Single woman looking to work abroad - Experiences?

[cookingandlooking]

Hi all

I'm at a point in my life where I have no ties, lost my job and am now looking at opportunities to work abroad.

Would prefer Europe but open to other places.

Only thing is... I have absolutely no idea how I go about it, where I look for jobs, are you able to just apply for a job in another country and live there?

Anybody got any experiences they can share please?

Thank you!

What sector are you in?

Sorry, I meant to ask if you have any languages? I've worked in about 5 different countries and would love to do it again, but am aware that unemployment rates will be high everywhere due to Covid. Unless you work in medicine, in which case you should be fine.

Unfortunately not! I work in marketing!

I know it's the ideal time at all, but one can but try!

Anybody?

What languages do you speak?

I don't (just English)

Hmm. I can't speak for other countries but I lived in Spain for 4 years as a TESOL teacher. Having had prior experience in marketing I applied for a job, but soon found that marketing jobs were badly paid so went back to teaching.

The issue now, like a PP said, is that many countries will jow be hit by economic downturn and recession. I suppose what I'm saying is, do your research about the current state of things but it may be best to hold off on a move until next year.

Keep an eye on the Escape the City job boards - they quite often seem to have jobs abroad that don't require languages. You'll probably have to look further afield than Europe.

Do you want to stay in marketing? Would you consider taking a CELTA and retraining as an English teacher? That opens lots of doors although it won't make you pots of cash.

I've been in Italy as an English teacher for 26 years. I came for two

The market for ESL now is predominantly Chinese and predominantly online (obviously at the mo')

There was a time when you could get a teaching job with no Celta or equivalent but those days are long gone, though some Chinese companies still take you as a native speaker with no teaching qualifications.

Hi,

I lived in South Korea for two years as an English teacher straight out of uni.

All you need is a degree and you're good to go for most places.

I earned about 1800 a month working there, with about £200 of it going on bills, was a fantastic lifestyle with so many expats from UK/USA/Australia. I miss it!

Literally search ESL jobs and thousands of websites will pop up with job opportunities.

For reference my degree was in politics, not teaching! Haha

I had a stint as a can can dancer at the Moulin Rouge. Not sure if that helps

There is also the small matter of Brexit .... the UK leaves the EU for good on 31st December 2020. Your timing is not exactly ideal OP.

Your best bet is probably to go as an au pair or as a holiday rep tbh and the latter is very much reliant on there actually being a tourist industry next year.

If you want to teach English you will need to get a TEFL/TESOL qualification first.

Thank you all! Food for thought!

I used to see marketing jobs for hotels abroad in The Global Caterer. But this year there will be few, if any jobs and huge competition. If you could look for marketing jobs with multinationals, that might be the best chance this year.

You just look for jobs, get one, move to temporary accommodation, find something more permanent once you settle in. I took a job in India in my 20s. Moved sight unseen (they fortunately could provide me with short term housing). Then I found an estate agent and a longer term let once I was there. I was amazing. The happiest time in my life probably and I met dh and we moved back home together (he was also working there).

Thank you! That's really helpful info!

I know it's not an ideal time and the chances are slim but worth a try!

Look at workaway I just spent a year abroad using it.

I can't help you with finding work, my job is quite specific, but, I worked in France for a couple of years, and Hong Kong. Moved to both by myself and had a great time. Feels forever ago now! Try and give it a go if you can, I love looking back through my pictures and telling my stories, now I'm boring and settled!