Travelling abroad and working whilst you do so has been a staple of post-university sabbaticals for years now.
However, with the current situation that has been handed to us, one would be forgiven for thinking that all that has changed.
Let’s take a look.
Travel and Work In 2020
We need to be clear right away – travel in 2020 is a non-starter. Even though border have begun to open up, it’s not going to be until the end of the year that we see the kind of freedoms that we were used to begin to return.
Until then, the best thing you can do is make your plans.
2021 and Beyond
Looking forward to the future, there is absolutely no reason to change your plans. If travelling and working abroad was something that you wanted to do, then you should not give up on the dream.
Borders are already opening up, and apart from a few countries where more draconian rules may still linger, travel abroad should return to normal.
TEFL Options
One of the most popular ways of funding your travel is through a Teaching English As A foreign Language (TEFL) course.
A perfect way to supplement your travel costs, you can work your way through the countries you love.
Companies like i-to-i offer online TEFL course services that will get you equipped with the skills you need to begin teaching English in non-English speaking countries.
With so many e-learning alternatives available online, you’re bound to find something that suits you.
Benefits of TEFL Certification
There are many benefits to having a TEFL certification.
A TEFL certification doesn’t expire, so you are equipped for life and ready to go however long it was since you took your course.
TEFL certification makes you much more employable, and may well change your career decisions.
Carter Brown lists 10 great reasons to get TEFL certified and there are many more!
Consider a Career Break
Taking a career break can be an excellent way to begin working abroad, especially if you are a little unsure as to how the whole plan will work.
A career break will let you try your plan, test your country and find out what it is you like and don’t like about working abroad.
You’ll need to either be ready to quit your job and return to something new, or have an arrangement with your employer if you are lucky enough for them to be so understanding.
Plan Your Move
You will need to decide how you are going to make your move. Don’t forget to prepare carefully before you go.
You can find work and then move to your new job. The advantage of this is that you won’t have an earnings break, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Alternatively, you can make the move and then find work as you go. The benefit here is that you’ve got the freedom to travel where you want and take the work that you want when you find it. You’ll need to be able to support yourself in the meantime though, and be prepared for some possibly difficult paperwork when you start working.
However you make you move, go for it. Travelling and working abroad is still a great opportunity and when things get back to normal you’ll be good to go!