Nothing broadens our horizons or is quite as fulfilling as travelling. Meeting new people, having exciting experiences and seeing foreign places is a deeply life affirming and confidence building thing to do and often gives our lives fresh perspective. However, travel needn’t be consigned to just your annual two week holiday or gap year before university. Working abroad lets you experience life in far-flung places at any age, while giving your CV some attractive, unique and transferable skills. If you want to live like a local, be part of a new culture and community and best of all, get paid for it, then say goodbye to dreary UK weather and check out our 5 best traveling jobs that will help you get up and go globetrotting…
1. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English is a great way to travel overseas. A TEFL qualification only takes a month to complete and gives you a better chance of finding work. Even without it there are many countries that require native English speakers for teaching positions. You can find teaching jobs in most countries from European cities to the far flung Far East. Some countries are better paid than others like China, South Korea and parts of Europe but they may require more qualifications. Contracts vary from a few months to a year so you can change locations as often as you like. Teaching overseas is often a very rewarding experience and usually involves teaching young learners right through to adults.
2. Interpreter
If you have language skills you can put them to good use as a conference (or simultaneous), consecutive or public service (or liaison) interpreter. Full-time opportunities can be tricky to come by and there is a lot of competition for posts. Many positions are found in international organisations such as the European Commission, the United Nations and NATO or in large international companies but once you get some experience under your belt this can be a great way to combine work with travel.
3. Chef
If you are an experienced chef, international hotels and restaurants may offer you the opportunity to further your career overseas while offering you room and board at very reasonable cost. You will need experience and relevant qualifications, unless you are willing to work your way up from the bottom, but if you’re keen and talented you could enjoy many foodie travel adventures whether you decide to book flights to Australia or a lively European city, you’re guaranteed to broaden your culinary repertoire.
4. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are often sought after either in hotels and spas across the world or there are even exciting opportunities with cruise liners, giving you a chance to explore many countries in one go. The living accommodations may be small on a ship, but at least you’ll save money on housing. You will need a suitable qualification and experience for the better paid positions but this could be a lucrative way of seeing the world doing something you love. Massage you way around the world from Papua New Guinea to Portugal!
5. Au Pair/Nanny
If you like children, then being an Au Pair or nanny are great ways to get work abroad. Room and board will usually be thrown in, meaning you get to save most of the money you earn. You could even offer to teach the children English on the side to earn some additional income and add another skill to your CV. Pay varies internationally, but the overall perk is the opportunity to see other parts of the world without having to worry about accommodation. It’s a good idea to register with an agency for safety reasons and they will also assist you with the relevant paperwork and visas needed.
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