Imagine waking up to a new adventure every day, not just as a traveler, but as a global professional. With 16% of adults (nearly 900 million people!) ready to pack their bags and start a new life abroad, this is a growing and exciting possibility for many wannabe expats.
The internet and global connectivity opened up a world of opportunities, making it easier to find jobs even in the most remote corners of the globe. Regardless of your profession or skill level, you can start, switch, or grow your career by exploring the job market across borders.
This article will guide you through the best jobs to work abroad and arm you with resources to prepare for your journey and turn your global career dreams into a reality.
Fixed duration and contract roles
Fixed duration and contract jobs offer a mix of adventure and professional growth. These positions are ideal if you’re looking to gain international experience but don’t mind committing to a set amount of time in a role (and actually prefer it for financial stability purposes).
1. ESL teacher
- Best countries for this type of job: The United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, China
- Average salary: Anywhere from $800/month to over $6,000/month, depending on the country
- Common benefits: Housing or housing allowance, flight reimbursem*nt, health insurance
- Skills needed: TEFL certification, bachelor’s degree, teaching experience
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a top job pick for English speakers looking to move and work abroad. It’s a unique opportunity for career development, as teachers gain invaluable skills in communication, adaptability, and leadership.
There’s a lot of demand for English teachers across Asia, so it’s a wonderful way to be immersed in a brand-new culture while experiencing financial stability. Recalling his experience as an ESL teacher in China, Jeremy Scott Foster says that “teaching abroad is an incredible way to both make money and see the world. I loved the financial independence and job security that teaching gave me.”
Teaching ESL abroad gives back in more ways than one, but it does usually require a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. The good news is that you can study for and get your certification online from organizations like TEFL Org.
2. Tour guide
- Best countries for this type of job: Popular tourist destinations, particularly those with rich traditions and history, like Italy, Spain, Japan, Greece, and Thailand
- Average salary: Depends on the country – in Italy, you can make $16,500/year, while in Japan, you can go up to $19,300
- Common benefits: Tips to increase earnings, flexible working hours, cultural immersion
- Skills needed: Language proficiency in English, the local language of the country, likely other widely spoken languages (requirements vary depending on the country) knowledge of local culture and history, customer service skills.
For expats who have a passion for travel and exploration, tour guide is the definition of a dream job. You get the chance to live and work in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations and dive into local cultures, traditions, and histories on a daily basis. Not to mention, you meet tourists from all over the world, which only enriches your knowledge and cultural experience.
Working as a tour guide also helps you develop personal skills like public speaking, storytelling, and customer service, all of which are valuable and transferable to other professions.
3. Au pair
- Best countries for this type of job: United States, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia
- Average salary: Germany is on the lower end of the spectrum at around $400/month, but salaries can go up to around $1,200 in Canada, where au pairs receive the minimum wage for the province where they’re located
- Common benefits: Housing with private room and board, health care coverage (particularly in European countries), flights and insurance (depending on the program facilitator)
- Skills needed: Childcare experience and adaptability (to can adjust to a new family and cultural environment); knowledge of the host country’s language isn’t mandatory, but it’s a plus to communicate with the children under your care
Many young adults choose the au pair route when working abroad. The deal is simple: in exchange for room and board in the family home, au pairs provide childcare. Au pairs also receive pocket money, a salary that tends to be lower than what you’d get for other jobs since food and lodging are provided by the host family.
Au pairs contribute significantly to the children’s upbringing by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the relationship. And while childcare is the main focus here, many use this time to pursue educational goals, such as language classes or formal education, to improve their qualifications.
4. Cruise ship or yacht professional
- Best countries for this type of job: Major hubs for cruise ship operations like the United States, countries with significant maritime industry, or locations that are home to major cruise lines and luxury yachts (like the United Kingdom, Italy, and Norway)
- Average salary: Because jobs on cruise ships are so varied, so are the salaries. For example, in the US, a food service worker can make around $36,000, while an entertainment manager can make upwards of $60,000.
- Common benefits: Free room and board, travel opportunities, lots of saving potential due to low living expenses while on board
- Skills needed: Customer service, physical fitness (depending on the role)
Working on a cruise ship or yacht is like living in a moving world. As Erica DePascale, who quit her full-time job to work onboard a cruise ship, describes, “We wake up in a different country virtually every day and appreciate every free moment. Being part of such an amazing group of people is the most special experience I’ve ever had.” This sense of adventure and community is what draws many expats to the maritime industry.
There are a lot of different jobs you can do on a cruise ship or yacht, and the salary varies accordingly. But the benefits extend beyond how much you get paid: crew members enjoy free room and board, travel opportunities, and the chance to save money due to low living expenses while on board. It’s a unique lifestyle that combines work and travel in a way few other jobs can.
5. Hospitality employee
- Best countries for this type of job: United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates
- Average salary: Depends on the position and country. Like cruise ship jobs, hospitality roles can range from chef to front desk associate and hotel concierge. As an example, the latter can make close to $24,000 in Dubai and upwards of $47,000 in Switzerland.
- Common benefits: Career growth opportunities, diverse working environment, flexible working hours
- Skills needed: Customer service skills, adaptability to handle various situations and guest requests, multilingual abilities
Employing 320 million people worldwide, the travel and tourism industry is a hub of opportunities for expats. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates stand out as the top destinations in this sector, with their diverse, multicultural environments and the opportunity to work in some of the world’s most renowned hotels and resorts.
The dynamic nature of hospitality work teaches you to be adaptable and resilient, while allowing you to build a diverse professional network, invaluable for future career advancement.
6. Travel nurse
- Best countries for this type of job: Switzerland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Australia, Dubai, Canada
- Average salary: From around $70,000 in Canada to upwards of $100,000 in Switzerland
- Common benefits: High salaries, housing and travel expenses are often subsidized by the employer, opportunities for upskilling by working with other healthcare professionals and treating new patient populations
- Skills needed: Registered Nurse (RN) qualification, cultural competence, language skills
In the face of a global shortage of nurses, travel nursing has emerged as a crucial and rewarding career for expats. Popular destinations include Switzerland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Australia, Dubai, and Canada. These countries are known both for their advanced healthcare systems and their high demand for skilled nursing professionals.
As a travel nurse, you can expect to work with a variety of healthcare professionals and treat new patient populations, which will contribute to your growth and adaptability in the field. And by bringing your expertise to areas with staffing shortages, you’ll play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Gig economy jobs
For shorter-term engagements and less traditional career paths, gig economy roles are the way to go. These jobs offer unparalleled flexibility and the freedom to work from virtually anywhere, with diverse opportunities across various industries.
7. Social media manager
- Best countries for this type of job: Switzerland, Japan, United States, Denmark, Australia
- Average salary: Depending on country and seniority, you can average upwards of $50,000 in the US and upwards of $100,000 in the wealthiest European countries. In Japan, the average is near $56,000, while it’s closer to $73,000 in Canada and $84,000 in Australia.
- Common benefits: Flexible working hours, remote work opportunities
- Skills needed: Digital marketing expertise, analytical and communication skills, creativity, innovation
If you’re a social media professional, you’ll find exciting opportunities in countries like Switzerland, Japan, Denmark, Australia, and the United States. These destinations offer a robust digital infrastructure, a diverse cultural landscape, and the chance to work with some of the biggest brands in the world.
The flexibility and often remote nature of the job also make it an ideal career for those who prefer a digital nomad lifestyle.
8. SEO marketer
- Best countries for this type of job: United States, Ireland, Australia
- Average salary: The US pays the highest for SEO-related positions at just over $63,000, narrowly beating out Australia, while the average in Ireland is around $47,200.
- Common benefits: Remote working flexibility, career growth opportunities
- Skills needed: SEO expertise, knowledge of content creation, analytical skills
SEO (search engine optimization) is the most in-demand marketing skill, and companies in wealthy countries are willing to pay handsomely for it.
Countries like Australia and the US aren’t just tech hubs, but also melting pots of different cultures and business practices. This diversity is a goldmine for SEO marketers, who can apply their skills to a range of industries and audiences.
The nature of SEO work, often flexible and remote, is particularly appealing to expats who want a good balance between their professional and personal lives.
9. Web developer
- Best countries for this type of job: Canada, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, United States
- Average salary: Anywhere from $47,000 (in Denmark) to upwards of $115,000 (in the US)
- Common benefits: Remote work opportunities, favorable working conditions, good work-life balance
- Skills needed: Proficiency in web development languages and frameworks, creativity, problem-solving skills
Careers in technology have always been popular with expats, and web development is no exception. As one of the world’s most sought-after professions, web developers can pretty much take their pick of where to work in exchange for a good salary and opportunities for career development.
The trend towards remote working in countries like Canada, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States aligns perfectly with the lifestyle of many expats, offering flexibility and the much-desired work-life balance.
10. Graphic designer
- Best countries for this type of job: Germany, Switzerland, United States, Australia, Japan, Italy, Singapore
- Average salary: Up to $90,000 in Switzerland, and not lower than $49,000 in the top destinations for graphic designers around the world.
- Common benefits: Remote work opportunities, career development in specific industries depending on the country
- Skills needed: Technical expertise, creativity, innovation
Expat graphic designers will feel right at home in countries with strong design cultures, advanced technology, and appreciation for artistic diversity. Places like Italy and Switzerland offer a mix of cultural richness and technological advancement, creating an environment where creativity can thrive.
If you’re a graphic designer, working abroad helps you develop the ability to adapt to different standards and expectations. You’ll become a more versatile and adaptable professional, which can only mean good things for your professional future.
11. Virtual assistant
- Best countries for this type of job: Philippines, India, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States
- Average salary: In the US, a virtual assistant can make as low as $15,000 or as much as $130,000. The average rate for a general VA in Western Europe is $21/hour and $16/hour in South East Asia.
- Common benefits: Work from home (or anywhere you fancy!), the opportunity to work with clients from various industries and countries, the potential for learning and growth in various administrative and technical tasks
- Skills needed: Capable of handling administrative tasks and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
Customer support is an essential part of any business, and companies all around the world know the value of good customer service. They often turn to countries like the Philippines, India, Singapore, and Malaysia to outsource virtual assistants, often known as VAs. And while salaries are lower, so is the cost of living, making this an excellent opportunity for expats who want to experience these destinations.
Western countries like the US, the UK, and Canada also offer good opportunities for virtual assistants. Previous experience is often appreciated, but not always necessary, so VA is one of the expat jobs with the lowest barrier to entry.
Resources to prepare for expat jobs
You pinpointed a few interesting jobs to work abroad, but where do you go from here? Before even applying, it’s a good idea to connect with fellow expats in your country of choice and look into acquiring skills that will make your application shine.
Online language courses
Knowing the local language will go a long way in helping you get settled. It’s a point in your favor when applying for jobs abroad, but it will also make your life a lot easier when you have to deal with finding a place to stay, making friends, opening a bank account, and navigating general day-to-day interactions.
While knowing the local language is a plus, you’ll find that knowing English is likely mandatory for most jobs. English is the lingua franca, and to be able to communicate with colleagues, clients, and partners, you need a solid grasp of the language.
There are tons of good apps and websites where you can kickstart your learning journey without having to leave the house. If you want to become truly fluent in a business context and progress faster, Preply’s online business English tutors offer a tailored 1-on-1 experience based on your language level and objectives.
Digital nomad and expat hubs
Moving to a new country is as exciting as it is scary. Joining online communities where other digital nomads and expats hang out gives you a safe space to ask questions and network with people who are or have been in your situation.
These communities provide access to international job boards, freelance opportunities, and a network of peers who offer practical advice and emotional support. Social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Discord are great places to find groups dedicated to your destination country, job, or industry. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
- Nomads Talk is the self-proclaimed “world’s fastest digital nomads Slack Community.” Here, you can learn more about life as a digital nomad from your peers, ask questions in local channels, and even job hunt in the hiring channel.
- r/DigitalNomad is a subreddit with over 2 million members for expats to seek guidance, support, and connect with former, current, and future expats.
- The Travel Nurse Community is a Facebook group for nurses working abroad. Here, they can ask their peers questions about bureaucracy, find hospital reviews, look for job opportunities, or simply share their stories with a community that supports and understands them.
- David’s ESL Cafe is a place dedicated to ESL teachers and students alike, where they can find job boards and an extensive library of blog content to help them make a smooth transition.
Land the expat job of your dreams with help from online English tutors
One of the keys to finding a job you love in your country of choice is language proficiency. Whether you’re moving to an English-speaking country or one where English is a key business language, mastering it can open doors to countless opportunities.
Preply’s online English tutors offer personalized 1-on-1 language lessons to help you prepare for your new life abroad. With Preply, you get access to a vast network of experienced tutors who understand the nuances of preparing for work abroad.
They provide tailored lesson plans, whether you’re just starting out or polishing up your skills for business settings. The flexibility of online tutoring means you can fit lessons around your busy life to learn at your own pace and schedule, regardless of your time zone.
Plus, if English isn’t the language you’re looking to master, Preply’s tutors teach dozens of other languages that will make you stand out in the expat job market.
