How to Find Work in Amazing Destinations

Whether it’s in government, a non-profit, or a random gig on the other side of the world, these are the best sites we know of to get your international job search started.

We originally wrote this post to help our fellow Peace Corps Volunteers look for interesting, meaningful jobs after their two years of service abroad. We have since updated it with even more resources and expanded the scope for anyone seeking employment in amazing destinations around the world.

Best Sites to Find an International Job

International Development and Overseas Jobs

International Development jobs are especially popular among Peace Corps Volunteers and others who are serious about working abroad with a humanitarian agency.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

If you want to work for the federal government, including Peace Corps headquarters, usajobs.gov is the place to start. You can also find vacancies specifically at USAID. 

Other global development jobs can be found at Devex. Next Billion’s Jobs Feed posts jobs, fellowships, and internships related to development through enterprise.

IDEALIST.ORG

The Idealist site is an industry leader for non-profit work, education, community development, and more. You’ll find everything from full-time jobs to part-time entry level to internships and volunteer opportunities both domestically and abroad.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Teachers and administrators in the education field, can find job opportunities at international schools around the world through Search Associates, Educators Overseas, or the job fairs through International Schools Review.

Outside-The-Box Jobs

Not all RPCVs have their sights on development work but many share a love of adventure and a desire to see the world. For those who, like us, aren’t ready to work in a cubicle, there are some great options for you, too.

JOBBATICAL

Start short-term by taking a job sabbatical. Jobbatical helps you take a professional career break to use your skills and knowhow working on an exciting project, in a new team, in a new environment.

ESCAPE THE CITY

For those with a little more job experience, Escape the City is dedicated to finding exciting, meaningful, non-corporate jobs all over the world. It’s free to join and get weekly updates about really cool job openings.

COOLWORKS

Coolworks listings are primarily seasonal but all the jobs are in adventurous locales. You can search by category, location (like National Parks), or season. A great short-term strategy for those who just need something to keep them busy after re-entry.

HELP EXCHANGE, WORK AWAY, AND WWOOF

These international networks of hosts provide room and board in exchange for a few hours of work. Find gigs just about anywhere in the world, from organic gardening to assisting guests at a country B&B.

Stay for a few days or a few months, depending on the host.

Note that you will need to pay your transportation to the worksite and most do not pay any hourly wages, but if you’ve got the means, it’s a fantastic way to continue meeting people and seeing the world cheaply.

If these exchanges interest you, learn more in my book on  Unconventional Budget Accommodations.

WORK-TO-TRAVEL

The Modern Day Nomads site lists meaningful work-to-travel opportunities (many with housing) in the industries of property caretaking, digital media, adventure/recreation, education, culinary/hospitality, transportation, ecological/farm, and humanitarian industries. 

TRANSITIONS ABROAD

One of my favorite resources over the years has been the Transitions Abroad magazine-turned-website. They have lots of articles on gap year programs, internships, volunteer positions, seasonal work, and full-time jobs abroad.

Their job listings include English teaching and other international education work, au pair positions, farm work, hospitality jobs, and so much more.

“Digital Nomad” Self-Employment or Remote Work

Becoming digital nomads is the route we went after Peace Corps, and we love it.

Whether as a freelancer or a full-time employee of a forward-thinking company, many people are now working online from their computers, allowing them to take their jobs on the road.

If you’re interested in working for yourself to have more flexibility and freedom to travel, we can recommend a few resources to get your started.

– If you’re thinking a bit smaller and want to start a side business or an additional income stream online, Side Hustle School is a great podcast to help you come up with ideas and learn the ropes.

– A number of industries are ditching the cubicles and moving their jobs online. These include marketing, administrative, customer service, sales, IT, healthcare, and education jobs. For a list of companies that employ remote workers, see this page on FlexJobs.

Other Travel Job Ideas

If none of the jobs above strike your fancy, there are still even more traditional jobs where travel is often integral. We don’t have specific resources for these, but here are a few ideas:

• Pilot, Flight Attendant, or Airline Employee with flight benefits
• Tour Operator
• Journalist, Photographer, or Travel Writer
• Sales Rep, Recruiter, or College Admission Counselor
• Cruise ship staff

More About Working Abroad

What are the best ways to work abroad?

1. • Work exchange: Engage in work exchanges for free accommodation and sometimes meals, sacrificing luxury for budget-friendly travel experiences.
   • Volunteer. Volunteer abroad to contribute to meaningful causes, gaining invaluable cross-cultural experiences while acknowledging the complexities and limitations of aid work.
   • Freelance/digital nomad: Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle to work remotely while traveling, enjoying autonomy but may need financial stability due to inconsistent income.
   • Agency / program provider. Utilize program providers to facilitate work, intern, or volunteer opportunities abroad, offering support from pre-departure to return, albeit with varying fees.
   • Work abroad as a teacher: Teach English abroad with a TEFL certification, enjoying flexible hours, cultural immersion, and the chance to save money while making a difference.
   • Move abroad and work: Moving abroad before securing a job allows for immersive experiences but requiring meticulous planning and paperwork.
   • Get a working holiday visa: Opt for a working holiday visa for temporary work abroad opportunities, offering valuable resume experience but may have age limitations.

How to prepare for working abroad?

1. • Decide where to go. Identify your ideal locations for working abroad based on your goals, regardless of your level of experience.
   • Choose your job. Reflect on your skills and preferences to select the right role and organization that align with your strengths and interests.
   • Find the best work abroad programs. Evaluate programs based on participant reviews, reputation, location, and alignment with your skills, considering resources like MyGoAbroad for comparison.
   • Plan your finances. Organize funding for daily expenses, travel, program costs, and potential donations to the organization you’ll be working with, emphasizing the importance of financial preparation.
   • Get prepared. Ensure thorough preparation for your move abroad, seeking guidance to navigate the pre-departure process effectively and avoid overlooking crucial details.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad?

Pros of working abroad:

• Cultural immersion. Working abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, fostering personal growth and global understanding.
• Professional development. Working abroad can enhance your skills, broaden your perspective, and provide valuable international work experience that can boost your career.
• Adventure and exploration. Living and working in a foreign country allows you to explore new places, meet diverse people, and create unforgettable memories.

Cons  of working abroad:

• Adjustment challenges. Adapting to a new culture, language, and work environment can be challenging and may lead to feelings of isolation or homesickness.
• Legal and logistical hurdles. Dealing with visas, work permits, taxes, and other legal requirements can be complex and time-consuming.
• Financial considerations. Cost of living, currency exchange rates, and potential differences in salary may affect your financial stability and require careful budgeting.

For further reading:

– Digital Nomad ‘Day In The Life’ (with video)
– How We Make A Living as Working Nomads
– How to Travel More with a Full Time Job

Are you looking for a job? Have you found any resources worth sharing with the Intentional Travelers community? Please share in the comments below.

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