7 ways to combine life abroad and travel

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Volunteering, working on a cruise ship, internships, art residencies and other ways to live in another country.

Many people think: why not live abroad for a while? Not a categorical move with all the ensuing pros and cons, but a year or two of exciting experiences and impressions in a new country and culture. Over the past decade, in theory, this has become much easier, but in practice we are just as constrained by some kind of framework and inexperienced on this road.

Without considering options such as studying abroad, getting married, buying real estate, or even moving on a religious visa, you can find many ways to fulfill that dream and get your share of travel for little money.

1. Volunteering

At the mention of volunteering, everyone puts their own concepts into this word. In Russia, unfortunately, unlike the countries of Central and North America, socially useful works have not become widespread, therefore they are not always treated loyally.

But in vain: there are really many options: from archaeological excavations and help on farms, to organizing festivals and rescuing animals. You can count on free accommodation, meals, and somewhere - even on additional excursions and pocket money. According to the feedback from the participants, it is better to check the conditions with the organizers and find out all the details at the start: how many working hours per week, what to take with you, what living conditions.

Useful resources:

• unv.org - UN volunteers;
• helpx.net - housekeeping help;
• wwoof.net - Volunteering on organic farms;
• peacecorps.gov - volunteering in various fields.

2. Working as an English teacher

Good knowledge of English can be used in many ways. And really get a job as a teacher without special pedagogical education. It is enough to take an online course, master the necessary techniques and receive a TESOL certificate, which gives the right to teach English in states where it is not official. Not a bad option to travel and live in the countries of Asia or Latin America - this is where the most vacancies are offered.

An employment contract is usually concluded for 6–12 months, after which you can return to your home country or extend your visa - this delays. It is important to complete training at an accredited educational institution so that the received certificate has a genuine number that employers can verify. Most often, accommodation is paid for, sometimes - food, and especially lucky candidates - even a flight and a visa. This is in addition to wages, of course.

Useful resource:

globaltesol.ru - obtaining a certificate and employment

3. Working on a cruise ship

A cruise ship is a whole city on the water, with employment on which, on the one hand, interesting and busy months of sailing are expected, on the other, quite hard work. The opportunity to see new cities and countries, earn extra money and meet people of different nationalities are undoubtedly advantages. The liners depart from the largest ports in Europe, Asia and America and enter cities rich in cultural and historical attractions.

Of the minuses - a closed space, strict rules, fatigue, not always adequate and pleasant clients. Most often, newcomers go to the positions of service personnel (waiter, bartender, storekeeper) or to the entertainment sector (animator, musician, croupier).

The turnover of workers on cruise ships is quite common. An option for those who are ready for such difficulties, who are stress-resistant and who have good English (at least Intermediate).

Useful resources:

• allcruisejobs.com - work on cruise ships;
• costacruise.com - Costa Crociere cruise company (Italy);
• royalcaribbean.com - cruise company Royal Caribbean International (USA);
• carnival.com - Carnival Cruise Line (USA).

4. Working on a yacht

If the sea calls and beckons, then you can also try to get a job as an assistant on a private yacht. You don't need special education for this, although, of course, if you have a suitable background, your demand among yacht owners will only increase. Volunteering usually comes in exchange for an exciting adventure and food. Sometimes you have to add up for food, and sometimes they even pay extra for work. Most often, no more than 1-2 people are taken on board, so it will not be possible to gather a large group of friends.

Useful resources:

• findacrew.net is a social network for yacht owners and those who want to sail on them;
• 7knots.com is a forum and social network for those keen on the sea.

5. Internships

University students and young graduates who want to improve their communication and business skills and improve their resume have a lot of chances to find an internship. The experience of living abroad is especially appreciated by international companies, and the candidate with its presence will look advantageous against the background of the rest.

Internships, depending on their tasks, are usually aimed at cultural exchange or professional development. Students can study for a semester or a year at a foreign educational institution, and young specialists can experience their chosen specialty in practice and understand how interesting it is to them.

Improving your foreign language skills, building a network of business acquaintances, getting out of your comfort zone and gaining self-confidence are bonuses that each participant in this adventure will receive. Internships are generally unpaid, although some companies reward successful employees. Accommodation and meals can be provided. Here you need to look for exactly the option that, in all respects, will satisfy your requests.

Useful resources:

• erasmusplusinrussia.ru - exchange internships between Erasmus Plus universities;
• goabroad.com - internships abroad;
• europlacement.com is a network for finding internships abroad.

6. Art residences

Art residences are confidently conquering the world and from single manifestations are turning into a whole movement. If you are a writer, artist, designer, photographer, architect or any other creative profession, the art residence is the perfect place to get to know a new country, a large number of foreigners and have a great time.

The organizers provide free accommodation, usually in an aesthetically pleasing location. Sometimes they take all expenses on themselves, sometimes they cover them in part. A place to work, free workshops, excursions, master classes - this can also be included in the package.

Such incubators of creativity bring together creative people of different cultures, religions and outlooks on life under one roof. The selection of applicants is based on the portfolio and potential project, a description of which is attached to the application. It must be implemented by the end of the program. The length of stay is from two weeks or longer.

Useful resource:

resartis.org is an international network of art residencies

7. Housekeeping or House Swap

In this option, you can get free accommodation, which immediately saves the lion's share of the budget. It will work out to look after someone else's house while the owners are on vacation or away if you are responsible, reliable and able to first convince the owners of this (although it is probably difficult to do this virtually).

It is worth counting on a period from two weeks to several months, sometimes pet supervision is included in the same option. It is better to clarify everything "on the shore" in order to avoid unnecessary questions later.

When exchanging houses, no responsibilities, as a rule, go into the burden, but in return you need to provide your home at the disposal of strangers. This option is quite popular in the West, but for our mentality, where “my home is my fortress”, it is not very comfortable.

Useful resources:

• housecarers.com - house and animal care;
• mindmyhouse.com - An alternative resource for homeowners to advertise;
• homeforexchange.com is a home exchange resource.

Which option did you find the most interesting?