15 Best Work Abroad Experiences (+ How to Get Started)

Want to travel, earn money, and build your resume all at once? These are the 15 best work abroad experiences – from teaching English in Thailand to working holidays in Australia and New Zealand – plus exactly how to make it happen.

If you’re looking to get on-the-job training, learn a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make some money while you’re at it – a work abroad program might be exactly what you need.

And trust me, it’s more doable than it sounds. Whether you’ve got two months or two years, there are programs designed for pretty much every schedule, budget, and skill set. I’ve been traveling the world for over 20 years, and the people I’ve met who have worked abroad consistently say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made – for their career, their confidence, and their passport stamp collection.

Global Work and Travel is one of the best services out there for finding legitimate work abroad programs. With 30+ countries, built-in visa support, and a team to help you navigate the process, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting started. But I’ll also walk you through everything else you need to know – from the types of experiences available to what you’ll actually earn.

These are the 15 best work abroad experiences around the world!

What Are Work Abroad Experiences & Programs?

A work abroad experience is exactly what it sounds like: you travel to another country and work there, either for a short stint or an extended stay. The difference between a regular job and a work abroad experience is the adventure built into it. You’re not just punching a clock – you’re exploring a new country, picking up a new language (or at least a few key phrases), and building a life in a place that feels completely different from home.

Work abroad programs generally fall into a few categories:

Working Holiday Visas: Government-sponsored programs that let you live and work legally in a country for up to a year or two. Available to citizens of select countries, usually for those under 30-35.
Volunteer Programs: You contribute your time and skills (and sometimes pay a small program fee) in exchange for accommodation, meals, and cultural immersion.
Teach Abroad Programs: You earn a salary teaching English (or another subject) while earning a teaching certification.
Internships Abroad: Structured professional development in your field, based in another country.
Seasonal Jobs: Short-term roles at ski resorts, summer camps, farms, or tourist destinations that are tied to a specific time of year.
Digital Nomad Work: Remote work you do from anywhere, increasingly supported by official Digital Nomad Visas in countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Thailand.

Reader Discount: Use code OT100 when booking any Global Work & Travel program to save up to $100 AUD off your program fee. Not sure where to start? Their team offers a $1 consultation – a real conversation with a program expert who’ll help you figure out which experience fits your goals and budget.

15 Best Work Abroad Experiences Around The World

Working Holiday Australia

Best for: First-time working travelers, beach lovers, adventure seekers

A multicultural country full of bustling cities, dreamy coastal areas, and endearing small towns, Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for a work abroad experience – and for good reason.

The country has a minimum wage of around AU$23/hour (one of the highest in the world), rarely experiences temperatures below freezing, and has one of the most accessible working holiday visa programs available. Citizens of over 40 countries between the ages of 18-35 are eligible for Australia’s Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462).

With Global Work and Travel you’ll have chances to work on island resorts, get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef, gain agricultural experience on outback farms and ranches, or serve patrons in one of the many beachside bars. Programs start at around $1,500 USD and include visa guidance, pre-departure support, and on-the-ground assistance when you arrive.

Don’t forget to use code OT100 at checkout to save up to $60 USD / $100 AUD off your program.

What you can earn: AU$23-$35/hour depending on the role

Visa type: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)

Length: Up to 12 months (extendable to 3 years with regional work)

Working Holiday New Zealand

Best for: Nature lovers, outdoor adventure seekers, anyone wanting a slower pace

If Australia is on your radar, New Zealand deserves equal consideration. Consistently ranked among the best places in the world for quality of life, New Zealand offers working holiday visas for eligible citizens between 18-30 (or 35 for select countries).

The landscape here is jaw-dropping – think Hobbit-worthy rolling green hills, dramatic fjords, and some of the best hiking on the planet. Jobs in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and seasonal harvesting are plentiful, and the local culture is famously welcoming to travelers.

Search working holidays in New Zealand here.

What you can earn: NZ$23+/hour

Visa type: Working Holiday Visa

Length: Up to 12 months

Working Holiday Canada

Best for: Mountain lovers, ski enthusiasts, city explorers

Dreaming of a work abroad experience in the great white north? Canada is notably one of the friendliest countries in the world, and with a diverse landscape, multicultural ethos, and accessible working visa opportunities, you’ll have a blast finding a gig here.

Think working in mountainous ski resorts in Whistler or Banff, assisting with conservation in national parks, nabbing an internship in Toronto or Vancouver, and funding your travels from coast to coast. International Experience Canada (IEC) is the government program that facilitates most working holidays here, and Global Work and Travel can help you navigate the application process.

What you can earn: CA$17-$25/hour

Visa type: International Experience Canada (Working Holiday Category)

Length: Up to 12 months (24 months for some nationalities)

Working Holiday UK

Best for: History buffs, pub culture fans, European travel base)

A country noted for its sports, entertainment, business, and incredible history, planning a working holiday in the UK can take almost any shape or form you want it to.

Though you can always land a big-city job in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, there are also opportunities to work in a picturesque English village, pour drinks in a pub, be a staff member at a castle, or work the hospitality circuit in the Scottish Highlands. You’ll also have the bonus of being in prime position to hop over to continental Europe on a long weekend.

Since Brexit, UK working holiday options have changed for some nationalities – make sure to verify current visa eligibility for your passport before applying.

What you can earn: £11-£18/hour

Visa type: Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Length: Up to 2 years

Teach English in Thailand

Best for: Budget travelers, culture lovers, TEFL/TESOL beginners

A work abroad experience that places you right among the locals, teaching English in Thailand is one of the most popular working abroad programs in the world. The country is famous for its cuisine, dense jungles, stunning beaches, legendary parties, and ornate temples.

If you want to teach, you’ll need to complete an internationally-recognized TEFL/TESOL teaching certification (usually 4 weeks), but Global Work & Travel has built-in Thailand programs where you can get your teacher training, secure a work placement, and handle all the necessary paperwork with ease.

Monthly salaries for English teachers in Thailand typically cover living costs with enough left over to fund weekend trips, and the cost of living is low enough that your money goes surprisingly far.

What you can earn: $700-$1,500 USD/month

Visa type: Non-Immigrant B (Teaching Visa)

Length: 1 semester to 1 year (renewable)

Teach English in Costa Rica

Best for: Spanish learners, nature lovers, adventure travelers

If you’d like to teach English in the Western Hemisphere, consider the country where “Pura Vida” is a way of life. Costa Rica has a landscape rich in volcanoes, biodiversity reserves, beaches, and rainforest, with one of the most stable and progressive societies in Central America.

A Global Work & Travel teaching experience in Costa Rica includes your internationally-recognized TEFL accreditation, a work placement, and an unforgettable cultural adventure all in one. Spanish-language lessons are also worked into many program itineraries – a serious bonus for your resume and your travels.

What you can earn: $500-$1,200 USD/month

Visa type: Temporary Work Permit (managed through your program)

Length: 1-12 months

Teach English in Spain

Best for: European culture seekers, foodies, architecture lovers

For a European experience soaked in culture, tapas, and flamenco, teaching English in Spain is a fantastic option. Opportunities are available across the country, but Barcelona and Seville are especially appealing – Barcelona for its Gaudí architecture and cosmopolitan energy, Seville for its slower pace and deep Andalusian roots.

This experience is especially valuable because Spanish-language classes are built into the itinerary, so you’ll leave with both a TEFL certification and real conversational Spanish under your belt.

What you can earn: $700-$1,200 USD/month + accommodation in some programs

Visa type: Student Visa or Auxiliares de Conversación Program

Length: 8 months to 1 year

Teach English in Japan

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, tech lovers, anime fans, career builders

Japan’s demand for English teachers is enormous, and the experience of living and working here is unlike anywhere else on the planet. The JET Programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) is one of the most competitive and prestigious work abroad programs in the world, placing participants in schools across the country – including rural towns where you may be the only foreigner for miles.

Private language schools (Eikaiwas) also hire year-round and are a quicker path to placement. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, the food is extraordinary, and the infrastructure makes it incredibly easy to explore on weekends.

What you can earn: ¥250,000-¥300,000/month (~$1,700-$2,000 USD)

Visa type: Instructor Visa / Humanities Visa

Length: 1-3 years

Read more: How To Visit Japan On A Budget

Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation

Best for: Animal lovers, conservation-minded travelers, vet/wildlife students

If you’re an animal lover who doesn’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, check out the Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation experiences offered by Global Work & Travel. Working with endangered elephants is a unique and profoundly meaningful experience – you’ll feed them, help them bathe, monitor their health, and spread awareness in local communities.

This experience is especially valuable for anyone looking to break into conservation, environmental science, or veterinary fields, but honestly, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to make a real difference while they travel.

Most programs are based in Thailand and include accommodation, meals, and support from an on-the-ground team.

What you’ll invest: Program fees typically start around $1,200-$2,000 USD for 2-4 weeks

Length: 2 weeks to 3 months

Rescue Paws (Dog Rehabilitation, Thailand)

Best for: Dog lovers, community-minded travelers, gap year students

Speaking of making a positive impact through travel – volunteering with Thailand’s street dogs is one of the most heartwarming work abroad options out there. In these roles, you’ll help care for rescued street dogs, assist with rehabilitation, and educate local communities about responsible pet ownership.

You’ll also have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample the incredible street food, and take day trips to destinations like Chiang Mai’s old city or the surrounding jungle.

What you’ll invest: Program fees typically start around $800-$1,500 USD

Length: 1-8 weeks

Sloth Sanctuary, Costa Rica

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, animal rehabilitation students, Costa Rica lovers

If volunteering with animals in Central America is calling your name, look no further than a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. In these sanctuaries, you’ll dedicate your time to caring for injured or sick animals – sloths, monkeys, macaws, and more.

On-site training and a certificate of completion are included, and the Global Work & Travel team provides support throughout your stay. Plus, spending time in the Costa Rican jungle surrounded by wildlife is the kind of thing that will genuinely change how you see the world.

What you’ll invest: Program fees typically start around $1,000-$1,800 USD

Length: 2 weeks to 3 months

Summer Camps USA

Best for: People who love working with kids, Americans wanting to explore their own country, international travelers

If you’re looking to spend a few months working with kids in the USA, get ready for a ton of fun at one of the country’s many summer camps. American summer camps are predominantly outdoor experiences – think lakeside cabins, hiking, archery, kayaking, and campfire sing-alongs – and many have sports, music, arts, or themed programming.

As a camp counselor, you’ll make lifelong friends among your fellow staff, get to see different parts of the USA on days off, and leave with leadership and childcare experience that looks great on any resume. International travelers can access this through J-1 cultural exchange visas.

What you can earn: $1,500-$3,000+ USD for the season + room and board

Visa type: J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (for international applicants)

Length: 8-12 weeks (typically June-August)

Best Work Abroad Experiences Around The World

Au Pair Programs (Europe & Beyond)

Best for: People who love children, language learners, budget-conscious travelers

An au pair lives with a host family abroad, providing childcare in exchange for room, board, a weekly stipend, and often language classes. It’s one of the most immersive ways to experience a new country because you’re genuinely living as a local rather than as a tourist.

Popular destinations include France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Programs are well-established and regulated in most European countries, making it a safe and accessible option for first-time solo travelers.

What you can earn: €280-€450/week (varies by country)

Visa type: Au Pair Visa or Cultural Exchange Visa

Length: 6–24 months

Farm & Agricultural Work (WWOOF & Beyond)

Best for: Outdoor workers, sustainability enthusiasts, budget travelers

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects volunteers with organic farms worldwide in exchange for accommodation and food – meaning your costs can be extremely low. It’s one of the most flexible work abroad options, with opportunities in over 130 countries.

Beyond WWOOF, farm work is also a common component of working holiday visas in Australia and New Zealand, where completing a certain number of regional work days can extend your visa by another year.

What you can earn: Room and board (WWOOF) to AU$23+/hour (Australia farm jobs)

Visa type: Working Holiday Visa or Cultural Exchange Visa

Length: Flexible – days to months

Digital Nomad Experiences

Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, location-independent professionals

The rise of remote work has created an entirely new category of work abroad experience: the digital nomad lifestyle. If you already work remotely – whether you’re a writer, developer, marketer, designer, or consultant – you can now do that work legally from dozens of countries thanks to official Digital Nomad Visas.

Top destinations for digital nomads right now include:

Portugal (D8 Digital Nomad Visa) – Lisbon and Porto have thriving expat communities
Costa Rica (Rentista/Digital Nomad Visa) – Affordable, nature-rich, and English-friendly
Thailand (Long-Term Resident Visa) – Southeast Asia’s most popular nomad hub
Mexico (Temporary Resident Visa) – Especially popular in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Yucatán
Estonia (Digital Nomad Visa) – Access to the EU with excellent infrastructure

What you earn: Your existing remote income

Visa type: Country-specific Digital Nomad Visa (requirements vary)

Length: Typically 1-2 years, sometimes renewable

I’ll be writing more about digital nomad experiences very soon as we are in the process of applying and the goal is to base ourselves in Europe or Mexico with a digital nomad visa.

How to Get a Work Abroad Experience (Step by Step)

The process is more straightforward than it might seem. Here’s how to make it happen:

Step 1: Figure out your “why.” Are you after career development, language immersion, adventure, savings, or all of the above? Your motivation will determine which type of experience is the right fit. If career growth is the goal, a teaching certification or internship abroad is your move. If cultural immersion and travel are the priority, a working holiday visa gives you the most flexibility.

Step 2: Choose your destination. Think about the region you’re drawn to, the cost of living, visa eligibility for your passport, and the type of work available. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK are the easiest entry points for working holidays, especially for American, British, Australian, and Canadian passport holders.

Step 3: Sort out your visa. Every country has different rules. Working holiday visas are typically age-limited (usually under 30-35) and only available to citizens of specific countries. Teaching and volunteer visas work differently. A service like Global Work and Travel can handle a lot of this legwork for you.

Step 4: Nail down your finances. Budget for your program or visa fees, flights, travel insurance, and a cushion for your first month before your first paycheck arrives. Most working holiday jobs pay from the start, but it’s wise to arrive with at least $5,000 saved as a buffer.

Step 5: Book and go. Once your visa is sorted, you’re all set. Pre-book your first few nights of accommodation, research the local job boards for your destination, and don’t underestimate the power of showing up and networking in person.

Is a Work Abroad Experience Worth It?

Short answer: absolutely. Long answer: a work abroad experience consistently delivers on multiple fronts that regular travel simply can’t.

It’s one of the fastest ways to stop being a tourist and start actually living somewhere. You’ll build relationships that last decades, develop skills that distinguish you in any job market, and gain the kind of perspective on the world that no amount of sightseeing can replicate.

From a career standpoint, international work experience signals adaptability, independence, and cultural competence – qualities that employers across industries increasingly value. It looks great on your resume, and more importantly, it makes for one heck of a conversation in any interview.

Global Work & Travel is my go-to for booking vetted, well-supported work abroad programs. Use my exclusive code OT100 at checkout to save up to $100 AUD off your program – and if you want to talk it through first, grab their $1 consultation with a dedicated program expert. They’ll help you figure out which experience fits your situation before you spend a dime.

FAQ: Work Abroad Programs

Do I need to speak another language to work abroad?

Not necessarily. Many of the most popular work abroad options – teaching English in Thailand or Costa Rica, working holidays in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, and summer camps in the USA – are conducted entirely in English. That said, picking up even basic phrases in the local language will massively improve your day-to-day experience and is always appreciated by locals.

How much money do I need to save before working abroad?

A general rule of thumb is to arrive with enough to cover your first two months of expenses before your first paycheck. That’s typically $2,000–$5,000 USD depending on the destination. Some programs (like teaching abroad or summer camps) may cover your accommodation from day one, which reduces this significantly. However, I personally would feel more comfortable with a $5,000 buffer in case of emergencies.

Do I need a visa to work abroad?

Yes, in almost every country, you need official authorization to work legally. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, destination, and the type of work you’re doing. Working holiday visas are the most flexible option for travelers, while teaching and volunteer programs typically have their own visa pathways. A program like Global Work and Travel helps handle the visa process.

What is the best job to work abroad for someone with no experience?

Working holidays in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada are the most accessible because they don’t require specific qualifications – you can pick up hospitality, retail, agricultural, or tourism work relatively quickly. Teaching programs with built-in TEFL certification are also a great option because you earn the qualification as part of the program.

Can I work abroad as an American?

Yes! Americans have more options than many people realize. Working holiday visas are available in Australia (subclass 462), New Zealand, Ireland, and a handful of other countries. Teaching abroad is accessible worldwide. And digital nomad visas now allow remote workers to legally live and work in dozens of countries for 1-2 years.

How long do work abroad programs last?

It depends entirely on the experience. Volunteer programs can be as short as 2 weeks, working holidays typically run up to 12 months (with extensions possible in some countries), and teaching positions often run an academic year (8-12 months). Digital nomad visas are generally 1-2 years.

Will working abroad hurt my career back home?

The opposite, actually. International work experience is a genuine differentiator on a resume. Hiring managers consistently cite adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence as traits they actively look for – and working abroad demonstrates all three. You’ll also likely come back with a second language, an expanded network, and a significantly clearer sense of what you want from your career.

Is it safe to work abroad alone?

For the most part, yes, especially when you go through an established program. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most of Western Europe have very low crime rates and excellent support systems for international workers. Going through a reputable program like Global Work & Travel means you’ll have support before, during, and after your placement.

What’s the best website to find work abroad programs?

Global Work and Travel is one of the best one-stop shops for vetted, structured work abroad programs. GoAbroad and GoOverseas are also excellent resources for comparing options across programs, especially for volunteering. For jobs specifically, Dave’s ESL Cafe and LinkedIn are great for teaching and professional roles respectively.

Which country is best to get a job abroad?

It really depends on your passport and what kind of experience you’re after, but Australia is hard to beat for first-timers. The working holiday visa is accessible to citizens of over 40 countries and the minimum wage is one of the highest in the world. Canada and New Zealand are close runners-up. If you want to stretch your money further, teaching English in Thailand or Costa Rica lets you live really well on a modest salary. And if maximizing your savings is the priority, South Korea is one of the highest-paying countries in the world for English teachers.

Browse Global Work & Travel’s full program lineup, use code OT100 at checkout for up to $100 AUD, and if you have questions, book a $1 consultation with a dedicated team member who can match you with the right experience. Don’t leave money on the table – that code is exclusive to Ordinary Traveler readers!

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