There’s nothing quite like a change of scenery to blow out the cobwebs and get a new lease on life. But sadly, the bills must be paid somehow, so if you’re not lucky enough to find yourself with a travel trust fund, don’t despair. Working and traveling abroad has never been easier, with a host of incredible programs out there that can help you get started.
Pack your bags—you're about to get HIRED by these best jobs abroad.
If you’re ready to ditch your 9-5 for new horizons, then check out this list of the best jobs abroad this year. After all, it’s never too early to start researching the best jobs for working abroad.
What makes these jobs the “best?”
Just like at home, not all jobs abroad are created equal. There are many factors that come into play when choosing between working abroad opportunities and the perfect program. How adventurous are you? Do you want to immerse yourself in a foreign culture or do you prefer a more familiar Western country? Do you want to learn a language or stick with English? Will you need a visa to be able to work in your dream destination?
With so many questions to answer, there’s no better way than going with a reputable program that has years of experience placing people just like you in their dream jobs abroad.
We’ve picked out some of the most popular programs, based on real-life reviews and focused on participant satisfaction, interesting jobs, fair pay, and a range of different regions and countries to bring you this list of the best jobs abroad.
[How to Work Your Way Around the World Without the Visa Hassle]
5 of the best work abroad programs to consider
What are you waiting for? Pick out your dream work abroad program and get planning that trip of a lifetime!
1. Teaching English in South Korea with Greenheart Travel —9.3 Rating
The godmother of all jobs abroad and one of the best jobs abroad for English speakers is, of course, teaching English as a foreign language. There are almost endless opportunities to teach English abroad, from South America, to Europe and Asia to Africa, the choice is yours. But South Korea has long been one of the most popular destinations due to the generous perks teachers can expect in addition to their normal salaries, which are also at the higher end of the spectrum. Think paid holidays, free accommodation and even end-of-year bonuses.
Navigating the private and state school systems on your own might be a bit daunting, and that’s why Greenheart Travel is one of the most popular programs for teaching in South Korea. They support you every step of the way, reviewing and helping to file your paperwork to ensure everything’s in order and that nothing will get between you and your dreams of working abroad.
International teaching isn’t only a gap-year job, it can become a meaningful and challenging career that can allow you to travel the world indefinitely. And you can save up thousands of dollars over your placement, to help top up your travel budget for exploring this beautiful country.
- Job type: Teaching English Abroad
- Where: South Korea
- Average earnings: $1,600 per month base salary, free accommodation
- More information: Read Greenheart Travel program reviews
2. Au Pair in the US with InterExchange—10.0 Rating
Dreaming of living in the United States, becoming a part of a family, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children while earning money for your travels? Then becoming an Au Pair in the USA is the perfect opportunity—it’s one of the best jobs abroad for young people eager to experience American culture firsthand.
Through InterExchange, Au Pairs in the USA will receive room and board covered by their host family, along with a weekly stipend. In addition, you'll gain access to educational and cultural experiences, which will allow you to immerse yourself in American life while contributing to your travel fund.
InterExchange helps you find the ideal host family across different states in the USA, and you'll have the chance to participate in a 12-month program with the option to extend your stay for an additional 6, 9, or 12 months. The program also includes a travel month at the end, giving you the freedom to explore the country before heading home. With InterExchange’s expert support, you’ll experience an unforgettable cultural exchange while making lifelong memories with your host family.
- Job type: Au Pair Jobs
- Where: various cities in the US
- Average earnings: Weekly stipends of at least $225, J-1 Visa sponsorship, 2 weeks paid vacation
- More information: Read InterExchange reviews
3. AuPair with LoPair in China—8.4 Rating
There’s no better way to learn a new language than fully immersing yourself in a new culture during working abroad opportunities. Why not push the boundaries a little and learn Mandarin in China, becoming part of a lovely local host family and getting first-hand experience of the culture and customs? LoPair China is the Au Pair of the Year Award winner of 2017 and one of GoAbroad’s most popular Au Pair programs.
Weekly language classes and daily practice with your host family round out the experience, helping you get fluent in no time at all. Childcare and practicing English with the kids will be your main jobs and in exchange, you’ll get room, board, and language classes for free, plus round-trip international flights (depending on the length of your stay) and a bonus at the end of your program.
- Job type: Au Pair Jobs
- Where: China
- Average earnings: Around $150 per month pocket money, plus room, board, and language classes
- More information: Read LoPair China reviews
4. Hospitality and Wellness Jobs with Instituto Hemingway in Spain—9.0 Rating
Imagine waking up to the Spanish sun every day, working with an international crew of awesome people, learning Spanish and gorging yourself on tapas during your days off. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Then a hospitality job with Instituto Hemingway might be the perfect answer for your best abroad jobs search.
In addition to learning a new language, you’ll also get all your living costs covered, including accommodation and three meals a day. You’ll gain valuable work experience in an international environment and can explore the beautiful plazas and beaches on your days off. Instituto Hemingway offers programs that last for 1–12 months.
- Job type: Hospitality and Wellness
- Where: Spain
- Average earnings: Minimum €200 per month pocket money, plus all accommodation and board
- More information: Read Instituto Hemingway reviews
5. Working Holidays with JENZA —8.0 Rating
For the young and adventurous, working holidays can be the best solution. If you’re between 18 and 30something, chances are that you’re eligible for a working holiday visa in the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia. JENZA is a well-respected organization, helping thousands of adventure seekers to fund their travels around the world.
From office jobs to fruit picking, retail jobs to hospitality jobs, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the working holidays available to you.
JENZA helps you navigate the visa paperwork and plan your trip, organizes group travel, and fosters community among the working holiday crowd. The only question is, which country do you want to start in?
- Job type: Working Holiday Jobs
- Where: Australia, Canada, UK, USA
- Average earnings: Depends on the type of job and location. In Australia, the minimum wage is around $17 per hour
- More information: Read JENZA program reviews
[Browse ALL Jobs Abroad Hiring Now]
The best jobs abroad = the best job for you
The decision all boils down to personal preference, visa availability, & which country you most desire to tick off your bucket list.
Working and traveling doesn't have to be a pipe dream—there are thousands of work abroad opportunities available out there just waiting to help you fund your travels. After all, every traveler is different, so the best jobs for working abroad for you might not be the same as someone else’s. Whichever program you choose, make sure you do your homework. Research the organizations and read reviews to find out as much as possible about the work you’ll be doing. Also, look at what your life abroad will look like day-to-day once you’re on the ground.
Are you getting itchy feet yet? Then what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite of these amazing jobs abroad and start your adventure!