Best Places to Work Abroad

The best place to work abroad is your best place to work abroad, meaning that finding the perfect foreign job depends on who you are as a person and what you’re looking for. You may be delighted to spend each day working in the sorghum fields of Kenya, or maybe you crave a vibrant nightlife scene like in Berlin.

There is one common denominator regarding working abroad, however, and that is the fact that almost everyone who does work abroad at some point in their life has an incredibly powerful experience. Ask them about it, and you’re likely to be answered with fond reminiscence and hours of stories. You’re also likely to hear the phrase “best time of my life” a time or two as well.

Even the most mundane daily activities have a special air of novelty and excitement in a different country. A trip to the corner store for a loaf of bread can feel like an adventure, as you never know if you’re about to make a new friend, learn something valuable, or have a comically confusing exchange with someone (this will happen a lot and make for your own best stories).

Working abroad can be a truly transformative experience, both personally and professionally, but how can you find your best place to work abroad? There are a million and one places you can go, but considering some common questions will get you started on the right path.

• Which countries are safest for foreign workers?
• Can I make a lot of money working abroad?
• Do any countries pay foreigners a lot?
• Which countries have the best nightlife and social scenes?
• Which countries have the easiest visa requirements?
• Where should I live if I earn dollars?
• Which countries are the easiest to transition to as a foreigner?
• Which countries have the best food?
• Which countries have the best quality of life?
• Is getting a job abroad a complicated process?

Which countries are safest for foreign workers?

You are looking for adventure, but don’t want to put yourself into unnecessary danger. Switzerland, Canada, and Japan are generally recognized as some of the safest countries for foreign workers, as they have lower crime rates, solid infrastructure, and reliable healthcare. Keep your wits about you no matter where you go, however, as bumbling foreigners can easily find themselves in the wrong place, no matter what country they’re in.

Can I make a lot of money working abroad?

Most young people seeking to work abroad are not looking to make big bucks or expecting to go back home with extensive savings. And sometimes if you convert a proposed foreign salary into dollars, you’ll worry how you’ll even be able to afford food and rent. What you need to look at is the local cost of living compared to what you’ll earn. Most companies and schools that employ a lot of foreigners will offer you a reasonable salary that will allow you to live a safe and comfortable life, plus have a bit of fun in your time off.

Do any countries pay foreigners a lot?

It’s tougher to find high-paying foreign jobs without extensive or specialized work experience, but some countries like Germany and Switzerland do generally offer higher salaries than others. For English teachers, the Middle East typically pays the most, especially the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Which countries have the best nightlife and social scenes?

You can make a party happen anywhere, but some places just have that special something that makes a night out an unforgettable experience. Maybe your dream is to enjoy some tapas and red wine at a beachside café in Spain. Maybe you want to get samba-ing with a caipirinha during Carnival in Brazil. Or maybe you’re intrigued by the full moon parties in Thailand. These three countries are known for their social life, but really any big city will provide plenty of opportunities to have a good time.

Which countries have the easiest visa requirements?

Many Eastern European countries like Estonia and Latvia have high approval rates for work visas. Australia and Canada also have short-term worker programs that US citizens can take advantage of. It’s important to understand that dealing with regulatory paperwork is an expected part of the experience, so don’t limit your potential countries just because it seems overwhelming and complex.

Where should I live if I earn dollars?

If you’re a digital nomad or already have a good bit of savings set aside, there are some places where your dollars will go a long way. $1,000 a month will let you live quite well in many countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Which countries are the easiest to transition to as a foreigner?

One of the biggest sources of confusion when moving to a new place can be the language, so moving to places like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will obviously be a bit easier for people from the US in that respect. There are significant cultural similarities there as well, but these countries may not provide you with the experience you’re after if things are too similar to home. An alternative is finding one with a large number of English speakers, like Sweden, the Netherlands, or Germany, if you don’t know the local language.

Which countries have the best food?

Italy is of course world-renowned for its cuisine, as are France, Spain, Japan, Mexico, and many, many more. If you’re a big foodie, you probably already know your favorites and have something in mind, be it sashimi in Osaka, kimchi in Seoul, or a parrillada in Buenos Aires. Keep an open mind in your job search though because every country has its own unique assortment of culinary specialties and traditions, and half the fun is discovering something new.

Which countries have the best quality of life?

You’re going to “work abroad” but work is not all you’re going to do. This is where you want to find the right balance of cost of living, social life, food, cultural tolerance, travel opportunities, etc. With their laidback environments and good work-life balance, Australia and New Zealand check a lot of these boxes, as do many countries in Europe, namely Spain and Switzerland.

Is getting a job abroad a complicated process?

Yes, but it’s very much worth it. You’re going to need to put in the work to make it happen, but the rewards can be spectacular. Pay attention to each individual country’s requirements, make sure you get a certified translation of all necessary documents, such as visas, medical records, etc., and then have the time of your life.