and meals for you in the hostel.

Jobs in hostels usually include light housekeeping or front desk reception to help check guests in and out. If you’re interested in tourism or a customer service-related field, working in a hostel will look good on your resume. 

It’s also an opportunity to learn and practice other languages since most guests are from other countries!

Websites like hosteljobs.net and Indeed are reputable sources for finding work. If you stay at a hostel you enjoyed, it’s worth asking the manager if they have any jobs available there.

4. Holiday Visa

Countries like New Zealand and England offer holiday visas ranging from 3 months to a year with the possibility of renewal. Holiday visas give you the right to work and get paid legally in another country. 

If you can secure a holiday visa, it takes the pressure off finding a job before you arrive in a new country and lets you search when you get there.

You’ll have to do research through each country’s government website to find out if they approve visas from your home country or state. Popular holiday visa locations are New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Western Europe. 

3. Au Pair

Au pair jobs are geared towards recent college graduates and young adults. As an au pair, you can work and stay with a family in another country, helping with the home. 

Each family has different needs, whether it’s having an au pair to keep up with simple house chores or just to speak English with their children, all au pairs receive meals and a room to stay in with their host family.

Not all au pairs receive a weekly allowance, but many do. You can search the host listings on websites like Aupair.com and set up interviews with families you’re interested in working with. 

Always make sure to ask a lot of questions about the work you would be doing so you know what to expect.

2. Digital Nomad

Becoming a digital nomad allows you to work from your laptop anywhere in the world. The hard part is finding a job that will allow you to do so. Popular ways digital nomads find work to live abroad include English teaching online, a fully remote role in a company, or freelancing. 

Being a digital nomad takes more personal planning and preparation than the other work abroad opportunities listed. You’re responsible for understanding laws around working in other countries and how long you can do so with or without a visa. 

But, the reward for your efforts is getting to live and work from anywhere! Here are some of the best digital nomad podcasts to inspire you.

1. Yachting

Yachting jobs in Europe is one of the most popular ways for young people to work abroad. Be prepared for hard work and long days, but also good pay. 

Depending on your experience and role on the yacht, you might be a stewardess catering to yacht guests or a cook helping prepare meals for guests. 

The best part of yachting is that you will see the beautiful countries you sail to and have time off to explore them before getting back to work. 

Pay for working on yachts can range anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 a month, depending on your experience. It’s one of the most well-paid options for young people to work abroad.

Work Abroad and Explore New Places With Pilot

Work abroad opportunities that offer pay or housing are one of the best ways to learn about a new place. Instead of making a quick trip abroad, you have time to immerse in another culture and learn a new language while you add to your professional resume. 

Whether you plan to work abroad on a full or part-time basis, you should take advantage of your free time by planning some travel around your new home. That’s where Pilot comes in!