Starting a career abroad often begins with teaching English as a second language, or in doing volunteer work in teaching English, trade skills (welding, plumbing, carpentry and the like) or even in wildlife reserves, as noted by Peter Allison in his book, Whatever You Do, don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide.
Why Americans Seek Work Abroad
One often will find better opportunity for promotion and increased salary by seeking employment as an expatriate. Indeed, during a recession working abroad may well be the only viable means of paying the mortgage.
Or, perhaps, seeking work abroad is seen as the quick route to building a nest egg for retirement, a college education for the children, or to garner enough cash to start a new business venture.
Working Abroad Requires Sacrifice
There are a number of reasons Americans so eagerly choose to live and work overseas. Perhaps the reason is financial desperation wrought by mounting credit card debt or mortgages; perhaps the impetus is marital or failures in love; perhaps it is a sincere love of humanity or a desire to help those in need; or, perhaps the reason is simply a desire to see the world. At any rate, before plunging in head first, each prospective expat needs to evaluate his/her ability to:
- endure long durations of separation from the spouse and family
- adjust to an environment wherein special care or medication may not be available
- adapt to different lifestyles and culture and even different languages
- alter his or her routine for sleep, entertainment and work
- accommodate him or her self to their new role as a supervisor or manager
- change eating and drinking habits - or perhaps even cease alcohol consumption
- recognize when danger is present or likely so as to avoid robbery, kidnapping or terrorists such as was the tragedy for Nick Berg [Slain US Hostage Was 'Idealist' BBC News, May 12, 2004]
Admittedly, the world grows smaller every year. Thus, through the miracle of cell phones, hi-speed Internet and VOIP there are fewer places on the globe that require so stark a sacrifice as 20 years ago. Still, the adjustment to a new lifestyle is not easily made.
Working Abroad Brings Rewards in Pay, Friendship, Adventure
For those willing to bear the burdens noted above, there are rewards for risk-takers and for those willing to work hard and give up a few luxuries or the lifestyle of a couch potato to even out the sacrifices:
- salaries that often pay double the stateside salary and are usually tax exempt
- lasting friendships (both with other expats and with people of the host country)
- adventure to exotic lands that people pay thousands to see for only a week
English Teaching Abroad
Americans with a background in education may be interested in gaining certification to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or Brits in the United Kingdom may may get certified to Each English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Persons qualified in either can find find positions that pay well in the Middle East:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Jordan
It should also be noted that positions are frequently available, especially in Saudi Arabia and Libya, to teachers experienced in teaching such trades as welding, plumbing, carpentry and drafting.
Although the pay and benefits for ESL or TEFL instruction are usually a good deal less, jobs or volunteer positions are frequently available in Africa, particularly:
- Egypt
- Sudan
- Libya
- South Africa
Pay in these positions often is likely lower than what is paid in the more prosperous Mideast, but it is possible to find work with some of the international contractors working in Libya because of its recent influx of thousands of laborers from Thailand, Vietnam and several South American nations with only weak understanding of English.
Possibly as a result of job opportunities in other parts of the world, or because of a desire to interact with international tourists or corporations, there also are opportunities for work abroad teaching English in the following countries, although salaries are still less than in Africa or Latin America::
- Thailand, probably the easiest and best paid
- Indonesia
- Vietnam, probably the most difficult and least paid
Latin America is a hot tourist region but opportunities may be harder to come by. One analyst wrote of opportunities in Costa Rica and Brazil, but added Brazil might be a tough place
Haiti Needs Volunteers - Tragedy Highlights Intrinsic Value of Volunteering
Their need now due to their horrific earthquake tragedy highlights the need worldwide for volunteers who can answer the call during disaster. However, volunteers are chronically needed as English teachers, in wildlife conservation, or in providing agricultural assistance. Each of these needs is a benefit to humanity,
Whether the desire to move abroad is as an unpaid or nominally-paid volunteer teaching English or working as a wildlife conservationist in South Africa, Botswana or wherever, or as a member of the Peace Corps or similar organizations, or for expatriate employment, there is ample opportunity to provide the adventure of a lifetime.
Information included in this article was obtained from Peter Allison in his book, Whatever You Do, don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide, [The Lyons Press Oct. 2007], and the following undated articles published by Transitions.com, reviewed in Jan. 2010:
Teaching English in the Middle East and Egypt by Susan Griffith
Teaching English Abroad in Latin America by Michael G. Hines
Teaching English Abroad in Southeast Asia by Michael G. Hines
Teaching English Abroad in Africa by Michael G. Hines
Teaching English Abroad in Latin America by Michael G. Hines
Teaching English Abroad in the Middle East by Michael G. Hines
Teaching English Abroad in Latin America by Michael G. Hines
The distinction between TEFL and TESL was adapted from an article titled EFL or ESL? TEFL or TESL? in January 2010 [Pub: Tefl.net, undated]
Related articles:
International Living Means Financial Freedom - a look at construction job potential and lifestyle in Libya, Egypt and the Middle East.
What is an Expat - a serious but light-hearted discussion regarding the first question asked by Americans working abroad,
International Living & Travel With Pets - why and how assignment overseas need not mean abandoning one's “best friend” Includes information on health certificates, airlines requirements for taking pets in cabin and costs.
C. William Anderson - C. William Anderson is a lover of travel adventure and history who has lived and worked in Botswana, Egypt, Libya and the Middle East. He ...
