Living abroad is something most people dream about at some point in their lives, and while some might not wish to relocate somewhere else for good, it doesn’t mean that they don’t weigh the pros and cons of every single place they have on their list every now and then. Since the pandemic, more and more people have begun working remotely as well, and while some choose to do so from the comfort of their own homes, many have opted to travel and see the world at the same time. As a result, they choose to work in different countries and experience other cultures and worldviews in the process.
For those who are still studying, doing so in a different environment can sound incredible as well, since it allows you to grow and evolve as a person, apart from helping with your education. However, deciding where to go abroad can be rather challenging. After all, there are so many beautiful destinations out there. Here are a few of the options you need to add to your list, if you haven’t thought about them yet.
New Zealand
Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is one of the top choices of people looking to work remotely. The country is well-known for its healthy work-life balance, love of the outdoors, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly locals. Before leaving for New Zealand, you should know that life tends to be fairly quiet there, so if you’re the type that thrives in a little bit of chaos, this might not be the perfect place for you, or at least not over the long term. Seasonal employment options are particularly popular here, and they range from tour operators to farmers.
New Zealand’s education system is recognized throughout the world for its excellence, and all the universities are ranked among the top 3% worldwide. The degrees obtained in the country prepare students for success in the international job market, as the approach to learning is pragmatic and innovative, so that the students develop real-world skills.
The Netherlands
If you’ve ever found yourself adding the finishing touches to your work seated at a table in a small café in Amsterdam, you should know that you’re not alone. According to recent data, the country is the European leader when it comes to remote work. The quality of life, work—life balance, and robust economy naturally attract many expats looking to work somewhere other than home. There’s also the fact that you don’t need to know Dutch, as most of the locals speak English fluently. If you’d like to gain more insights into the culture and truly immerse yourself, learning can be helpful. It is also a good idea if you plan on being in the Netherlands for several years.
Since working from home is so popular, you don’t have to worry about being in an office all day, and can travel and discover the areas around you as well. Make sure your laptop is secure, though, and never use Wi-Fi networks that can be accessed by large numbers of people. Using a free email service that was specifically designed for professional use will eliminate a lot of the hassle as well, ensuring your conversations remain private and encrypted at all times.
Ireland
If you’re a fan of abundant sunlight and love summer more than anything else, Ireland will probably not be what you’re looking for. The climate here is influenced by the Atlantic, and while winters are much milder than would be normal for an area so far north, summers are cooler than in continental Europe, while cloud cover and rainfall are abundant. Yet, many people choose to work in Ireland due to the competitive salaries and the incredibly robust job market. Most people are friendly, and the landscapes are stunning. If you enjoy hiking in your free time, there’s no shortage of trails, from Howth and the Cliffs of Moher to the more challenging paths like Mount Errigal and Carrauntoohil.
Ireland is well-known for its low corporation tax rates as well, a feature that has led to several multinational companies establishing their headquarters in the country, which naturally led to a huge variety of job opportunities. Ireland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world as well, and its welcoming people and rich culture and folklore will make you feel right at home.
Germany
If you’re looking to work in finance, engineering, or pharmaceuticals, Germany could be the place you’re looking for. In your free time, you’ll definitely want to take up hiking, a favorite pastime among the majority of the locals, and traveling across the country is fairly simple as well, due to the fast and efficient public transportation. On average, Germans work roughly 34 hours per week, and while larger cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich remain the favorites of international workers, you can definitely experience the eclectic charm of Germany in smaller towns as well.
Ideally, you should speak a little German, as having no knowledge of the language will make looking for a job more challenging. Many choose to complete a graduate degree at the same time as well, since the work-life balance is really good and most degrees are free of any tuition. After graduating, you can consider an internship before you start taking your career more seriously.
Denmark
Working in Denmark is popular among international employees due to the minimal overtime, the generous paid holidays, and the highly flexible hours. A robust welfare system acts as a safety net, providing free healthcare and education, a bonus for those who plan on studying as well, or who have children and are considering schooling options for them. The cost of living is quite high, but the salaries match it, and the work culture is focused on healthy productivity instead of hierarchies, while the well-being of employees is of paramount importance as well.
Agriculture, energy, and biotech are some of the country’s top industries, and you’re very likely to find a job in these areas. The education system is also among the best in the world, focusing on critical thinking and fostering a welcoming and diverse environment at the same time. International students can work for up to twenty hours each week and gain post-graduation job search visas that last six months, giving them time to look for permanent employment.
If you’re looking to discover new places but work or study at the same time, going abroad is the best choice. Apart from your professional development, you’ll also feel that you’re growing as a person, too.
