Five ways to live & work abroad

The world is a beautiful place. It’s impossible to experience everywhere, especially if you only have 20 days a year to freely explore. 

I’m a huge fan of slow travel. Learning to live daily life in another country brings new experiences and makes me feel much more present. Instead of repeating the same day over and over, you get to meet people from around the world and explore new places every day.

Traveling doesn't have to break the bank. Here are five economical and realistic ways to experience the world. 

1. Work corporate remotely

You do not have to quit your job or start a business to live and work abroad. Almost everyone I met while digital nomading worked for a corporate company. Here’s a few things to consider about working for a corporate company while abroad:

• Time zones: Some companies require you to work in a specific time zone. Working EST hours in Colombia is easier than working EST in Thailand (for most). Understand the expectations of your team to ensure you maintain consistent communication and collaboration, just as you would at home. 

• Popular digital nomad jobs: Programmer, consultant, designer, salesperson, project manager, and writer. These positions typically offer the flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with the nomadic lifestyle. 

• Wi-Fi: Reliable internet connection is essential. If Wi-Fi is unstable at your accommodation, ensure you have easily accessible co-working options or cafes. Dropped calls are a pain in the rear and get old quickly. Having fast & strong Wi-Fi provides more confidence in your employer that you can be successful regardless of location. 

• Living environment: Hostels are a solid accommodation option, but coliving is a level up. Most guests in a coliving are also living and working remotely. You’re more likely on a similar schedule and have a designated workspace. Coliving is all about community. Guests usually stay for at least a week (usually a month), so it's easier to make friends to explore with.

2. Freelance

If your company or role is not location flexible, consider freelancing instead. Freelancing is not easy, but it is a rewarding experience. You still need to consider the previous bullet points, but can create a schedule that works best for you. Here’s a list of five popular freelance roles: 

1. Web developer

2. Graphic designer

3. Content writer

4. Digital marketing specialist

5. Virtual Assistant

3. Volunteer

Volunteering is a wonderful (and budget-friendly) way to experience a new culture and positively impact the community. You can choose to volunteer full-time or balance with remote work. Volunteering provides a unique travel experience where you truly get to know a new place and meet incredible people. Positions vary from bartending to working on a farm or as a hostel receptionist. Explore volunteer options using the following websites:

• Worldpackers

• WWOOF

• Nomadico

4. Teach English

Another popular way to live and work abroad is by teaching English. Several digital nomads started their journey by teaching English and fell in love with the lifestyle. While there are programs and volunteer exchange opportunities, you could teach private English lessons in person and remotely. Some programs offer benefits like housing, airfare, and monthly payments. Here are a few popular websites to find positions or programs to teach English abroad. 

• TeachAway

• Greenheart Travel

• CIEE

**You may need a TEFL certification to qualify for teaching abroad. 

5. Seasonal & temporary jobs

If working corporate, freelancing, and volunteering are not for you, seasonal or temporary jobs are the way to go. These positions offer flexibility and the chance to immerse yourself in different cultures or locations without long-term commitments. Here are a few things to consider:

• Job type: Popular options include working in hospitality (hotels, resorts, restaurants), agriculture (fruit picking, farm work), tourism (tour guides, adventure sports instructors), and teaching (short-term language camps or schools). 

• Timing and duration: Seasonal jobs are often tied to specific times of the year, such as summer or winter tourist seasons, or harvest periods. Temporary jobs can vary in length from a few weeks to several months. Ensure you know the time commitment and visa restrictions in your desired location.

• Moolah: While seasonal and temporary jobs are not high-paying roles, they often include perks like free or discounted accommodation, meals, and other benefits. This can help you save money while living abroad and is worth the experience.

You don’t have to go abroad to experience a new place. Websites like CoolWorks help you find seasonal or temporary opportunities in the US. 

Wanna find your perfect fit for living and working abroad? Whether you’re interested in exploring remote work opportunities, starting your freelance journey, or volunteering, I’m here as your guide. 

Together we can discover which path best aligns with your passions and dream life. Take a leap of faith and book a call with me. The world is full of opportunities – let’s explore them together. 

See ya next week 👋

Faith Foushee