If you’ve ever studied abroad or just spent some time in a different country, it might be hard not to catch the travel bug. In the case that you don’t simply want to limit your trips to your two week vacations, then maybe it’s time to look into finding a new job in a different country.
Though advice from the State Department and other living-and-travelling-abroad-based websites is, at the base level, helpful, we think it might be nice to have some more tailored advice for eager job seekers. Here are some tips that we’ve come up:
Be absolutely sure about your decision… at least for an extended period of time. If you planned to travel across the world for an opportunity, it wouldn’t make sense to leave after only a few weeks (given the best circumstances, of course). That being said, don’t worry about what you will be missing at home while you are abroad. The new experiences and adventures you’ll have will most likely be enough to keep you from FOMO (fear of missing out). Only good things can come from trying something completely new!
Let your network know. Telling, literally, everyone you know will guarantee that you’ll find someone who has had a similar experience and can give you advice. If not someone in your immediate circle, then probably someone in your circle’s circles, and so on. A real person who has been through the same experience is an infinitely better source of information, and comfort, too, than a website.
Learn the language. You might be the most experienced and well-qualified person in your field, but adding significant, pertinent language skills to your repertoire can only elevate you! Try finding cheap, online language courses if you cannot easily access university classes; and, make sure the language is one that will be helpful for professional opportunities in your destination country. Showing the ability to adapt will be a major plus for your prospects.
Find the job when you’re ready. Depending on your pre-departure feelings, you could either secure an international job while still at home or wait until you’re physically in the country to find one. With the first option, if you’re nervous about being jobless for a little in a new country, then try to find a job at home that allows you to be placed abroad. This might take a while, given that it would likely require some advancement within the company. On the other hand, you could look for work once in your destination country. This option is definitely more immediate, but also a little more of a risk. In addition, be weary of going alone to certain countries, for going without the protection of an organization could be dangerous. Another option: check on the career pages and recruiting websites for jobs abroad. If after submitting your resume or CV the hiring manager is interested, then you can try to work out travel plans and agreements.
Enjoy. There’s nothing like exploring a foreign place and learning all about new things. Even if you plan to only stay for 6 months or one year instead of indefinitely, the experience of relying on only yourself, seeing different cultures, and generally expanding your horizons is invaluable. Don’t let your fears overcome your desire to see the world!
