This is a follow-up to yesterday's post because some of you wanted more info on resources that can assist in your search for job opportunities abroad. Yes, it is becoming more difficult to move to a foreign country, but the internet has made it easier for us to find those opportunities.Some of the programs I've listed have become increasingly competitive when a few years ago it would've been a piece of cake to get in. I've done a lot of research on several of these programs and applications have doubled in the last year alone. Guess we're not the only ones planning to leave the country. That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply.
Most of the opportunities are to teach English. This is probably one of the easiest ways to get a work visa. As I've said, use the opportunity as a stepping stone to get yourself started in the country you want to live. Many of these programs allow you to renew your contract for a second, third, or fourth year. That gives you time to learn the language, network, meet people (to marry?), and interview for jobs in that country and in nearby countries. I don't know how you'd be able to use your law degree unless it was with an organization like CUSO-VSO which can match JDs and MBAs with NGOs in foreign countries. These jobs won't make you rich, but many offer health care and free housing. You may qualify for Income Based Repayment and loan forgiveness too.
Asia probably offers the most teaching opportunities for Americans. They are also some of the most lucrative after the Middle East. Apparently, Disney (yes, as in Mickey Mouse) has an English language institute in China. The best place to start your search is Dave's ESL Cafe. Tons of reputable recruiting companies post jobs there. The Daily Kimchi is a good blog to read if you are interested in teaching in South Korea. Footprints Recruiting places people in Chile, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
South Korea wages are from 1.8 million won to 2.5 million won/month (approximately $1600 to $2200), Japan - 230,000 to 250,000 JPY monthly (approx. $2400 to $2600), China - ranges from 3200 to 10000 RMB monthly (approx $468 to $1500). Take into consideration Japan has a high cost of living. Most teaching jobs in Asia include housing, health care, and reimbursed airfare. You only need a Bachelor's degree from an American university. You could get paid more if you have teaching experience, a Master's degree, or a TEFL certificate. Sorry, the JD won't get you an income bump.
In Europe, there is the Teaching Assistant Program in France and the North American Language & Culture Assistants in Spain. These programs pay less than teaching opportunities in Asia and you are responsible for airfare and finding your own housing. The French program pays around $1,013/month and the Spanish program pays around $985/month. You are qualified for health insurance. The 2010-2011 program is closed but you can read more at the French and Spanish Embassy website. Also check out the Guide for English Language Assistants in France.
The Work and Holiday visa in Australia is for people 18 to 30 years of age to work and travel for up to 12 months in Australia.
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday
http://www.visabureau.com/australia/working-holiday-visa.aspx
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
http://www.visabureau.com/newzealand/working-holiday-visa.aspx
Several other countries offer Working Holiday Visas - not sure how many of these are available to U.S. citizens:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa
If you know of any other programs or jobs for Americans overseas, please add to the list in the comments.
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google 'joe bagent' who is an expat author. he lives down in aijiic mexico which is near guadalajara. A mile high in elevation. superb climate. There are thousands of americans and canadians in this area who spend their time talking in the village square and smoking weed. These are not hippies, but older people who worked and saved $$$.
ReplyDeletei have read reports that there are rooms for rent in this area for 'well under 100 dollars a month.'
These people eat one restaurant meal a day for a couple dollars and smoke cheap weed. And play guitar in the square.
You can get a tourist visa for 6 months, then take a chartered bus to the border and have it renewed. In practice, there are people who have been doing this for 20 years or more.
8:48 - that sounds fantastic. I was a originally a jam band following guy that got sucked into BigLaw, then spit out into the street after two years of service. With no jobs in site, I might seriously consider leaving the country - thanks Angel for this post. Have you had any success with Dave's ESL Cafe?
ReplyDeleteAngel - are you fleeing the country?
ReplyDeleteI wrote the article. Yes, I plan to leave the country by the end of the year. Where I'm going is private.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going anywhere, unfortunately. I'm just gonna stick it out here... but my heart is in Singapore!
ReplyDeleteHardknocks where are you going to?
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend Dave's ESL Cafe. There you can do more research on different recruiting companies. Footprints Recruiting is just one of many that will help you find jobs teaching English in other countries. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGang,
ReplyDeleteThis leaving the country thing is a lot easier said than done. Even the english-teaching jobs have tremendous competition, and you're also competing against seasoned professionals who want to do "something different"
Once your work visa expires you'll have to either leave or remain as an illegal worker. Most of these places don't want to keep you around for a lifetime. China, for instance, refuses to keep any english teacher for longer than a couple years - they want the kids exposed to other native speakers.
Good luck getting a foreign work visa if you can network while you're there - possible, but easier said than done. Also, you may regret burning bridges with the US down the road, especially with the IRS.
Face it, Folks. Our country has abandoned us. The America we thought we knew no longer exists, if it ever did. Start packing your bags and renew your passport. The time to go is NOW.
ReplyDeleteHey, May 9, 2010 9:30 AM:
ReplyDeleteSo what if you're kicked out of China after 1-2 years?? Just move to Japan or Korea or South America and teach there.
Who knows?? 3-4 years from now, maybe things in America will have improved for us unemployed JDs. I doubt it, but maybe 3-4 years is all Wall Street needs to start a whole new bubble that requires lots and lots of JDs to keep inflated.
But no one should burn bridges with the I.R.S. So long as you're a U.S. Citizen, you are required to file complete and honest tax returns with the I.R.S., even if you're living/working abroad.
If you did well on the LSATs, it is pretty lucrative to teach for one of the test prep companies in Asia (e.g. Princeton Review, Kaplans, etc...). Not only does it pay better than generic English teaching, you can usually get hooked up w/ very high paying one-on-one tutoring gigs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kady. Teaching LSAT is something to look into. I also heard teaching any test prep in Asia is lucrative since so many want to attend college and graduate school in the US. Don't know if this is true but someone told me their friend made close to $100k/year teaching test prep. Spreading the US college and law school scam in other countries is bound to be lucrative.
ReplyDelete#8 and #10: I have NEVER told anyone here to lie to the IRS. These are suggestions for graduates who have NO OTHER CHOICE because THEY CAN'T FIND A JOB in the US. Some people who leave the country will not pay off their loans. That is their choice and they will face the consequences if they are ever caught. However, there is nothing wrong with traveling and teaching for as long as possible in other countries to make extra money and live in a different culture. There is nothing wrong with trying your luck and possibly finding a job or meeting someone in another country. Angel and I personally know people who have successfully gotten married, knocked up, or found a job in another country and have stayed there for good. Having an adventure and traveling sure as hell beats being unemployed and living at home with your parents.
To #12 above:
ReplyDeleteWhat does "if they are ever caught" mean?? Defaulting on your loans is not a crime. Debtors prisons were abolished long, long ago. Or else, they'd be full of lawyers.
To #12 above:
ReplyDeleteWhat does "if they are ever caught" mean?? Defaulting on your loans is not a crime. Debtors prisons were abolished long, long ago. Or else, they'd be full of lawyers.
Anonymous: Defaulting on federal loans doesn't end you in prison, but the government can garnish your wages, withhold your Social Security benefits, or turn your loans over to a collection agency that can make your life a living hell.
ReplyDelete>>>Defaulting on federal loans doesn't end you in prison, but the government can garnish your wages, withhold your Social Security benefits, or turn your loans over to a collection agency that can make your life a living hell.<<<
ReplyDeleteHardKnocks, you sound like a Sallie Mae Collections Officer. How can a U.S. collection agency make your life a living hell if your life is now South of The Border?? And what good are your social security benefits if they're 40 years away. Thanks to the never-ending wars and bailouts, America will have gone bankrupt by then. There won't be any Social Security left.