How to Work Abroad

Working abroad is like getting paid to travel. You get to live with the natives, soak up local culture and sharpen your language skills. Some lucky people get sent overseas by their employers, while others use creative means to find jobs in the country of their choice. Get all of your paper work in order, since all countries require special permission for foreigners to work in their countries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Landing a job

1. Choose a country that interests you. Gather information from that country's embassy and from other people who have lived or worked there. Network at home to find a job in that country (see 201 Make a Networking Plan). If you tell enough people you're interested in working in Japan, for instance, you'll be surprised at how many of them will help you make connections.
2. Pursue foreign work assignments within your own company. This can be the easiest way to go since your employer can guarantee your work permit visa.
3. Go through a work-abroad program if you want a short-term job. Learn about positions on Web sites such as JobsAbroad.com and in books such as Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas by Clayton A. Hubbs.
4. Find work teaching English as a second language (ESL). Some jobs require an ESL degree, others don't. If you have a teaching credential, get a job at an English-speaking international school. Dealing with children from a variety of different countries can be fun and challenging. Also check out 164 Join the Peace Corps.

Getting your paperwork in order

5. Apply for a new passport (if you don't already have one) as soon as possible, since it typically takes about six weeks to arrive. If you're in a hurry, you can pay an additional $60 on top of the $85 fee plus overnight delivery to receive the passport within two weeks. Go to travel.state.gov/passport for more information.
6. Apply for a visa at your nearest consulate or embassy when you've found a job. Bring your passport, passport photos and the employment contract or other documents from your employer. You may also need to show a medical certificate and a criminal record check. For students, visas are fairly easy to obtain. If you're looking for full-time employment, you'll need a work permit visa, which is usually available only through an application placed by the employer offering you the position.
7. Allow plenty of time to get your visa and work papers. It can take anywhere from a few days to six months, depending on the country.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state .gov/visa) for information about getting a U.S. visa.
• Check the want ads in English-language newspapers once you've landed. Network the same way you did at home. Call companies in your field to arrange an interview (see 166 Organize Your Job Search).
• Many expatriates work as freelance models, photographers and journalists. These jobs sound romantic, but it can be a challenge to work on your own in a foreign country.
• Pay taxes in the country where you work. You don't have to pay U.S. taxes up to a certain income limit, but you should still report what you make to Uncle Sam.
• Jobs sometimes look great from 3,000 miles away, but they may not stack up when you begin working. You may not have the materials you need, for instance, or your workplace can be dark and dingy. Before you accept a job, contact people already working for the employer for the inside scoop.
• If you work abroad without the proper visa, you risk deportation, fines and lack of legal protection.

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