Work Abroad: 12 Jobs for Young Wanderers

Au Pair in Australia
“Our family is open and friendly, and hard working. We are looking for someone to join our team, hopefully with similar values to our own, loving the outdoors. We live in a great location close to all amenities, with Sydney city only twenty minutes away, and the beach within 3 kms.” Ross and Rebecca Porter will open their home to you, if you are willing (and qualified) to take care of their kids for 12 months. Check out AuPair.com for a bunch of work opportunities worldwide, or check out the to IAPA for accredited au pair organizations.

Farmer in China
WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) can place you on a farm in any of their 25 countries, for a fee. Local farmers are always looking for some extra hands to help out, especially during harvest time. Your work on a farm can range from harvesting fruits and vegetables to herding, milking, and feeding animals.

Party Promoter in Italy
“Your responsibility is what happens on the dance floor, not behind the bar,” said the owner of Club Animazione, a resort on the outskirts of Rome. So Alex Digiorgio parties like it’s his job—because it is! There is no American equivalent to an Italian animatore, but imagine crossbreeding a bar mitzvah planner, a frat brother, and a flirtatious clown. Clubs as well as vacation resorts and hostels need the equivalent of animatores, so why can’t that be you? If you are outgoing and can get a crowd going (no, Scrabble tournaments don’t do that), then start your research to find a good fit.

English Teacher in South Korea
Now here is where you can really make some coin. Some South Korean companies pay up to $40,000 a year to teach full time in their schools. But because the cost of living in South Korea is so much lower than, say, Japan, you can save (or spend) some serious cash. There are so many teaching jobs in South Korea, you can sometimes show up at the door for a job and get it. But do your research beforehand at Dave's ESL Cafe to avoid the few shady operators who don’t pony up when your teaching gig is done. Classroom and Online TEFL certificates are available for those that want a leg up when they arrive to another country to find a job teaching. Bridge Abroad and I to I both offer class and online courses for TEFL.

Camp Counselor in Russia
Every summer thousands of children head off for camps across Russia, from the shores of Lake Baikal to the beaches of the Black Sea. Typically, a camp will have a large dining hall, crafts and sports buildings and dormitories. CCUSA offers two ways work as camp counselor similar to here in the States or as an English/American Culture Instructor. You receive free room and board throughout the program and receive a small stipend.

Online Tutor Worldwide
Kids always need help with their homework, and these days, their tutor doesn’t have to be sitting in the same room to go over their times tables. As an e-tutor, you can utilize the Internet to chat and e-mail your homework help from anywhere you happen to be. If you are working with students in the U.S. your hours may be off, but at least it funds your way around the world. Check out Sylvan Learning.

—Written by Justin Jones and Eric Tiettmeyer of Student Traveler magazine.

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