Working Oveseas
This is always a great idea, not only to supplement you
dwindling finances, but also as a way to set down some
temporary roots and get to know the local area better.
However, many backpackers work “under the table” or
illegally in other countries. If you are caught, it is a good way
to get deported. Don’t take the risk, you are there to travel and
explore. You have all the opportunity in the world to work
when you get back to your own country.
Unfortunately, I have never worked overseas. Everything in
this guide is based on my experiences so this section is going
to be a little brief. I have come across several backpackers
who were working odd jobs at hostels and restaurants. There
were work permits, visas, and bureaucracy red tape to go
through for them to work there. Most of the jobs I was offered
while travelling were under the table work but my focus was
on traveling instead of working.
There are a lot of opportunities to work overseas. Here is a
quick list to get you started:
Your Government: Many governments have already laid the
ground work for their citizens to work overseas. These special
work programs are usually for anyone between the age of 18
and 30. They provide the legal framework for you to find
work in a number of countries while you provide everything
else: transportation, day to day costs, finding a place to stay,
etc.
Internet Keyword Search:
{your country} + work programs overseas
Private agencies: There are numerous private agencies that
specialize in finding temporary job placements overseas. They
work in conjunction with various governments to find and
place prospective candidates.
Internet Search Directory:
Internet Keyword Search:
work abroad
Teaching English: This is probably the first thing someone
thinks of when first considering about working overseas. We
know the language and teaching something that we are already
good at should be an easy way to make money. There are a lot
of resources that are offered to assist you in this.
You can check into the TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign
Language) or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of
Other Languages) program. These are two highly regarded
Certifications to help placement agencies find you a job
overseas.
Internet Search Directory:
Wwoofing: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is
the international organization to helping those who would like
to volunteer on organic farms internationally. I have met a lot
of travellers on the road who do this. They would apply to
volunteer to work on a farm in exchange for free room and
board. Some farms are great where they feed you a lot, the
rooms are clean and spacious and have a lot of free time, and
others are not so hot. You always have the option of leaving at
any time.
Internet address: