Travel trends today show an increasing number of young people on the road. Students and backpackers seek out countries around the world with working holiday visa programs for under 30’s, promoting international work and travel for millennials. But what about our older generations? While there are no working holidays abroad visa for over 50’s, it is never too late to hit the road.
Whether you’re in the middle of a career change or close to retirement, adapting to an empty nest after sending the kids to college or just have an overwhelming desire to see the world, there are endless opportunities for adventure, change, and inspiration. There are plenty of jobs for older people abroad, and this may in fact be the best time to make your move.
Jobs abroad for the over 50’s can be both fun and challenging. With experience under your belt, you’ll be able to find more professional opportunities—after all, jobs abroad for over 50’s aren’t necessarily an extended holiday! But don’t be afraid to reward yourself. Embark on international travel and adopt a new way of life. You deserve it!
Considerations to make before finding paid work abroad for over 50’s
Finding paid work abroad for over 50’s involves major change. It means uprooting everything you know, and the planning can be overwhelming at times. If you’re unsure if this is the right move for you, make these considerations before starting the search for jobs for older people abroad.
What are your goals?
Your opportunities abroad are endless. Before finding paid work abroad for over 50’s, consider what you want to accomplish from working abroad. Are you seeking inspiration from a short-term adventure overseas, or do you want to relocate to an exotic land indefinitely? Do you want to make a difference in a foreign community, bond with the locals, or get your foot in the door of an international company? Is your goal to pay the bills or find a new hobby?
As your goals materialize, your search becomes easier. Still in need of advice? GoAbroad’s Online Advisor is the perfect resource to help steer you in the right direction. Simply fill out your personal details and wildest travel dreams, and GoAbroad will give you personal advice and the most up-to-date information on working abroad.
How much time do you have?
Jobs overseas for seniors come in all shapes, forms, and lengths. While most paid work abroad for over 50’s requires a minimum time commitment, it’s possible to do both short-and long-term work abroad.
Those looking for a career break can find short-term travel jobs for seniors, whether you want to house sit, farm, or lend a hand at an overseas summer camp. Hoping to settle into a new country for a while? There are plenty of opportunities teaching abroad, whether it’s for two months or two years.
What is your financial situation?
It’s no surprise that you’ll need some money to travel abroad. Even if you are looking for paid work abroad for over 50’s, it’s a good idea to have money saved before you begin your adventure. After all, you’ll need to cover program fees, flights, accommodation, and meals. Keep a safety net, too, for emergencies. Life is full of twists and turnsif for any reason this turns out not to make your wildest dreams come true, or you need to get home quickly, you’ll want enough saved to book a flight at a moment’s notice.
Remember, your retirement fund doesn’t count! You’ll need this when you return home and want to settle in and take it easy. Instead, think about what you can give up when moving abroad. Sell the things that aren’t important, and embrace the simple things while abroad.
And what about family?
Jobs abroad for seniors are enjoyed the most when you can fully embrace your new lifestyle with no strings attached. While we all love our families, they can complicate things when making plans to move abroad.
If your children have recently left home, this is the perfect time to travel abroad. You won’t have to worry about leaving them behind, as they will also have exciting new things ahead. If you’re married, consider your partner’s feelings. If they share your wanderlust, consider bringing them along for a fresh start and new adventure!
What skills do you have and are they relevant in other countries?
Some skills are sought after in particular parts of the world. When applying for travel jobs for seniors, think about your work experience and skills that you can offer to a foreign job market. Perhaps you have worked in childcare for years and want to make a difference to children in an underprivileged community abroad. You may have IT experience and knowledge to bring to a new market.
No matter what you have committed your time to in the past, there is bound to be a job market where you can apply your skills!
Are you willing to rough it?
Are you prepared to leave the comforts of home? While living conditions vary greatly depending on your destination for overseas jobs for seniors, you’ll undoubtedly need to make some adjustments. This may mean downgrading from a family home to a small apartment, sharing a room with a roommate, or accepting more extreme conditions.
There are plenty of jobs abroad for the over 50’s in underdeveloped countries, but be prepared to give up air conditioning and plumbing. The new “normal” will involve outhouses and mosquito nets instead of shiny toilets and luxurious king-sized beds. Think about what you can handle and what is essential to make you feel at home.
What are the visa regulations abroad?
Overseas jobs for seniors can be limited in some countries due to visa regulations. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada offer working holiday visa options to promote working abroad, but these have age limitations of 30 to 35 years old. Unfortunately, there are no working holidays abroad for over 50’s, but no one said it was impossible to get a work visa for travel jobs for seniors.
Asian countries typically have easier visa processes if you’re seeking jobs overseas for seniors. Consider Southeast Asia for little age restriction, cheap living costs, and tasty food!
And the biggie… Can you speak a foreign language?
If you are looking for work in a non-English speaking country, it goes without saying: language skills are key. Speaking the native language of your destination will open doors in every direction.
If you can’t speak the language, it will be much more difficult to find a job, although not a deal breaker. Look into the job requirements, as certain destinations and job fields are more lenient with language skills.
Either way, it’s a good idea to learn the basics. Download a language app, pack a guidebook, or enroll in language courses abroad.
4 companies offering jobs overseas for seniors
Jobs abroad for the over 50’s crowd can be limited at times, so we’ve put together a list of our top program picks with no age limitations.
1. International TEFL Academy
International TEFL Academy is one of GoAbroad’s top programs for earning your TEFL certification. The program offers both full-time TEFL courses abroad in your destination and online courses. After completing your certification, you’ll receive one-on-one assistance with job placement, access to alumni services and networks, and a lifetime of job search support. It is the first step to becoming a global citizen with access to paid work for over 50’s in 25 countries around the world.
[6 Best Countries for Seniors Teaching English Abroad]
2. Abbey Road
Become their next favorite hire as a summer support or faculty staff for this program provider in Italy and Spain—who doesn’t want to get paid to summer in Barcelona and Florence?! This program has positions available for program coordinators, directors, instructors, and more. Which is the right fit for you? We can’t wait to find out.
- Where you can find jobs: Florence, Milan, Rome, Italy; Barcelona, Cadiz, Spain
- When do they hire? Spring
- Get more info: Abbey Road reviews
3. Amity Corporation
Amity Corporation is another program for teachers abroad, specifically in Japan. This program does not require a TEFL certification, only a bachelor’s degree, and is open to all ages – the perfect place to look for travel jobs for seniors! Through Amity Corporation, you’ll gain valuable teaching skills and international business experience while finding inspiration through the eyes of children. Join today and gain access to over 85 schools throughout Japan and the opportunity to teach conversational English.
4. Viamonde
If teaching is not your passion, consider joining Via Monde to find jobs abroad for the over 50’s who aren’t ready to rest on their laurels. Via Monde can hook you up with a chef position at a ski lodge in the glorious Alps, giving you plenty of time to recondition your ski knees amidst the slopes of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Sound too good to be true?! It ain’t! Sharpen your chef’s knives and head to Europe
- Where you can find jobs: Switzerland
- When do they hire? Ongoing
- Get more info: Viamonde Reviews
[Browse ALL Jobs Abroad]
More awesome resources on jobs abroad for the over 50’s
Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons and have considered all the factors that go into travel jobs for seniors, it’s time for some inspiration!
- No matter your age, GoAbroad’s guide to jobs abroad can give you even more detail on planning for jobs abroad for the over 50’s, including a step-by-step guide for finding jobs abroad.
- Sometimes finding paid work abroad for over 50’s can be limiting, especially when it comes to the destination and visa regulations. If money isn’t an issue and you want to take the humanitarian approach, volunteering abroad for over 50’s could be the answer. Here are all the reasons volunteering abroad for older people could bring new meaning to your life!
- It’s always helpful to hear from the experts (or expats). If you’re looking for some words of encouragement for finding work abroad, check out our video packed full of advice from those who have done it.
You’re not too old to find overseas jobs for seniors
Working abroad isn’t just for college grads and young backpackers. In fact, overseas jobs for seniors could be the best start to your golden years. After decades spent in an office or caring for your family, why not break away from the routine and make a change! With experience under your belt, your work abroad will be even more meaningful. Start your search for paid work abroad for over 50’s today and don’t look back!
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