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.

Ah, 2004. U.S. unemployment was a mere 6% and the average home price reached $264,540. 2004 was a time when many people lived well and earned more. Well today, many industries are either down and out, or out altogether, and many cities throughout the U.S. still have high unemployment rates. Silicon Valley is an exception.

Read the rest of this entry »

Although Taiwan’s gaming market is smaller than China’s, the Island’s industry is worth $42.2 billion, which is up 20 percent over 2009. Growth in the industry has been spurred by ways to consume games from PCs, game consoles and online games, to smartphones and games on social networking sites such as Facebook and more, according to PCWorld. Because growth in Taiwan’s gaming industry is so great, 15 of the islands’ top gaming companies are now looking to fill 50 spots for gamers, programmers, graphic artists, and research and development professionals. PCWorld reports that some jobs even offered the chance to play computer games for a living with a salary of around NT$35,000 (US$1,194) a month, which is about average in Taiwan.

Jamesina Lin, a representative at Chinese Gamer International, one of Taiwan’s biggest online gaming companies said “people hired to play games would be heavily involved in game development.”

Chinese Gamer and other companies teamed with Taiwanese employment website, Job Bank, to host the Taiwan Game Job fair at the same time as Taipei’s biggest gaming show. “We had over 2,000 people apply at the job fair on Saturday and over 2,600 applications in all,” said Charlene Chang, spokesperson for Job Bank, which ran the job fair. Taiwanese gaming companies are serious about their work.

A total of 2,600 people applied for the 50 positions. Two thousand applied at the job fair, which took place Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Taiwan Game Show at Taipei World Trade Center.

Employers consider many factors when assessing a candidate for employment, but two of the most important factors are experience and education. These two factors may determine whether or not the company will hire you and how much they will pay. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, bachelor’s degree holders earn nearly twice as much as workers with a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree holders typically earn 15-30 percent more than associate’s degree holders during their working lifetime.

While associate degree holders may earn less than bachelor degree holders (overall), unemployment rates for all college degree levels are significantly less than rates for individuals with no college experience at all. The unemployment rate for individual’s with less than a high school diploma was 14.5 percent for 2010. For individuals with a high school diploma (but no college), the unemployment rate was 10.8 percent for 2010. For associate degree holders the unemployment rate was 8.2 percent and for bachelors, masters, professional, and doctoral degree holders, the unemployment rate was 4.9 percent.

Fortunately, there are a number of rewarding careers for individuals with an associate degree. An associate degree can also help you get your foot in the door at top companies. Many associate degree holders work in entry-level positions at top companies while gaining valuable experience in their respective fields. Some associate degree holder’s work in these positions while earning a bachelors degree.

Associate degree holders can find careers in all fields, but many of the top careers for these degree holders are in the medical and technical fields. Because the positions listed below are in the medical and technical fields, the average salaries are higher than most other industries. Just a few high-paying associate degree careers include:

1. Computer Specialist-Support Position ($46,370 per year)
2. Dental Hygienist ($66,570 per year)
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer ($61,980 year)
4. Engineering Technician ($42,960-$56,080 per year)
5. Nuclear Technician ($66,660 per year)
6. Radiation Therapist ($72,910 per year)
7. Immigration and Customs Inspectors ($59,930 per year)
8. Loan Officer ($53,000 per year)
9. Paralegal and Legal Assistant ($46,120 per year)
10. Radiologic Technologist/Technician ($52,261 per year)

If you are interested in earning an associate degree, many programs are available both on-campus and online through colleges and universities, community colleges, technical schools, career schools, and specialty schools. Before enrolling in an online associate degree program, check with the U.S. Department of Education to make sure the school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Just a few of the top accrediting agencies include:

-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
-The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
-Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
-Distance Education Training Council (DETC)
-Council on Occupational Education (COE)
-Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
-Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
-National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
-Council for Interior Design

Recognized Regional Accrediting Agencies

-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
-New England Association of Schools and Colleges
-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
-Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Yes—they’re out there. You can find a job that pays $80,000 or more if you have the right education and experience. If you are unsure about what you want to do with your life or you are confused about a career switch, money just might motivate you make a decision. So, which careers pay $80K or more? Everything from art directors to veterinarians are on the list, so you just might find something you could be good at or better yet, something you can actually grow to love.

1. Administrative law judges, adjudicators and hearing officers
Do this: Conduct hearings to rule on government-related claims; determine penalties and liability; and help to craft settlements.
Get paid: $80,870

2. Biomedical engineers
Do this: Design and develop devices and procedures to help solve health-related problems. Projects might include information systems, artificial organs or artificial limbs.
Get paid: $81,120

3. Chiropractors
Do this: Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions of the spinal column to prevent disease and alleviate imbalance, pain and pressure believed to be caused by interference with nervous system.
Get paid: $81,340

4. Atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers, post-secondary
Do this: Teach courses and research topics in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics.
Get paid: $81,470

5. Agents and business managers of artists, performers and athletes
Do this: Represent and promote their client’s business while handling business matters and contract negotiations.
Get paid: $81,550

6. Materials scientists
Do this: Study the chemical composition of various materials and figure out ways to develop new materials and improve existing ones; also determine ways to use materials in products.
Get paid: $81,600

7. Physician assistants
Do this: Perform health-care services and provide treatment plans under a physician’s supervision.
Get paid: $81,610

8. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Do this: Research and investigate human diseases and how to improve human health.
Get paid: $81,870

9. Physics teachers, post-secondary
Do this: Teach courses and research topics pertaining to the laws of matter and energy.
Get paid: $81,880

10. Atmospheric and space scientists
Do this: Study the effects the atmosphere has on the environment, most commonly through weather forecasting.
Get paid: $82,080

11. Management analysts
Do this: Figure out best practices of management by conducting studies and procedures to help companies figure out how to operate more effectively.
Get paid: $82,920

12. Producers and directors
Do this: Produce or direct, and make all creative decisions for stage, television, radio, video or motion picture productions.
Get paid: $83,030

13. Biological science teachers, post-secondary
Do this: Teach courses and research topics in biological sciences.
Get paid: $83,270

14. Materials engineers
Do this: Develop new uses for recognized materials, and develop new machinery and processes to make materials for use in specialized products.
Get paid: $84,200

15. Transportation, storage and distribution managers
Do this: Oversee transportation, storage or distribution activities in accordance with governmental policies and regulations.
Get paid: $84,520

Click here to take a look at more $80k  jobs on CareerBuilder.com’s roundup of “30 jobs that pay $80,000.”