Colombia

 

 

Bogota 

 About 

Colombia's got a bad reputation but the country is going through a renaissance of sorts lately.  Home of the third largest economy in South America (which is saying something for it's small size), the lively cities of Cartagena and Bogota, incredible wildlife, a Caribbean coast and more - this country has something for everyone. 

Language

Colombia is home to the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in Latin America (right after Mexico).  Knowing at least some Spanish will get you a bit farther in terms of work.  

Best For: 

- English teachers

- Spanish speakers working in business, marketing, or sales (though xpatjobs.com lists opening by language and has posts for everything from French to Norweigan speaking jobs)

- For executives, a recruiter could help (along with being bilingual!) 

Visa Information 

You must secure employment first, then leave the country to receive your work permit (visa runs to Ecuador or farther).  The visa cost will likely fall on you - currently it's roughly $225 USD plus $77 for your residence card. 

The Moneys

It is possible to secure a decent salary in Colombia with a job in business or sales, and it's one of your best bets for teaching English in South America.  English teachers make $600-900 USD per month at a language institute, or roughly $10 an hour.  Bigger cities will obviously pay more than small towns. 

Jobs Available 

Teaching English is the easiest job to secure (at least if you're a native English speaker).  Some language schools are looking for other language teachers as well.  Other than that, mostly large companies need various executives for sales, business, and marketing.  Craigslist.org has some random jobs thrown in as well. 

In Summary

I've heard good things.  

Beach par-tay!

China

  

China - it's big.  

About 

China is officially the world's most populous country with well over one billion inhabitants, and it's currently one of the strongest economies worldwide as well.  China has a lot of land to cover and offers the most vibrant cities and the most rural of country as well, so you should be able to find a nice little fat o' the land to call your own, whether it's a micro studio in Shanghai or a shack on a backcountry road. 

Language

Chinese (Mandarin), with numerous regional languages, including Cantonese, spoken throughout the country.  English and Chinese are the official languages of Hong Kong. 

Best For 

- Language teachers (English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, etc) 

- Mandarin speakers with great qualifications (education, work experience, etc)

- Chefs  

Visa Information

 This is where things get a little fuzzy.  Some teaching gigs will hire you without a work visa and let you teach on your tourist visa, though it is technically illegal and those employers might cut corners elsewhere as well.  Other schools will set up your work visa once you accept the job.  You're going to need a tourist visa before you arrive anyway, so it's best to arrive with this and transition once you find employment.

The Moneys 

China is being touted as the newest Land of Milk and Honey for English teachers, with high salaries and low cost of living.  This, of course, depends entirely on your school, as there are about five horror stories to every one touting the lucrative lifestyle.  Many schools will set you up with accommodation which will lower your costs, but don't expect luxury digs.  Hong Kong pays much higher but the cost of living is much higher as well.  Depending on where you're located, the average salary for English teachers is roughly 10-20,000 RMB ($1,630-3,260) per month.  So if you play your cards right, you could save some money and live a decent life as well. 

Apparently the Chinese government is imposing a 50% "social benefits tax" on all foreigners, though it hasn't clarified how the tax will be enforced and collected, just something to keep in mind...

Jobs Available 

"Real jobs" are apparently hard to come by except in Hong Kong, where competition is tough but the opportunities are there if you're lucky and dig hard enough.  Your best bet is to teach your native language (unless you're a spectacular chef, in which case you should find some opportunities as well).  From language centers to universities, private tutoring to kindergartens, teaching is the way to go here. 

 Hong Kong - great if you can get it!

In Summary 

There's also pollution (16 of the top 20 most polluted cities are in China), internet and media censorship, and from what I hear, some 'fascinating' food.  But if you've got strong lungs, a stronger stomach, and a penchant for the East, why not give it a go?

Beijing on a clear day. 

Chile

Santiago 

About 

Chile covers a narrow slice of South America and manages to squeeze in mountains, desert, cities, and beaches within its limited width.  The country is recognized as one of South America's leading nations in terms of human rights, prosperity, and low levels of corruption.  From the world's driest desert in the north of Antarctic territory in the south, you're sure to find a suitable climate, though the capitol Santiago will have your best options for work, especially if your Spanish skills are limited.

Best For 

- Couples with college degrees, especially those that work in mining, IT, or engineering

- Australians, Canadians, and Kiwis aged 18 - 35 with a healthy savings account

- Professionals in mining, construction, and agriculture 

- Spanish/English speaking couples 

- Brave and experienced teachers

Visa Information 

Visas are given to foreigners once you sign a contract with an employer - getting the contract is the tricky part.  Many jobs, including teaching English, will rarely give you either, in which case visa runs must be made every 90 days (Mendoza is close and has great wine).  Working holiday visas are available for 18-30 year olds from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.  You're limited to work in the travel industry that doesn't pay much if at all, but it's a good way to spend a year without spending much money.  

Mmmm...visa runs....

The Moneys 

From 200,000 CLP ($385 USD) per month for a degree-less worker in the mining industry on minimum wage, to 2 million CLP ($3850) for a senior executive or engineer.  If you strike it lucky, have experience, and enjoy long days and subway rides, teaching English pays 4-10,000 CLP ($8-38) per hour. 

Jobs Available 

You'll have to take a leap of faith and land before looking.  Professional positions in engineering, oil, and mining can be found, especially with some Spanish and networking, and teaching English is an option, but reportedly tough.  You'll have the best luck with teaching jobs in March as the entire country goes on holiday in February. But beware:  the market is flooded (and it's seemingly difficult to find a positive article about teaching there). 

In Summary 

Looks good if you're into ore, tiding a trip over, or just feeling lucky. 

Canada

About 

The friendly neighbor of the United States, Canada offers numerous options for foreigners to work either temporarily to settle down and call this vast country home.  

Location 

Canada covers almost 4 million square miles, from the Pacific to the Atlantic to the Arctic.  Most of the cities are located in the south closer to the US border - northern territories are saved for the brave.

Lake Louise (bucket list)

Language

English in most territories, French in Quebec.

Best For 

- Couples 18-35 years old from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (looking to stay for one year or less) * note - for some countries the cut-off age is 30 for the working holiday visa
- French/English speaking couples 
- If one of you is a live-in caregiver and the other a pilot, you've got it made
- Skilled workers, including software development, accounting, electricians, etc.
- Canada has a lovely, easy-to-use website with numerous visa options, so it's best to look around for the right fit whether it's a working holiday or permanent resident visa. 

Quebec in the winter

Visa Information

There are many options available depending on your line of work and your length of stay.  Regardless, work visas are necessary for most positions.  The working holiday option is by far your best bet if y'all are both under 35 and from one of the above mentioned countries. 

Canada welcomes over 250,000 immigrants per year, giving it one of the highest immigration rates in the world.  Again, their handy website can help you sort out your more permanent options. 

Quebec is the place to go if one or both of you speak French.  They have a temporary work permit which is a great option for "executives, researchers, and specialists in the high-tech, health, culture and education sectors."

The Moneys 

You won't be starving and you won't be rich. 

Jobs Available

If you are an executive, pilot, chef, software engineer, specialist of any kind, medical worker, teacher, electrician, or just have general skillz, you should be able to find something somewhere.  Temporary workers should look in hospitality, ski resorts, and tourism to secure work.  It might take some time and networking sure helps, but the jobs are there.  

In Summary 

If y'all are looking for a place to adventure and spend a year (and don't mind the cold), then why not?

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro 

About   

Brazil has a long-rooted history with migrants and the welcome gates are currently open.  The fifth largest country in the world with the sixth highest GDP, this controversial host of the 2014 Summer Olympics is currently experiencing a worker shortage in specialized fields like medicine and engineering.  Costs are skyrocketing but the jobs are there, especially if you have the skills they could use.  Brazil's been actively campaigning for foreign migrants lately and there's a thriving ex-pat community across the country.  

Location 

The largest and most populous country in South America.  Brazil features famous beaches on the Atlantic side, the majority of the Amazon jungle, crazy cities, extensive farmland, and mountain ranges, so there's something for every taste.

The Amazon (these massive water lilies can support up to 40 kg)

Language 

Portuguese (a slightly different version than what is spoken in Portugal)  

Best For 

- Portuguese/English speaking couples 

- Skilled workers, including doctors, engineers, accountants, executives, etc.

- Language teachers 

Visa Information 

 Though the government is dramatically improving the number of work visas doled out, the legal papers are still hard to come by.  Most teaching jobs are typically paid under the table.  Companies with a foot in Brazil and another elsewhere can help you out with visas the easiest - especially if they are based in your home country.  Your tourist visa can not go farther than 180 days, and though legal and more permanent positions can be found through networking, don't count on staying past your visa expiration date.

For more technical or skilled jobs, the company will help process the visa but you might still be expected to pay for it (roughly $160 USD).

The Moneys 

Brazil is expensive and costs are still rising.  It's best to keep some money in your bank account from home to help pay for loans and for emergencies.  English teachers make 10 real at the low end and 50 at the highest end ($4 - 22 USD) depending on the school, and factor in time for transportation between classes too.  Most teachers teach at least two schools to stay afloat with hours.

In terms of skilled work, salaries will be high, but keep in mind Rio de Janeiro has roughly the same cost of living as New York City so rent will be high too.

Jobs Available 

Corporate jobs, medical work, teaching positions, anything in the engineering or technical field.  If you can get a job before you go, great, but it's more likely you'll find one on the ground.

In Summary 

Brazil's a crazy place lately, and the general public isn't too happy about the government's spending on the Olympics or the rising cost of living (see:  The Salad Uprising).  Many of the issues on the table are regarding education, healthcare, and infrastructure and the government has listened enough to say it needs help through skilled foreign workers.  All I'm saying is if you do find a job, know you are part of a national dialogue.  The protests are massive and the police brutality traumatic while the world waits to see how or if it will change the course for the country.  It's either an amazing time to be in the country or a complete nightmare - it just depends on how politically charged you like your adventures abroad.

Just be safe (and let me know how it goes). 

Australia

About 

A working-traveler's mecca, Australia makes the temporary visa process super easy and allows you to stay and work for up to a year (more info below).  Beaches, outback, cities, the Great Barrier reef - this country/continent covers a lot of ground so you'll need a year to see a fraction of it.   There's a ton of information on The Internets regarding the working-holiday program so this post will be brief. 

Location 

Australia.  It's a continent so if you don't know where it is I'd highly recommend paying more attention in school.  

Language 

English all the way.  

Best For

Any international couples UNDER THE AGE OF 30 from Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the USA and Uruguay.

Visa Information

Applicants must apply ahead for the working holiday visa online.  When I applied I heard back within 24 hours, and then you have three months to enter the country so you better be ready.  Proof of at least $5,000 is necessary to enter to the country but sometimes goes unchecked.  Once you have the visa you are allowed to work anywhere ('casually') for up to six months per employer.  The visa lasts one year.  

The Moneys 

No tips, but average baristas make $17 Australian per hour so that's not bad.  

Jobs Available

Restaurants, cafes, dive masters, tour guides, hostel/hotel/resort help, childcare providers, fruit pickers, etc.  Just show up and ask around.

In Summary  

I changed my plans after I got the visa and if you don't enter the country within three months you lose your chance forever, plus the other half is over 30, but it's a GREAT option if you and your beau and looking for a place to work and travel for a year while making some decent money. 

Working-holidayers picking fruit.

Argentina

Buenos Aires

About 

Argentina covers a large chunk of land in South America, and many jobs can be found in the "Paris of the South," Buenos Aires.  Known for great steaks, tango dancing, friendly people and a vibrant art scene, it's not a bad place to hang your hats for awhile.  The country has cities, mountains, beaches, wide open plains...just don't put all your savings into the peso quite yet. 

Sold. 

Location 

The only thing farther south is Antarctica, north is Brazil, and the large country leaves just enough space for Chile to the west.  

Language

Spanish.  Knowing at least SOME Spanish will help your job search go much, much farther.

Best For

- Spanish-speaking couples

- English and language teachers

- Those looking to stretch their money and stay with a short or long term working situation 

- All-around hustlers 

Visa Information 

The vast majority of work is going to be paid under-the-table, this means that your working conditions won't be ideal but you won't have to deal with work permit nonsense.  You can enter on a tourist visa and extend this repeatedly within the country - sometimes up to a few years.

The Moneys

English teachers (the most common type of work) make a whopping 25 - 70 Argentenian pesos per hour ($4.50 - $12).  The best advice is to assume you'll be making $4 an hour and take it from there.  Private lessons pay a little bit more, and other jobs will probably pay about the same.  Don't expect to get rich and definitely have a cushion for trips, emergencies, flights, etc.  Working in Argentina is really a way to extend your money, not a way to save a ton.  Jobs outside Buenos Aires will pay the same and life is cheaper, so look into those options especially if city-living isn't quite your thing. 

Jobs Available

English teaching jobs, usually at language centers, are plentiful, however finding a decent job that pays well is more difficult (again, you're technically not working legally so you don't have many rights in this situation). 

If your Spanish is decent there is bar work available, though expect to make less than teaching in this situation.  Expat bars are your best bet for finding employment there.  There are also call center jobs if you're extremely desperate (the more you work the less you spend?) 

English teaching jobs usually require travel around the city, so smaller towns would make this much easier in terms of your time.  The best time to find jobs is before the term starts, in March/April.  

Here's a link to some other links and great job sites. 

Craigslist Buenos Aires is a great resource for private teaching, general labor, etc.  Especially great if you teach a language other then English or Spanish. 

In Summary

It's on my list for sure.  The lack of visa makes work easy to find and secure, it's got some great scenery to explore, and steak is cheap.  Why not?