Tips on Living and Working Abroad

Plenty of people dream about packing up and spending a year abroad, but only a select few make it happen. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step to living the dream. Congratulations! To help ensure that you have the best experience possible, we’ve compiled a few tips about living and working overseas.

1. Narrow Down Your Choices

With a whole wide world of opportunity waiting for you, the hardest thing about living and working overseas might be deciding where to go and what to do. The easiest way to narrow down your options is to decide on a specific country or a specific type of work. InterExchange Working Abroad can connect you with international jobs all over the world—from teaching English in Ghana, to volunteering in Costa Rica, to being an au pair in France. If you don’t see an opportunity that interests you, contact us at 1-800-597-3675 or email us. We may be able to find a program that fits your needs.

2. Understand the Visa Requirements

No matter where you decide to work overseas, you need to understand the specific visa requirements for the country you’re traveling to and the job (or jobs) you’ll be working in. If you choose a program through InterExchange, we will assist you with this, and help ensure that you’re legal to work and travel during your time abroad. However, if you choose to look for international jobs on your own, or through another program, be aware that it’s your responsibility to make sure you have all of the necessary documentation.  If you don’t you could be subject to fines, legal troubles, or even deportation.

3. Make a Budget

Depending on where you choose to work abroad, your cost of living might be substantially lower or higher than it is in the United States. Get a sense of how much money you’ll need for food, housing, travel, etc. before you go abroad, and try to find out how much you can expect to make in your job. (If you don’t know exactly, try to get a reasonable estimate.) Then, make a personal budget to follow while you’re working abroad. With a little planning, you should be able to make sure you’re in good financial shape the entire time you’re away. You might even be able to rack up some savings!

4. Stay Safe

While you are living abroad, you’re subject to the laws of another country. Don’t take them lightly, and don’t take any unnecessary risks. You may find yourself in grave trouble if you break the law--intentionally or unintentionally. The best way to avoid problems is to be respectful of the laws where you are living.

5. Go with the Flow!

While you’re living and working abroad, you’ll have the chance to experience things you never could have imagined. Stay open to new experiences. Try different foods. Meet new people. Go off the beaten track. Be spontaneous. Pack as much adventure and excitement as you can into your time abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take full advantage of it!

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