DEPORT YOURSELF - advice on how to make a life overseas
Leaving the country is easier than you think. Whether moving abroad forever or as an excuse to extend an international trip, there are surprising ways in which your skills can be used to find work outside of your home country. Go ahead – deport yourself.
Work as a Consultant
Emerging economies are desperate for training of all kinds – even librarians are in demand in some countries to help train locals to international standards of their profession. Lawyers, doctors, even internet commerce experts are needed in Africa and Asia by companies, governments and NGO’s.
Consultant work can be hard to organize before leaving your home country; its best to choose a city (after research beforehand that proves the economy is in need of such expertise) and have enough money to survive for some time as you network through expat organizations; business cards can be printed for next to nothing, and word of mouth exposure is best through locals who can be extremely helpful. China, India and Eastern Europe are places where consultant work can be found.
Join the Peace Corps
The typical Peace Corps worker is no longer an English teacher or helping construct houses. Environmental engineers, university lecturers, e-commerce experts and even internet web designers are wanted to help developing countries grow their competitiveness in the 21st century. The selection process is fierce, and the start date for your placement can be as much as a year away, but living in Africa, Asia or South America as a local in a village atmosphere can be an extreme challenge, but the window into the dynamics of a foreign culture are priceless.
Volunteer
Voluntourism is a growing trend, and can extend a trip for months or longer, living in a community and donating your time in exchange for lodging and food.
Opportunities can be found at organized volunteering programs in countries like India and Cambodia, though some can be expensive. NGO’s (Non Governmental Organizations) operate in many countries, and can be contacted on line or at their offices directly for volunteer opportunities. Working for relief agencies is left to the professionals, but orphanages, street children’s welfare organizations, women’s rights and more are often in need of volunteers.
Work in Education
Beyond the old stand by of English teaching, many different kinds of education are needed, offering perhaps the most lucrative overseas work. Website design, e-commerce, graphic design, creative writing and more subjects are in strong demand by universities and private institutions. With most centers of learning online these days, getting in touch before departure through an email with a cover letter and resume can lead to work on the road and long term stint living abroad.
