Everyone loves a vacation, and for most people the idea of occasional travel sounds appealing. But, for some special souls, the travel experience is too wonderful to be satisfied with a yearly vacation. For some, it needs to be a lifestyle. Whether one wants to travel constantly, or only to work in another country, there is likely a career that fits with those desires.
Proper preparation is important
Long-term travel is more demanding than the standard two-week vacation, and those considering making a career of it should be prepared for this. Working abroad requires a unique persistence and capacity for dealing with the unknown. You’ll want to make sure your health is covered with citizen secure insurance, and also allow yourself time for an adjustment period once you arrive in your country of choice. Preparing by doing research and getting the proper vaccinations are all necessary to leave the country with peace-of-mind.
Careers for the travel enthusiast
Travel Nurse
Well-trained medical staff are in high demand all over the globe, and becoming a traveling nurse is a great way to explore new places while helping people in need. Most travel nurses focus on working in the U.S. because the pay is so good, but it is possible to nurse in other countries as well.
Travel nurses must typically have at least a year and a half of experience working in a hospital setting in their particular field before a travel nurse company will hire them. Once hired, travel nurse companies will help place employees in different cities where there is a need for nursing staff. Housing is typically provided for travel nurses in their host city.
Foreign Service
Becoming a civil servant offers travel enthusiasts some unique benefits. The U.S. government, for instance, has institutions all over the world, allowing civil servants the opportunity to work in a variety of exotic locations. The pay is also usually good, and positions include government benefits such as health insurance.
The Department of State divides up foreign service work between Foreign Service Officers and Foreign Service Specialists. Officers work in the consular, management, public diplomacy, economic and political capacities. Specialists fill roles like administration, construction, IT and so on.
It can be challenging to land a job in the Foreign Service, but if you have the passion and skills, you can work in almost any major city in the world, and quite a few of the not-so-major ones too.
International aid
While foreign service employees work for the government in international capacities, international aid workers work for private or non-profit organizations. This is a career that allows the travel enthusiast to experience some of the most out-of-the-way places in the world, while serving those most in need.
International aid work is obviously not for the faint of heart. Some administration positions might not require going into the field, but many do. However, for the traveler who wants to help those in need, it can be an ideal career.
English teacher
Teaching English has allowed a great number of people to see the world and make money while doing it. The majority of demand for English teachers comes from Asia and Eastern Europe. This is typically where those starting off in teaching English will wind up, but it is possible with experience and the right credentials to visit other parts of the world as well.
Most English teachers must have a four-year degree, although some countries will accept an English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate. The requirements for positions become more stringent as pay increases and in countries with no shortage of English teachers.
Nothing comparable
Although preparation may seem cumbersome, there are few things more rewarding than living abroad while following a satisfying career. For those who love to travel, there is probably no better way to enjoy what the world has to offer. Possible careers are abundant, and for those who are interested, there is likely a career out there that fits the desires, talents and interests of the travel enthusiast looking for a travel-oriented career.
Originally posted on April 4, 2013 @ 5:47 pm