How To Find Work As An American Overseas
How To Find Work As An American Overseas
I remember when I was looking to work overseas when I graduated from college in 2013. I thought it was so difficult. Today, there are many more resources and websites that can help you find work overseas. With that said, it can still be a challenge. Especially because you may need a visa or other documents to legally work overseas. Below, are some tips to consider to find work as an American overseas.
1. Don’t Pay To Work As An American Overseas
Personally, I don’t think you should have to pay to work. When you start researching ways to work abroad, you’ll see companies offering employment overseas…but only if you pay them a fee first. I’ve never gone done this road, but there are ways to work overseas without coughing up hundreds or thousands of dollars.
On the other hand, when I taught English in Spain, one of my American coworkers got placed at our school by paying a company. I didn’t go through the same route she did. I didn’t pay, she did. We wound up at the same school. It’s a personal decision.
2. Work Holiday Visas
Work holiday visas were designed for those 18-30 years old. Getting one is a great way to travel and work overseas. This is especially nice if you are a recent college grad with tons of debt, but have the desire to travel the world. Australia, Ireland, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand offer work holiday visas to Americans. However, each country has different requirements you must meet in order to get this visa. Some requirements are more stringent than others. Do your research to see if you qualify for a work visa to work in the country.
3. Work As An American Overseas Teaching English
Teaching English is another way to live and work in a foreign country. There is a demand for native English speakers to teach in a different country. Some English programs are government-sponsored. When I graduated from college, I participated in the Spanish Ministry of Education’s program. There are similar programs in France and other parts of Europe. Essentially there are programs worldwide. Check out Why Teaching English Could Be The Beginning To An International Career and Free English Teaching Programs Around the World You Need To Know About.
4. Network
Say you found a teaching gig, internship, or volunteer experience abroad.
While you’re in that country teaching English, for example, you could use your time after work to network and join professional organizations. By doing this, you begin to find out if there are jobs or educational opportunities that you’re qualified for in your host country.
I say this because, while it depends on the country, jobs may come through networking. Some companies prefer to hire someone based on a referral, or someone within their network. That’s how I got my job in China. It was through a referral.
Just be sure to obey all the rules regarding the terms of your visa. Additionally, follow the requirements of your employer, internship, or volunteer organization to be compliant, and legally stay in the host country.
5. Go online
If you’re not in-country, sometimes going online is the best thing you can do. You will get an idea of some of the positions available and who is hiring. You can send in your application, but there are no guarantees.
6. Send Resume and Cover Letter Directly to Business
Some businesses/organizations will list employment application details on their website. It might be worth a shot to send your resume/CV and cover letter directly to the organization. You might even have a better shot if you can find out who the hiring manager is and address them directly.
Sources:
To check out the source I referenced in this post, click here.
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