How to Work Abroad Tips for 2024: A Practical Guide for Global Job Seekers

Working abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, learn new skills, and explore different cultures. However, working in a foreign country also comes with its own set of challenges, such as visa and legal issues, language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness. In this article, we will share some tips on how to work abroad, tips that will help you prepare and plan for your international career, from choosing the right country, visa and legal considerations, cultural and language preparation, global job search, networking, and overcoming homesickness and culture shock.

One of the first steps to working abroad is choosing the right country for your career goals, personal preferences, and lifestyle. There are many factors to consider when selecting a country for work.

You should also consider your own motivations and expectations for working abroad, such as:

• Duration and type of work you want to do: short-term or long-term, full-time or part-time, freelance or contract, etc.
• The level of challenge and adventure you are looking for
• The degree of flexibility and independence you need
• Your career planning: the opportunities for personal and professional growth and development

Working abroad can also mean digitally working for a foreign country, without having to physically relocate. This is an option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of working in a global market, while staying in their home country or traveling the world as a digital nomad. 

However, this also requires a high level of self-discipline, time management, and communication skills, as well as reliable internet access and equipment.

One of the first simple steps for you to become a global citizen in your job search journey is to "transform yourself" into a person working according to the "digital nomad" trend. In this way, you can somehow experience the working style, working methods, cultural exchange as well as have the first stepping stones in finding and working abroad.

Another important step to working abroad is looking at the visa requirements and legal preparations you need to make if you want to move to another country. Depending on the country and the type of work you want to do, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a work visa, a business visa, a student visa, a tourist visa, or a working holiday visa. You should also check the eligibility criteria, the application process, the fees, and the validity period of the visa you need.

The case might be different for those who work remotely, but you should still understand the legal considerations for your home country, such as the tax issues, the registration of your business, and the contracts and invoices you need to issue. Each type of Visa in each country will correspond to different purposes, so the corresponding issuance time will also be different. 

For more information, you can find more information about the visa and legal requirements for working in Taiwan here.

Working abroad also requires a high level of cultural and language proficiency and communication skills. You will need to understand and adapt to the culture and language of the country you are working in, as well as the work culture and etiquette of your employer and colleagues. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and frustrations, and build trust and rapport with your co-workers and clients.

Some tips for cultural and language preparation

1. Learn the basics of the language of the country

Greetings, introductions, numbers, dates, directions, and common phrases. 

2. Research the culture and history of the country

The values, beliefs, customs, traditions, norms, and taboos. 

3. Observe and respect the cultural differences and similarities between your home country and the host country

Communication styles, the work ethics, the dress codes, the social norms, and the etiquette. 

Finding a job abroad can be challenging, but not impossible, if you know how to utilize the international job search platforms and resources available to you. Some of the ways you can find a job abroad are:

Use online job boards and websites

Online platforms that specialize in global or regional job opportunities, such as Cake, Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Jobbatical. You can also use niche job boards that cater to specific industries, fields, or skills, such as Stack Overflow, AngelList, or Remote.co.

Social media and professional networks

An ideal way to connect with potential employers, recruiters, or referrals, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Meetup! You can also join online communities and groups that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, such as Reddit, Quora, or Slack.

Take advantage of good references

Use personal contacts and referrals to get introduced to or recommended by someone who works or knows someone who works in the country or company you are interested in. You can also attend events, workshops, seminars, or conferences that are related to your industry, field, or skill, and network with the attendees, speakers, or organizers.

Appreciate each small project or opportunity

Use freelance platforms and websites to find short-term or project-based work opportunities, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal. You can also use online marketplaces and websites that offer services or products that are in demand in the country you are interested in.

When applying for a job abroad, you will also need to tailor your application materials for a global audience, such as your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or website.  You can visit here for more tips for preparing your application documents.

Working abroad also means building connections with foreign expatriate communities and global professionals, who can offer you support, guidance, and opportunities for your international career. Networking in international communities can help you learn more about the culture, language, and work environment of the country you are working in, and get tips and advice from people who have been in your situation before.  

Besides, it also helps you find potential mentors who can help you grow and develop yourself. By this way, you can discover new job opportunities just through expanding your professional network and exposure. 

Make new friends and socialize with people who can relate to your experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and provide you with emotional support, companionship, and fun. 

Some tips for networking in international communities

1. Join online or offline groups, clubs, or organizations 

Take the chance to join the community that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, or that cater to expatriates, foreigners, or travelers in the country you are working in. For instance, some online platforms that can help you are: Meetup, InterNations, or Couchsurfing.

2. The more the merrier

Reach out to people who work or have worked in the country or company you are interested in, or who have similar backgrounds, interests, or goals as you, and introduce yourself, express your interest, or ask for advice. 

3. Maintain your relationships with your connections

Follow up and maintain your relationships with the people you meet or connect with, and show your appreciation, interest, or support. You can use online platforms such as email, Skype, or Zoom, to communicate and keep in touch with these people, or send them thank-you notes, feedback, or recommendations.

Working abroad can also cause homesickness and culture shock, which are common emotional challenges that many expatriates face when moving to a new country. Homesickness is the feeling of missing one’s home, family, friends, or familiar environment, while culture shock is the feeling of confusion, stress, or anxiety that results from encountering a different culture, language, or way of life. Some of the symptoms of homesickness and culture shock are:

• Feeling lonely, isolated, or depressed
• Being nostalgic, sentimental, or regretful
• Easy to become frustrated, angry, or resentful
• Feeling bored, restless, or dissatisfied
• Physical problems: having difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating and headaches, stomachaches, or allergies

To deal with homesickness and culture shock, you can learn from some coping strategies as:

Stay connected 

Keep in touch with your friends and family, and share your feelings and experiences with them. 

Create a familiar environment in your living space

Surround yourself with things that remind you of home, such as photos, souvenirs, or music. You can also cook or order familiar foods, or watch or read familiar media, such as movies, shows, or books.

Healthy routines help

It gives you a sense of structure and normalcy, and helps you cope with stress and uncertainty. You can also set goals and plans that motivate you and keep you focused, such as learning a new skill, taking a course, or traveling to a new place.

Professional guidance

Seeking professional help if you feel that your homesickness or culture shock is affecting your mental or physical health, or interfering with your work or personal life. Anyone else who can provide you with emotional support, guidance, or treatment.

Working abroad can be a life-changing and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation and planning, as well as adaptation and resilience. By following the how to work abroad tips we shared in this article, you can choose the right country, visa and legal issues, cultural and language preparation, job search, networking, and coping strategies for your international career. 

If you are ready to take the leap and work abroad, visit Cake’s job search portal and follow our blog for more insightful career advice. Wish you all the best in your global journey!

--- Originally Written by Andrea Do ---