How to spend the summer working abroad!

"You're working in SPAIN?! How'd you land that gig?!"

I've heard this so many times the past few months, I've lost count!

 

Here's the scoop: I've known I wanted to travel the world for a long time now. I even took on a few (like 3!) extra jobs while in college just to save up the funds to make it happen. To aid my restlessness while I finished school, I often found myself spending endless hours reading travel blogs and learning different ways to explore the world on a budget. Because of this, I knew where to look. I actually have a whole bookmark folder in Safari dedicated to travel jobs. All it took was a little research to find a job that was the right fit for me!

 

As it turns out, there are hundreds of websites out there dedicated to connecting you with opportunities abroad. Some of these websites are specifically for professionals with some sort of degree, and others are simply for the average Jane looking to spend a few weeks in Europe. The best part - almost all of these opportunities will provide you will FREE accommodation in exchange for work/assistance of some sort.

 

Though most of these sites do involve still having to purchase the plane ticket to get to the location  - you'll still be saving big if you're not having to pay for food and accommodation. The trick is to know which ones are legit, and which ones will give you the run around. I've compiled a short list of programs I've already investigated to get you started.

 

You'll be amazed at what is just a plane ride away!

 

1. Worldpackers.com - This website has both positions for professionals, as well as simple customer service jobs such as working for a Hostel as a receptionist. Some hosts offer 3 meals a day, accommodation, AND a stipend, others will simply just offer a shared dorm to sleep in. Regardless, you will always get a free place to stay in exchange a little bit of work!

 

What I look for in these: at least breakfast or some other benefit included, 2+ days off a week, no more than 30 hours/wk.

 

Other sites like this: workaway.info, helpx.net

 

2. wwoofinternational.org - Similar to WorldPackers, this site provides accommodation in exchange for work, but is specifically designed to target those interested in working on organic farms. If you love the outdoors, enjoy gardening, agriculture and/or farming, this may be the route for you! I've read many stories about people who did this to travel their way through Italy. 

*I have yet to try this one! However, a friend I met in Alaska last summer raved about her winters in Hawaii, where she works on organic farms and receives full room and board in exchange.

 

3. TrustedHouseSitters.com - Become a house sitter while on relaxed vacation! There are some people on these sites who literally just want you to sleep at their house, play with their kittens and look after things while they're away on a trip. Job opportunities vary anywhere from 1-2 weeks up to a whole year. 

 

Pets + foreign country + free rent = pure happiness. Am I right?

 

Other popular housesitting sights include: mindmyhouse.com, housecarers.com 

Note: Most well established house sitting sites have an annual membership fee, BUT in many cases, you can browse opportunities without ever paying. You only pay if you decide to apply for one!

 

4. AuPairWorld.com - Do you love kids? There are parents all over the world who want people like you to stay in their homes, look after their kids and help them learn english. But don't worry, english speaking families are also a possibility too. This site is full of opportunities from Australia all the way to Dubai. Last summer while browsing, I saw a position that offered to help pay for half the airfare to the host country, provided a private apartment, car, a weekly allowance and cellphone plan for less than 30 hours of work a week. Hows that sounds for a summer abroad?

 

Perks I look for: at least a private bedroom and some spending money.

 

5. ESLCafe.com - This website is an awesome job board for international english teachers. It might seem obvious, but teaching english is one of the top ways to make money for travelers, especially if you're thinking of staying in one place for a while! If you were born in the USA, you already have an advantage with this one. Some of these jobs pay for your housing and even a return ticket home for the holiday (this is especially common in countries like South Korea). While some countries require a certification to teach english, others do not.

 

6. FloatPlan.com - How about living on a boat for the summer? Though not all deckhand positions are paid, this is still a crazy cool opportunity that allows you to see the world at little to no cost. Imagine spending your weeks in some of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the world.

 

There are quite a few sites that provide a platform for boat owners to find crew members and post help wanted ads. However, I like FloatPlan because there's no subscription fee!

 

Other sites like this: crewbay.com, workonaboat.com, yacrew.com 

 

7. GoOverSeas.com - While it's not specifically a hosting platform for finding a place to stay, I find myself going back to this site for information all the time! It is perfect for connecting you with college internships abroad and also provides other important tips to help you get started in pursuing your travel dreams.

 

So there you have it! Who says traveling has to break the bank? There are thousands of opportunities waiting for you out there. The biggest challenge is just find the courage to take the leap. Working in a foreign country is not only fun, but also eye opening. You learn about new cultures, get to know the people from a less touristy perspective, all while building your resume.