To work abroad, it takes certain training and skills as well as an independent and adventurous spirit. Working abroad offers an opportunity to break away from dreary unemployment statistics or a lackluster career, while exploring new and exciting environs. A New York Times article published back in 2009 even suggested that China was the new American dream for young people looking for challenging career opportunities. So, if you’re looking for the best overseas jobs for Americans, browse through the top ten list below to see where your education and skills fit in.
10. U.S. Government Jobs: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. currently has some 88,700 overseas jobs. The positions that are most often available include administrative, technical and professional, accountants, auditors, foreign service officers, budget and program officers, management analysts, nurses, procurement officers, shorthand reporters, equipment specialists, engineers, social workers, housing officers, teachers, and alcohol and drug abuse specialists.
The average salary range for government jobs can range from $25,000 up to $100,000+ depending on your skills, education level, experiences and job choice. For more information about working abroad for the U.S. government, visit Federaljobs.net.
9. Private Sector Jobs: Job boards like Monster.com International provide descriptions and opportunities that match up with specific multi-national companies. The job description usually includes all of the necessary information including pay, educational requirements and benefits.
Very much like the government availability, the range of salaries mirror the skill level you pursue. Ordinarily, when a major corporation is seeking to fill a position from outside the locale, they are looking for a higher skill level. But if you have those skills, put them into play. To help you get started, visit: Overseasdigest.com or Workingoverseas.com.
8. English as a Second language (ESL): International business demands have steadily relied on overseas negotiations in English, so one of the mainstays for the overseas employment market is teaching English as a second language. English instructors are needed in Korea, Brazil, Norway, Thailand, and a multitude of other countries.
Although the compensation level can be low, many of the English teaching programs provide accommodations and stipends in excess of a basic amount of remuneration. So you will have the opportunity to save your entire salary during the term you choose. There are certain certifications that may also help market your teaching ability. For ESL job postings, visit Esljobs.com.
7. Computer Programming: With the advent of connectivity to the Internet, more developing countries seek those with computer skills to help develop websites, specialized programming skills, and basic understanding of computer technology. Language skills can often be a barrier, but not always. Not only can you establish yourself with international connectivity, you can teach the very basics to a thirsty world trying to market and distribute their goods.
The salary range usually reflects the locale’s economy. In Brazil, for example, a computer savvy person can earn $40,000-$80,000 per year. The real value lies in the fact that the dollar is nearly double the value in Brazil. So the $40K-$80K range really expands to $80,000 -$160,000 in real value. It is important to check out the local economy, its currency, and standard of living before taking the plunge. Check out the U.S. Department of Labor at www.bls.gov for more information.
6. Missionary Work: Missionary work is available to those who want to help others. Many of the evangelical organizations have international outreach programs that put the skills you have to work for others. Travel is an essential component of this vocation. Accommodations vary depending on location, but this type of work can be a rewarding and educational life experience.
The pay range has a sliding scale that balances on couples or families. A couple could earn up to $40,000 per year, while a family of four could bring in up to $76,000. Preparation for a career as a missionary includes religious studies with an emphasis on biblical, pastoral or pre-seminary. To obtain more information on missionary vocations visit www.cpmissions.net, www.namb.net, or www.gmi.org.
5. Accommodations Industry Jobs: Work abroad opportunities in the accommodations industry are a potpourri of extravagant hotels, boutique hotels, and youth hostels. The tourism trade can always offer bartenders, waiters or housekeepers an opportunity in some of the larger overseas tourist markets. Hostels offer more of a barter trade situation and no doubt a more casual work environment.
No matter what area of the accommodations industry you may find yourself in, compensation is reliant on the acquisition of tips. The better you are at face-to-face public relations, the more you make. It is important to research the location where you will ultimately decide to live because there are certain areas where tips simply do not exist. The following link should be helpful with oyur search: www.vervemagazine.com.
4. Environment/Outdoors Jobs: Oftentimes, the great outdoors needs a keeper. Intensive labor gives an adventurous soul the opportunity to work at National Parks or National Trails that need to be maintained. With parks and wildlife preserves all over the globe, some knowledge of repairing boardwalks, interpretation services, and general maintenance skills, you can find work in Costa Rica, Western Australia or even Brazil. An Internet foray into finding the Parks and finding out what they need can balloon into a great opportunity.
Trained foresters can make upwards of $75,000 per year. Visit www.foresters.org to find out about specific qualifications and requirements.
3. Animal Trainer: If you love animals and have that whispering gene in you, there are opportunities for this versatile career. Shelters, private preserves, animal parks, zoos and aquariums all over the world look for people with that spirit and good training. Although animal training has major physical demands, you won’t be bored working behind a desk!
According to Salary.com, the average salary for animal trainers is $27,000-$47,700 per year. A degree in zoology, animal management or zoo management buttresses your chances of finding one of these positions. For more information on animal training visit or www.animalschool.net or www.apdt.com.
2. Civilian Service on Military Bases: Some 11,200 jobs on U.S. Military Bases offer another route to exercise your travel and overseas job search. From Korea to Germany to not so calm Iraq, opportunities for those that want to lend a hand are plentiful. More information can be obtained at www.federaljobs.net.
1. Peace Corp: Although the Peace Corp is a voluntary organization, its value has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands over the years. With a mission of helping people of interested countries in meeting the need for trained men and women, helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples they serve, and helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans, Peace Corps jobs offer fantastic returns. In order to dig into this opportunity visit www.peacecorps.gov.
