The Working ExPat

It’s 2012!  Are you living the life you want?

Are you happy? Do you dream of a living somewhere else in the world? Maybe you are not interested in traveling as a lifestyle but the idea of living abroad is just as appealing to you. If this is something you’ve thought about, I have one piece of advice for you. Make up your mind, and just do it!

The next step is landing some way to make a living. For those of you that do not have the flexibility of having a location independent career, like that of a writer, graphic designer or a programmer there are still options. Here’s some of them I’ve researched for you, our readers.

Foreign Service Jobs

This option is wonderful for those U.S. citizens are coming from a professional background. The U.S. Department of State offers opportunities within the Foreign Service, offering positions around the world. Foreign Service Specialist positions are available in over 265 posts overseas and in the U.S.If you manage to land a position with them, they offer an overseas housing allowance,  medical coverage, plus paid education for dependent children in K-12, plus many more benefits.Foreign Service Specialist jobs are grouped into seven major categories: Administration, Construction Engineering, Information Technology, International Information and English Language Programs, Medical and Health, Office Management, and Security. Interested? Visit their site here:

Paid Aid Workers

Here’s a great site for aid workers, with an active community and job opportunity listings.  Aid workers often  face situations and problems that others have already encountered. It’s great to have a community that provides support and resources.

Teach Away

Are you a teacher? Teach Away was established to help teachers find reputable employment overseas. Teach Away places hundreds of teachers in countries around the world including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and more. The site places elementary, middle and high schools teachers in both international and public schools. Check it out, maybe the perfect opportunity is waiting for you!

Are you a nurse?

Nurses are in demand world-wide. Ever think of working in a foreign locale? Here’s a couple of sites to help you land your new assignment:This site provides information, resources, and services to help nurses find nursing jobs and travel nursing jobs. The first step is filling out their  Rapid Apply Form which will allow you to instantly submit your profile to healthcare employers who match your needs. Sounds simple enough.

Engineering and technical jobs your cup of tea?

This site is set up for future expats. If you’re looking for overseas jobs and all of the benefits and career challenges that go with being an EXPAT then this is the job portal for you. Many of the jobs advertised on this are EXPAT Status jobs and offer other benefits such asTAX FREE , FREE accommodation, FREE travel costs, FREE private schooling and/or  relocation assistance. Um, sounds good! (go there now)

International Development and Non-Profit Jobs

This site is a development development job portal making jobs available online to the development sector professionals globally. The site connects donors, non-profit organizations and professionals to provide cutting-edge solutions in the area of research, knowledge management, IT solutions and human resources.Maybe there’s an opportunity for you  here?

More Non-Profit Jobs

The Idealist – The most well know of the volunteer opportunities. I suspect you can find some paid or stipend positions there. This site offers opportunities world-wide. Here’s their mission: “Idealist connects people, organizations, and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives. Idealist is independent of any government, political ideology, or religious creed. Our work is guided by the common desire of our members and supporters to find practical solutions to social and environmental problems, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect.” Beautiful mission.

Fruit Picking

Dont’ have a professional background? How about picking fruit in exotic locations? It’s seasonal work, and doesn’t require prior experience. How does grape-picking in France sound? Or how about strawberry picking in the UK? What about saddling up on the harvest trail in Australia picking fruit down under? The good thing is  there is always fruit to be picked somewhere.  Here’s a web site to help you line up a new opportunity: Picking Jobs

Be a House sitter!

Ok, so this option does not pay, but it’s a great option nevertheless. This web site is a wonderful way to start, set up a profile and browse opportunities.  The site provides comprehensive information available on house sitting. We guide you through the process of successfully matching homeowner with sitters. Housesitters list their preferences through a simple registration process. Homeowners communicate with sitters through our confidential message system to preserve privacy and security.  Whether you’re a house sitter or a homeowner, HouseCarers brings peace of mind closer to home.
And here’s another site with the same mission: Mind My House

So, what are you waiting for? Start your search, and drop us line or leave a comment here and let us know how it goes. Good luck and start your new life!