Overseas Jobs for Americans

Teaching English is a popular choice for Americans who want to live abroad. Countries where English is not the native language often teach it in public schools and have a number of private schools that specialize in teaching English. If you want to teach English as a second language (ESL) abroad, you need a Bachelor's Degree and should get ESL certification. One such certificate is the Cambridge University Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA).

The United States government has embassies and consulates all over the world, and you can get a job working in one if you are an American citizen. You must pass the Foreign Service Examination before you are eligible for this type of job. Download applications from the U.S. Department of State.

Many multinational corporations have offices abroad. If you work for a company with overseas offices, there is a chance that you could receive a transfer to live and work abroad. These positions are usually reserved for high level executives. If you are interested in this, apply at companies in America that have overseas offices. Let your managers and human resources department know that you are interested in working overseas, and they will let you know when a position opens up.

If you're skilled in working on an oil rig, you may be able to get a job at the overseas location of an oil company. Like any oil rig job, it's hard work, but good pay. Look for websites that focus on jobs in the oil industry for available positions.

If you're a doctor or nurse, you can often find jobs overseas. Many medical positions are available in developing nations, which often lack medical professionals. Apply for this work through charitable organizations.