Long-Term Travel Abroad
The sudden freedom that comes with a high school or college graduation, or even retirement, makes those ideal times to spend an extended time exploring the world. When traveling, the length of your stay and the degree of your cultural integration are variables that can have a profound significance on the way you experience your destination. In this guide we'll direct you to resources geared toward helping you live abroad for a while.
Expand All Guide SectionsLive Abroad Programs
The Web abounds with resources for working, teaching, and volunteering abroad, and although a slew of sites exist that try to make sense of them all, only a handful do the job well. In addition to serving as comprehensive site directories (primarily of the myriad programs offering international travel opportunities), many of them have tools, walkthroughs, and articles aimed at helping you plan your adventures. In this section we'll direct you to the most helpful ones out there.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Because the sites in this section have resources that are directly relevant to one or more of the other sections in this guide, we've grouped them together to allow you to easily compare and contrast what they offer. For example, a site that gives equal treatment to finding internships and au pair placements will help to determine which of these jobs is the best choice for you.
- The best general information sites are those that have strong Web directories. For example, Transitions Abroad makes sense of the Web's overwhelming content by organizing useful sites according to what type of travel they relate to and what type of services they offer (for example, work abroad program sites versus intern abroad advice sites).
Dulcinea's Picks
Transitions Abroad
is a massive Web directory with lists of links and descriptions for the Web's best sites for working, studying, traveling, and living abroad. This site is an extremely useful guide to navigating through the Web's seemingly infinite content. It's jam-packed with information, so give it a thorough surf. Also consider making it your home base during your planning phase.
Gulliver
is devoted entirely to study abroad and helping students connect and share information. The site makes it easy to search for a program - just enter your college name and be presented with a list of programs accepted by it. Use the "prepare to go section" for country-specific requirements, and visit the "discussions" section for advice on specific topics from expert student travelers. You can also create a profile that helps other students find you.
The University of Minnesota
's Learning Abroad Center has work, intern, and volunteer abroad pages. Each area has concise, well-organized information about how to find a program, job, internship, or volunteer opportunity abroad, which programs to consider, and how to fund your trip. Their lists of accredited programs (found in each section) are great for ideas.
The University of California
, Irvine, divides international experience into seven categories: study, work, volunteer, intern, research, summer, and teach. Under each section you'll find a list of endorsed programs, descriptions of what they offer, and links to their Web sites. This site is simply organized and easy to use.
The University of Michigan's International Center
has a section of its Web site dedicated to providing students and members of the University's community with information on working, studying, and traveling abroad. The site has general information about getting started along with a number of ideas for programs and trip types. Although geared toward UMich students, this comprehensive page has information that any student can use.
Go Abroad
is essentially an alternative travel information site, in a similar vein to Transitions Abroad. If you're looking for jobs, visit their "International Job Opportunities" page, where you can search by country and industry for a job that's right for you.
Work Abroad
For long-term trips abroad, the most flexible option travelers have available is to go on a "working holiday." If you're not keen on teaching English or securing an internship, a working holiday visa lets you work any job you can get, in any village, town, or city of your choice. It lets you see the country at your pace and on your terms. With such a visa you have the freedom to work out employment independently before embarking or once you've arrived. Here, we'll show you how to obtain a working holiday visa on your own or through a program.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Working holidays are exchange programs designed to allow workers the chance to earn funds to supplement their travels. Check here for a list of which countries have working holiday programs, and who is eligible to embark on them. For more information, this Wikipedia entry aptly describes what a working holiday is and how the visas are used.
- Quite unfortunately, citizens of the United States are limited to obtaining working holiday visas in New Zealand only (without student status, that is). This is because the U.S. government hasn't negotiated terms for working holiday exchange programs in any other country. If you're not a recent grad but are still under 30 and interested in a working holiday, look into what the land of Middle Earth has to offer. In the "Picks" you'll find details on how to get the visa.
- That said, you have two options for obtaining your working holiday visa: by getting it directly from the country you wish to travel to (i.e., going to the New Zealand immigration site and following the steps), or by going through an organization such as BUNAC, described in the "Picks," that takes care of the details for you. The first option is less expensive but comes without the job support, travel discounts, and orientations that a program like BUNAC offers.
- What type of work would you be doing? If you're traveling to an English-speaking country, finding some form of work shouldn't be too difficult. Service jobs, particularly in restaurants and cafés, are fairly easy to come by so long as you have patience and perseverance in your search. Also plentiful in many countries are seasonal jobs in agriculture, like picking and packing fruit and farm work.
- Unless you have contacts in your destination country or a great deal of money, it's likely that upon arrival at your destination you'll live at a hostel until you find work. Speak with locals or the clerk at your hostel about the best classifieds listings if you're planning to get an apartment.
- If you're content to work in exchange for food and accommodations, look into the WWOOF (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program. WWOOFing is a way to see a country and meet other travelers along the way by going from organic farm to organic farm doing a variety of tasks.
- In general, those best suited for work abroad programs are those looking for an experience up to a year in length and who would enjoy (or tolerate) service- or labor-oriented jobs that pay sustainable wages. Given that extensive saving is difficult, it helps to embark on such a program having already saved at least a small amount of money.
- If the sites and programs listed below don't help you locate work, a good technique for finding jobs or sites with listings is to visit a search engine and conduct a search. Simply entering the name of your desired location along with terms like "seasonal work," "summer work," or "internship" should yield a handful of options.
Dulcinea's Picks
For work abroad programs and resources ...
The Riley Guide
is a gateway site designed to make your online job search easier. It walks you through the process with information on "How to Job Search," "Before You Search," and "Where to Search," all linked from the homepage. The "Where to Search" section does not post jobs or resumes but rather directs you to all the Web's best sites for international job postings. Sites are organized by industry and job type.
BUNAC
has work exchange programs in English-speaking countries around the world. For a fee, BUNAC participants receive work visas, on-location orientations and support, travel discounts, and more.
World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
(WWOOF) is an international program that connects volunteer workers with organic farms seeking their labor. This site has contact information for WWOOF organizations in different countries around the globe. When you become a member of WWOOF, you'll receive the contact information for farms in your country of choice. Just call a farm, schedule a stay, show up, and start working; in exchange, you'll receive food and accommodation.
The Association for International Practical Training
(AIPT) is a program designed to assist you in acquiring a visa. Unlike BUNAC, you must first have a job lead or offer in order to get a visa through AIPT. For American visitors to the site, the "Americans Abroad" program is most suitable.
Transitions Abroad
has a complete guide to being an au pair/nanny, a job where a young woman (or sometimes man) lives with a host family abroad while doing light housework and helping care for the family's children. There are specific sites and various agencies to assist you in finding work in different countries. All these resources are explained at Transitions Abroad.
InterExchange
is an organization that sets up employers with international workers. Check the "Work Abroad Programs for U.S. Citizens" link on the homepage for a list of programs, which includes internships, teaching English, and volunteering, among others. Work abroad programs have placements in Australia and the United Kingdom and, unlike BUNAC, InterExchange workers need not be recent college graduates.
The Alliance Abroad Group
offers "Paid Escapes" to Australia, Chile, China, and England. Programs vary in length from three weeks to one year. The primary downside of this program is the program fees, which are fairly expensive ($2,200 for Australia) and don't include visa fees or airfare.
The University of Minnesota China Center
sets up recent college graduates with entry-level positions at Chinese corporations. Programs last 6-12 months. A few eligibility requirements apply, the most restrictive being a minimum of two years of college-level Mandarin language instruction.
For working in New Zealand ...
The New Zealand Department of Labor
has all the information a foreigner needs to work in this idyllic country. Follow this link to learn about the details of the program for U.S. citizens. Details include eligibility, health requirements, and character requirements. This site also shows you how to apply.
Teach English Abroad
A popular choice among recent graduates, teaching English abroad affords you an altogether unique travel experience. It provides you a source of income sufficient to support long-term residence, an intimate perspective on the culture, the opportunity for extensive travel, and fantastic work experience. There are a number of channels through which one can find a job teaching English as a second language; use the resources in this guide to select the program that's right for you.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're thinking of teaching abroad and lack formal training, consider registering for an ESL (English as Second Language) class. A Bachelor's degree along with TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training are really the only requirements most programs have. For an overview on teaching abroad without certification, check out the University of Michigan International Center's site. The site also has resources for those looking to teach with certification.
- Many foreign schools rely on recruiting agencies to find workers. Thus, you will likely apply with and be interviewed by a domestic agency that would then assign you to a foreign institution.
- Although it's possible to find a job without any background in teaching, getting your TEFL certification undoubtedly makes you a more desirable candidate, and also prepares you for the work you'd ultimately be doing.
Dulcinea's Picks
WorldTeach
is a volunteer teach abroad organization with placements in a variety of exciting countries including Bangladesh, Guyana, Ecuador, and South Africa. The program fees are reasonable and are broken down in the FAQ section. Unlike many work abroad programs, WorldTeach has no age limit (other than for China placements, for which you must be under 65), encouraging retirees and professionals to volunteer.
The Council on International Educational Exchange
offers English teaching programs in Chile, China, Spain, and Thailand. Most programs require native English fluency and a Bachelor's degree in any major. Teaching experience and TEFL certification are preferred but not required. Workers earn a salary but must pay a startup fee.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
places Americans (and other English speakers) in Japanese schools in villages, towns, and cities around Japan to serve as teachers and teaching assistants in English classrooms. The mission of the program is to enhance relations between the United States and Japan. On this site you'll find all the information you need about the program, including who's eligible and how to apply.
The Fulbright Program
offers grants for graduates to serve as teaching assistants in schools outside the United States. Grants are competitive, and only U.S. citizens with a B.A. (or equivalent) and some language proficiency are eligible.
Volunteer Abroad
If you're fresh out of school, overflowing with youthful idealism and graduation money, consider using it to volunteer abroad. There are a variety of fee-based and free programs out there to serve as an outlet for those who wish to use their knowledge and talent to enact change in the lives of people living in developing countries.
Dulcinea's Insight
- With respect to financing, there are two primary types of international volunteer programs: those that provide funding, or those that require you to pay a fee. Programs with governmental backing, such as Peace Corps, have a much more significant pool of resources to draw from, and can thus host volunteers for free and even compensate them upon their completion of the project. Smaller organizations, such as the International Volunteer Program, rely upon the payments made by volunteers to survive.
- Before planning your trip, visit this page operated by the University of Minnesota. It has some great information on getting started, such as why you should volunteer, things to consider, and how to evaluate each program.
- For additional resources on volunteering abroad, visit the findingDulcinea Philanthropy Guide.
- Although any good program will plan well for your health and safety, you should still research any health or other safety hazards before leaving the country and make sure to get any necessary immunizations or medication. Sickness or injury can ruin an otherwise wonderful experience.
- Because comfort and safety standards vary throughout the world, it's good to deal with organizations that have a presence in your home country to ensure a certain level of cultural understanding.
Dulcinea's Picks
The International Volunteer Programs Association
(IVPA) is an alliance of international nonprofit volunteer organizations (see their member list here). On the site you can search for volunteer positions by specifying the region and country you'd like to work in, the type of work, and the duration of your stay. Results are generally extensive, and available positions include descriptions containing all the important information you'd need
The Peace Corps
is easily the most widely recognized, and possibly the most widely respected, international volunteering organization in the United States. Peace Corps volunteers work all over the globe on minimum two-year tours doing social, environmental, and economic work aimed at improving living conditions in some of the poorest countries around the world. At the Peace Corps Web site you can learn about the history of the organization, what it's like to volunteer, and how you can get involved.
Idealist.org
is a site that connects individuals interested in volunteering and/or working at nonprofits with the employers seeking the talent. Follow the "Volunteer Opportunities" under the "Find" tab at the center of the page, then use the filtering criteria to look for volunteer opportunities in the countries of your choice.
Volunteers For Peace
offers short-term volunteer projects in a variety of countries around the world including Cambodia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Malawi, and Peru. These programs are low-cost (generally around $250) and differ wildly in the nature of the work.
International Volunteer Program
is a France-based nonprofit that organizes volunteer travel in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Trips vary in length from 4 to 12 weeks, with fees ranging from $1,200 to $3,300.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
' rich site seems telling of the rich experiences you can enjoy through its programs. The volunteer options it offers are particularly far flung, a fact you can see for yourself with the site's fabulous videos of volunteers at work. Apply online to its short-term "Insight Abroad" experiences or longer programs and internships.
Intern Abroad
If you want your experience abroad to enrich your career in addition to your character and world view, an internship program is likely to offer more than your standard working holiday trip. Such a program would assist you in finding a position in your field of interest while providing you with the same degree of cultural immersion.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Consider the pros and cons of an internship program as compared to a working holiday:
- An internship would ideally be a position allowing you to learn the basics of an industry in which you would desire to work, thus serving as both a resume and knowledge builder; the work you'd find on a working holiday would be seasonal (i.e., fruit picking) or service-oriented and, although not unskilled, would require little educational background.
- In an internship, you're locked into the same job, and thus the same location, for a predetermined period of time; on a working holiday, you're free to roam from job to job as you please, allowing you to completely customize your experience.
- Internship jobs can also be found in job listings specific to the area you wish to live in. If you're interested in working in London, check local sites by using a search engine and a query like "Jobs in London".
Dulcinea's Picks
Transitions Abroad
should be the first stop on your internship search. In keeping with its reputation as a thorough, uncluttered, and usable information portal, this site brings you quality advice and a handpicked directory.
The Institute of International Education
operates more than 200 programs around the world and is one of the more respected international training organizations out there. Click the "Programs Portal" at the left side of the page to search for a desirable program.
Intern Abroad
has a directory of internships searchable by country or internship type. Each position listed is aptly described and includes details relating to location, tasks, accommodations, fees, and duration.
Requirements and Safety Information for Living Abroad
If you're planning to travel abroad you'll need the proper documentation. Different countries have different requires for entrance and residence, and for certain countries it's important to stay abreast of current health and safety issues. Thankfully, the agencies responsible for issuing travel documents and enforcing immigration have Web pages with information to make travel safe and easy.
Dulcinea's Insight
- On the Web you can research how to obtain the following:
- a valid passport
- an appropriate visa, if required
- the necessary vaccinations
- knowledge of local health issues
- a list of banned substances for air or rail travel
- knowledge of what substances can legally enter a country
- an understanding of the political and social issues facing your destination
- travel insurance
- Most embassies and consulates maintain Web sites with useful information relating to the logistics of foreign travel.
- If you have any questions or doubts prior to a trip overseas, contact your embassy abroad for additional information. This may be particularly important if your trip has special circumstances, like an extended stay or business.
Dulcinea's Picks
For passport and visa info ...
The U.S. Department of State
's travel portal should be your first stop before traveling abroad. Learn how to obtain a passport and visa, locate a U.S. embassy or consulate, access government travel warnings, get travel safety tips, and access foreign embassies' Web pages. This site is particularly useful for questions about documentation and foreign entry requirements.
For an embassy's Web site ...
EmbassyWorld
has a searchable directory of contact information for every diplomatic office in the world.
For health and safety info ...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
's travel department is a great source for reliable, travel-specific health information. Get info on international health concerns, outbreaks, health warnings, and safety advice. Learn about required and recommended vaccinations by region-essential for Third World travel.
TravelGuard
offers a wide array of specialized insurance policies for different kinds of travelers. Choose from coverage for vacation and trip cancellations, travel interruptions, emergency medical and health, lost baggage, and more.
For air travel info ...
The Transportation Security Administration
has info for anyone with air-travel concerns. They address travelers with medical conditions or disabilities, traveling with children, and transporting special items. Keep on top of the ever-changing list of prohibited substances.
For info on countries ...
The CIA's The World Factbook
is a quick-reference resource for facts, stats, and overviews of countries around the world and the online version is updated every two weeks. Get info on geography, population, economy, communications, transportation, and transnational issues.
For foreign exchange rates ...
OANDA.com
is one of the premier providers of foreign currency information on the Web. Their FXConverter provides up-to-date conversions for all world currencies in an extremely user-friendly format.
For packing tips ...
UniversalPackingList
creates custom packing lists to fit your vacation, based on your responses to a brief questionnaire. Questions include anticipated accommodations, activities, transportation, length of stay, and temperature. For the most thorough results, check all the boxes in the "I want to see" section.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
