Seeing the world for (almost) free
Working abroad may enrich your soul
By Chris McGinnis
Special to CNN
(CNN) -- Forget about that dream vacation at the beach for a moment. If you are a student, between jobs, or just ready for a change, don't pass on a chance to spend a few weeks or a few months working overseas.
There's no better way to learn about another country, culture and language than to live there and work side by side with locals. You won't make a fortune, but the experience will broaden your world view and enrich your soul. And while finding a job overseas is not a simple task, it's actually easier than you might think -- and now is the time to start planning for summer trips.
Asia is calling
Did you know that nearly half billion Chinese are currently studying English? Teachers of English as a second language are in especially great demand in China and other fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia. Demand is so great, in fact, that most programs not only pay a salary, but train you to teach, and pay for your airline ticket and housing.
"You'll most likely find jobs that include free airfare where there is the highest demand for English teachers, especially South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand and Indonesia," says Troy Peden, the founder and editor of goabroad.com, a clearinghouse of practical information and a search engine for jobs in other countries. "But many of the programs won't pay your airfare up front. You have to complete your teaching duties first; then they will reimburse you for your airfare when you return," he adds.
For example, Korea's Ministry of Education sponsors the EPIK program, which provides training, a monthly salary, free housing and airfare to/from Seoul to about 250 English-speaking university graduates each year. Kye Won Ryuk of the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. (which administers the program) told CNN that participants earn about $1,400 per month, get full medical insurance, plus a cash bonus to help them get settled in the country.
For those willing to commit to five to 10 months, the 57-year-old Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) helps place about 100 Americans in salaried English teaching positions in Thailand or China each year. To be eligible for the program, you must have earned an undergraduate degree -- but not necessarily in education or English. "You may be teaching a class in economics, but you'll be teaching it in English," says CIEE's Martin Hogan, adding that these teaching positions are well-paid, come with free housing, and usually include airfare as well.
Europe too
In Spain, a language training company called Vaughn Systems recruits English speakers to provide Spaniards with seven-day total immersion English courses. If you like talking to people on a variety of different subjects and are patient and helpful, Vaughn Systems will pick up the tab for your hotel room and all your meals for seven days in either Valdelavilla or Gredos. But you have to agree to interact with its clients and speak English -- and only English. As a matter of fact, Vaughn warns, "If you know how to speak Spanish, be it limited, broken Spanish or fast and fluent Spanish, we really would prefer that you not come. This is an English-speaking experience for the Spaniards."
"Before you agree to participate in any program anywhere, be sure and ask for a list of alumni to contact and ask about their experiences before you sign on," advises goabroad.com's Peden.
Jobs for students
For Americans interested in living and working in service-type jobs in the United Kingdom, the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) helps obtain six-month British work visas and then provides seasonal job leads for a fee of $275. In 2003, 23 percent of participants found jobs before leaving the United States, and the rest found them within seven days of arrival in the U.K. BUNAC tells American students that "your accent is a customer-attracting 'novelty' in traditional British workplaces and adds authenticity to U.S.-style theme restaurants."
Also, the previously mentioned CIEE helps U.S. students (as well as non-students) obtain the work visas necessary to legally work in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Ireland. Once you've obtained your visa, the organization will help you find seasonal jobs in pubs, hotels, restaurants, or even outdoor jobs like picking fruit.
Volunteers wanted
How would you like to volunteer to work on an archaeological dig in Greece, restore a medina in Morocco, or develop hiking trails in Germany's Black Forest? CIEE's Hogan recommends its volunteer programs for anyone interested in an inexpensive experience in another country. "There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities that last just two or three weeks and include free housing and meals. All you have to do is buy your airline ticket," he says.
