Jobs for Americans Working Overseas and How to Land One

Jobs for Americans Working Overseas and How to Land One

Working abroad as an American can be a thrilling and enriching experience. Whether you’re looking to escape the daily grind or simply want to change the direction of your career, the opportunities are endless. 

Finding work abroad and managing the intricacies of different work cultures can be difficult. In this guide, I’ll explore the best jobs abroad for American workers and provide some of my top tips on how to find them. 

So if you’re ready for an adventure, read on and discover how you can work abroad as an American.

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Requirements 

The requirements for working abroad can vary greatly depending on the expectations and conditions of the host country. For example, some countries may strongly emphasize language proficiency, while others may prioritize work experience or education. 

In some countries, the only requirement for English teaching jobs is being a native English teacher, while in others, such as South Korea, a college degree is required. 

Americans can generally expect some of the following requirements when seeking employment abroad.

Age Restrictions

There is no specific age requirement for an American to work abroad. However, some countries have age restrictions for obtaining work visas or for certain types of work, such as those requiring physical labor, bar work, or even office jobs.

For example, in Australia, many Americans choose to obtain a working holiday visa, which allows you to work and live in the country for up to one year. However, you can only get this visa if you’re 18 to 30 years old.

It’s best to check with the specific country’s immigration laws to determine if any age restrictions may impact your ability to work there.

Furthermore, some employers may have their own age requirements, so it’s important to research potential employers and their hiring policies before applying for a job.

Work Experience

Work experience is a crucial factor when it comes to working abroad. 

Many employers prefer candidates with previous experience in their field, as it demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively. However, this depends on the job you’re applying for and the demand for that job in the country you’re in.

For example, to get a job in China, you need to have at least two years of work experience. This is not a requirement from employers, but from the government. 

When I lived in Europe and the U.S., I found that employers expected job candidates to have specific working, internship, or study experience when applying for jobs. 

But now, I live in New Zealand, where it’s relatively easy to get a job with little experience due to workforce shortages.

Work experience can also demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and work environments, which can be especially important when working in a foreign country. 

Additionally, having international work experience can set you apart from other candidates and make you more competitive for future job opportunities.

Education

While some countries may have a lower requirement for education, others may require a specific degree or certification for particular industries or job positions. 

This really depends, again, on the country you’re planning to live in and the type of job you’re applying for. Obviously, most skilled professions (doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.) have similar education requirements worldwide. 

But some countries even expect applicants to have certifications for bartender jobs and barista positions.

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The best example of differing educational requirements is when you look at English teaching jobs, by far the most popular type of work for Americans abroad.

In Korea, where an estimated 24,000 native English teachers work, all teachers are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate.

To get the best English teaching job in Thailand, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. 

However, a university degree is not always required in Eastern Europe and some parts of Southeast Asia.

I don’t have a university degree, and I taught private English lessons and summer programs in Poland for years.

In addition to the specific requirements, having a strong educational background can demonstrate your level of knowledge and commitment to your field, which can be attractive to potential employers. 

Research the specific education requirements for your desired job and country and consider if any additional certifications or training may be necessary to increase your competitiveness.

Language Proficiency

I always recommend learning at least a bit of the local language when moving to another country. 

As Americans, we are spoiled by the fact that most countries learn English as a second language. I know from the experience of living in countries where English isn’t the primary language that I lean on this more than I should.

Knowing the host country’s local language can significantly impact your ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, clients, and the locals. 

In some countries, fluency in the local language may be required for particular job positions, while in others, fluency in English may be sufficient.

At the very least, speaking even a little bit of the local language can go a long way and give you an advantage in finding work in that country. 

In addition, language proficiency can demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to the country and culture, making you a more attractive candidate for potential employers.

Learn more: The Complete Expat Guide for Learning a New Language

Visa Requirements

Perhaps the most difficult part of finding a job abroad is getting permission to work and live in a foreign country in the first place. A work visa is a document that allows a foreign national to work in a foreign country. 

The difficulty of obtaining a work visa can vary greatly depending on the host country and may involve submitting extensive documentation, undergoing background checks, and paying fees. 

Some countries I’ve lived in, like Mexico and Poland, required me to find a job to sponsor me before applying for my work visa. 

In Thailand, you need to get a work permit to work legally

This is the case in many countries around the world. But depending on your situation, you may be able to freely look for work in the country – for example, if you’re already a resident of the country or have a working holiday visa.

It’s essential to research your host country’s specific visa requirements and start the process as soon as possible, as obtaining a work visa can take several months. 

Failure to obtain the necessary visa or comply with immigration laws can result in severe legal consequences, so it’s critical to understand the visa requirements thoroughly and to seek the advice of immigration experts if necessary. 

In addition, most countries have complicated foreign worker requirements and systems, so I recommend asking your future employer for help, checking the embassy’s website, or hiring an immigration lawyer.

What to Expect

So, what should you expect when moving abroad as an American? 

Moving to a new country and working with people from a different place than you has its challenges, and getting used to a new working environment can take time. 

Here are some expectations Americans should consider when working abroad.

Salaries

The salary you can expect while working abroad as an American will depend on several factors, including the country you work in, the industry you work in, and your level of education and experience.

As a general rule, countries with higher living costs will typically offer higher salaries. For example, Western Europe or North American countries tend to have higher wages than South American or Southeast Asian countries. 

Unless you’re sent by your parent company from the U.S., your salary tends to be lower than what you make from the States. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll have less savings. 

In fact, many of my American friends have more savings than when they live in the U.S. and live a better life. This is because many countries in the world have a lower cost of living than the United States. 

The industry you work in will also play a role in determining your salary. For example, industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare tend to offer higher wages than retail or hospitality industries.

Your level of education and experience will also help to determine your salary. Typically, those with advanced degrees or specialized expertise can command higher salaries. While it’s not always the case, and it certainly depends on the situation, American citizens typically earn more than the locals.

It’s also important to point out that some jobs will offer other benefits that can easily be translated to financial compensation on top of a salary, such as free housing, health insurance, gym memberships, grocery vouchers, and more. 

Many Americans who teach English abroad are provided with free or discounted accommodation, and some companies try to attract foreign workers by providing extra benefits.

Coworkers and Management Expectations

When working abroad as an American, your co-workers and management may have different expectations and norms compared to what you may be used to in the US. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Cultural awareness: Be mindful of cultural differences and make an effort to understand local customs and etiquette in the workplace. This will help you build positive relationships with your co-workers and management.
  2. Communication style: Different cultures may have different communication styles, and you must adapt to these differences. Most employers understand that the working style may differ from what you’re used to, so be upfront with your coworkers and superiors and ask questions to clarify your expectations and misunderstandings.
  3. Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of professionalism and work ethic is essential in any work environment, but this may be especially important when working abroad. Be punctual, meet deadlines, and take the initiative to contribute to the team’s success.
  4. Flexibility: Working abroad often requires a certain level of adaptability and flexibility. The work-life balance in other countries tends to be better, and you’ll find it’s more acceptable to take sick days, have an extended vacation, come in to work late, etc. Be prepared to handle changes in the workplace and be open to new experiences and challenges.

Language Barriers

Language barriers can present a challenge while working abroad as an American. 

However, in my experience, Americans typically work in fields where English is widely spoken, or at least a good portion of the people you work with speak English. So, the language barrier in the workplace may not be as much of a challenge as you may expect. 

But this obviously depends on your situation.

In some countries, English may be widely spoken and used in business, allowing for relatively easy communication. 

If you move to New Zealand like me, you don’t need to learn a new language at all. 

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However, in other countries, the local language may be more widely used, and you may need to learn the language to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers, and clients.

It may also be helpful to consider taking language classes or hiring a language tutor to improve your language skills while working abroad. 

Even if you speak some of the local language, speaking a foreign language in a work and professional setting is much more difficult. 

So, improving your communication abilities and demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt to the local culture is a great step to take.

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Employment Laws

Employment laws vary greatly between countries, and it’s crucial to understand the employment laws and regulations in the country where you’ll be working as an American.

Some common areas where employment laws may differ include the following.

  1. Working hours: Different countries have different regulations regarding working hours, including the maximum number of hours an employee can work per week, the minimum number of days off per week, and the requirements for overtime pay.
  2. Benefits: Employment benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and pension plans may be different from country to country. It’s essential to understand the benefits offered by your employer and whether they’re in compliance with local laws. In America, the benefits you’re offered depend on the employer. But in most other parts of the world, employers are legally required to provide these benefits.
  3. Termination: Employment termination laws, including the notice required before termination, severance pay, and the grounds for termination, can vary between countries.
  4. Discrimination: Anti-discrimination laws can differ too, and it’s vital to understand the protections in place for employees against discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, and age.
  5. Health and safety: Health and safety regulations, including the provision of personal protective equipment, the requirements for workplace safety training, and the responsibilities of employers in case of workplace accidents, may be different from country to country.

Taxes

As an American working abroad, you should be aware of the tax implications of your employment. The tax laws and regulations of the country where you’ll be working, as well as the laws of the U.S., will affect your tax obligations. 

Americans are required to file a U.S. tax return every year regardless of where they live. 

So, even if you’re working and paying taxes in a foreign country, you’ll also have to file a tax return and apply for tax relief in the US to avoid double taxation.

  1. Double taxation: You may be subject to U.S. and foreign taxes on your income. To avoid double taxation, many countries have tax treaties with the United States that allow the tax paid in one country to be credited against the tax owed in the other.
  2. Foreign-earned income exclusion: As an American, you may be eligible for the foreign-earned income exclusion, which allows you to exclude a portion of your foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation.
     
  3. Reporting requirements: You must report all worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), regardless of where it’s earned. This includes any foreign-earned income and any foreign bank and financial accounts.
  4. Withholding taxes: Your employer in a foreign country may be required to withhold taxes from your salary, and it’s essential to understand the tax rate and rules in that country.

Find out more: The Complete Guide to Filing U.S. Taxes from Abroad

Best Jobs For Americans Abroad

Finding the best job when moving abroad as an American can be a daunting task. 

However, with the right skill set and research, many lucrative and fulfilling opportunities exist in various industries and countries. So let’s look at some of the best jobs Americans can get abroad.

Teaching English

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular career option for Americans abroad, particularly in countries where English is in high demand. 

This is the first job I did when I moved abroad, and there are many different English teaching jobs available around the world. TEFL jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification, which can be obtained through online or in-person courses.

As an English teacher abroad, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, access to benefits (which may include free housing), and opportunities for advancement. 

Once you have experience teaching English, more and more opportunities may arise. 

For example, I started off teaching private lessons to students and eventually got invited to teach at English summer camps.

Related articles: 

Web Developer

Web development is a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital age, making it a great option for Americans looking to work abroad. Companies across the world are constantly in need of talented web developers to create, maintain, and update their websites.

To pursue a career in web development, it’s recommended to have a strong understanding of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and at least one back-end language like PHP or Ruby on Rails. 

With the right skills and experience, web development can be a rewarding career for Americans abroad.

Management

Management positions are available in various industries, making it a versatile option for Americans looking to work abroad. Many multinational companies have offices and operations in different countries, providing opportunities for Americans to work in management roles overseas.

To be a successful manager abroad, you must have strong leadership skills, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity. 

Management positions often require a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience and can offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Consultant

Consulting is highly competitive and profitable, making it a popular choice for Americans looking to work abroad. As many of the world’s largest companies are based in America, foreign companies often seek American consultants to help them make the best business decisions. 

Consulting firms help companies improve their business operations, solve complex problems, and often have a global presence, providing opportunities for Americans to work in different countries.

To pursue a career in consulting, it’s recommended to have a solid educational background, especially in a relevant field such as business, economics, or engineering. 

American consultants are usually hired by a U.S.-based consulting firm that then sends workers abroad and assigns them to clients in other countries.

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality and tourism is a growing industry that offers a variety of job opportunities for Americans abroad. This industry includes hotels, restaurants, airlines, travel agencies, and more. 

Hospitality and tourism jobs abroad often provide competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for career advancement.

To work in this field, it’s important to have a positive attitude, excellent customer service skills, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.

Additionally, some jobs in hospitality and tourism may require language skills, which can be a valuable asset for Americans working abroad.

I’ve worked in many hotels, hostels, and tourism companies in the past few years. Many foreign tourism companies hire Americans to help market their business to Americans and connect with guests and travelers.

Skilled Careers

Skilled careers such as doctors, architects, and urban planners are always in high demand globally, providing exceptional opportunities for Americans to work abroad. 

However, these careers often require specialized education and training and a license to practice in the country where you work.

Expect competitive salaries, benefits, and endless opportunities for professional growth while working in one of these fields abroad.

How to Find Jobs as an American Abroad

Knowing about the best jobs is just the beginning. But how do you find these jobs abroad as an American? 

Here are some of the ways I have searched for work abroad and the methods that other American expats have recommended to me.

Stay with a US Company

One option for Americans looking to work abroad is to find a job with a U.S.-based company with international operations. 

Many multinational companies have offices and operations in different countries, providing opportunities for their employees to work abroad.

By working for a U.S. company, you can often maintain a familiar work culture and continue to receive benefits and opportunities for advancement. 

To find job opportunities with a U.S. company abroad, you can search job websites, network with current employees, and attend job fairs and career fairs hosted by U.S. companies.

Some major U.S. companies with plenty of jobs abroad are:

  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Apple
  • Marriott
  • Hilton
  • Carnival Cruises
  • Intel
  • Atlassian
  • Meta

Go with an Agency

Another option for finding work abroad as an American is to work with a recruitment or staffing agency. 

These agencies specialize in placing individuals in jobs overseas and can help with the entire process, from finding job opportunities to helping with visas and relocation.

Working with an agency can be a convenient option as they often have connections and relationships with companies in different countries, making it easier to find job opportunities that match your skills and preferences.

Here are some of my top agency recommendations:

Search Online

Searching for jobs online is another option that requires minimum effort. 

Many websites and resources are available for job seekers, including international job boards, company websites, and professional networks.

An online job search can be a convenient and efficient way to find job opportunities abroad, as you can effortlessly search and apply for jobs from anywhere with an Internet connection. 

However, it’s vital to be cautious and thoroughly research the company and the job opportunity before applying to ensure it’s a legitimate offer.

Here are some helpful sites for finding different jobs in specific regions:

  • Go Abroad: This site is primarily focused on English teaching jobs for both in-person and online work
  • Indeed: Indeed has a worldwide job network, so you can search for jobs in various countries around the world
  • Eurojobs: Great website with thousands and thousands of jobs for expats (and residents) in Europe
  • Seek Australia and New Zealand: If you plan to live in Australia or New Zealand, you should look for jobs on Seek; this site has hundreds of job opportunities for each country
  • Buscojobs: This is a massive job network for South and Central America, with thousands of job postings in various Latin American countries

Network

Building relationships with people who are knowledgeable about the industry or country where you want to work can help you gain insights, make connections, and find job opportunities. 

Networking can be done in person, through professional associations, online, or with social media.

Be proactive, engage with people in your desired field or country, and build meaningful relationships. 

Networking can take time, but it can also be a highly effective way to find job opportunities and gain valuable insights and advice.

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Hand Out Your CV

Handing out your CV or resume with a cover letter to companies and individuals where you want to work is another way to find job opportunities abroad. It can be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s a great way to make a personal connection and land a job interview. 

This can be done in person, through email, or by mail. When handing out your resume, ensure it’s professional, well-written, and tailored to the specific job or industry you’re targeting.

This is a great idea, especially if you’re looking for a hospitality or retail job where you can easily walk into an establishment and hand your CV to the manager. 

While handing out your resume may not lead to immediate job offers, it can help establish connections and increase your visibility in the job market.

Freelancing and Digital Work

Many countries now offer special visas to freelancers. 

This type of work allows individuals to offer their skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis, often through online platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr.

Freelancing can offer a lot of flexibility, as you can work from anywhere with an Internet connection, set your own hours, and choose projects that align with your interests and skills.

However, freelancing can also come with challenges, such as a lack of job security, limited access to benefits and support, and the need to find new clients and projects consistently. 

It also takes a while to start making a decent income freelancing, so don’t expect to be making full-time wages as soon as you start. 

Additionally, freelancers are typically responsible for managing their own taxes and finances, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Working Holiday Programs

If you’re looking for short-term work, a working holiday program would be best for you. These programs allow individuals to work in a foreign country for a set period, typically one to two years, while also experiencing the local culture and lifestyle.

Americans can obtain a working holiday visa in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Canada

Working holiday programs often provide support with visas, accommodation, and job placement, making it easier to transition to working and living abroad. 

However, working holiday programs may have restrictions and limitations, such as the type of work allowed and the length of time you can work in the country.

Remember, working holiday programs may not provide long-term career opportunities or job stability. 

But, despite these limitations, work holiday programs can be an excellent way for Americans to gain international work experience, make new connections, and see the world.

Volunteer or Work Exchange

Volunteer or work exchange programs are a unique way for Americans to work abroad and gain valuable international experience. These programs typically involve exchanging work for room and board, allowing individuals to live and work in a foreign country for a set period of time. 

Volunteer or work exchange programs can offer a range of opportunities, from working on a farm or a hostel to teaching English and even providing administrative support.

The benefits of a volunteer or work exchange program include the chance to live and work in a foreign culture, improve language skills, and gain hands-on work experience.

However, it’s important to research the program thoroughly and understand the responsibilities and expectations before participating. 

While most volunteer or work exchange programs offer free accommodation and at least one meal per day, they may not provide a salary or financial compensation, so it’s essential to have a budget in place to cover other expenses.

Overall, volunteer or work exchange programs can be a valuable and enriching experience for Americans looking to work abroad. But this is not a good long-term work option, as you won’t be getting much, if any, financial compensation.

Now, on to You

Whether you’re looking to work with a U.S. company, search for a job through an agency, or participate in a work holiday or volunteer program, there are many options available.

Whatever option you choose, you should research and understand the requirements, responsibilities, and benefits to determine what’s best for you.

Being proactive in your job search, networking, and reaching out to individuals who have worked abroad can significantly increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. With careful planning and preparation, working abroad can be a life-changing experience that opens up new career and personal growth opportunities.

You might want to read next: Best Countries to Get Tax Residency for Expats

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Lev is a writer passionate about inspiring more people to travel and explore the world. He left his Texas home in 2016 to see the world. He has been to over 30 countries and is currently a digital nomad, hopping from country to country every few months. Channeling his knowledge of travel, immigration, and international tax into his writing he started The Nomad Almanac which is geared towards digital nomads and those curious about living a remote lifestyle.

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