If you’re thinking about taking time off, changing careers, or simply craving a new experience, one of the best things you can do is work abroad. It’s a chance to earn money, build your CV, and experience a completely different lifestyle – all at once.
But where should you go? What countries offer the best mix of opportunity, adventure, and easy relocation? Whether you’re on a gap year, finishing university, or just ready to explore something new, here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to work abroad right now.
Australia: Work abroad in the sunshine
Australia is a classic destination if you’re looking to work abroad and enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to its Working Holiday visa (for many citizens under 30), it’s easy to find short-term or seasonal work in:
- Fruit picking and farm work (work and travel)
- Bars, cafés and restaurants
- Tourism and events
Most jobs are in or around cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane – but you’ll also find work in rural areas if you prefer a quieter pace. It’s perfect for those who want to work abroad while exploring beaches, nature and a relaxed lifestyle.
Spain and Portugal: Easy access for EU citizens
If you want to work abroad but avoid visa hassle, Spain and Portugal are ideal. As an EU citizen, you can move, live and work there freely and many international companies hire for:
- Customer support (often in your native language)
- Hospitality and tourism
- Freelance or remote work
Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Malaga attract young people from across Europe who want to work abroad while enjoying sunny weather, great food and beach culture.
Canada: Work abroad with nature on your doorstep
Looking for mountains, forests, and a structured job market? Canada offers an excellent environment to work abroad if you enjoy an active lifestyle. With a Working Holiday visa, you can land jobs in:
- Ski resorts in winter (instructor, lift operator, resort staff)
- Farm and vineyard work in summer
- Restaurants, cafés or city-based jobs
Canada is a great pick if you want to work abroad somewhere safe, friendly and rich in natural beauty.
Germany and the Netherlands: Stay close, still go abroad
Want to work abroad but stay near family and friends? Germany and the Netherlands are both excellent options. You’ll find many international companies hiring for:
- Customer service roles (especially if you speak a Nordic or Central European language)
- Sales and e-commerce
- Warehouse and logistics
Berlin, Hamburg and Amsterdam are popular among young professionals who want to work abroad with easy travel and no need for visas.
Thailand and Bali: Remote work abroad in paradise
If you don’t need a traditional job and want to work abroad on your own terms, Thailand and Bali have become top destinations for digital nomads. You can base yourself in places like Chiang Mai or Ubud and work as:
- A freelance designer, writer or developer
- A remote employee for an international company
- An English teacher (with TEFL certification)
This route gives you full control and lets you experience tropical landscapes, new cultures and total lifestyle freedom.
Work abroad – but on your terms
Working abroad isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some want structure and security, others want flexibility and freedom. That’s why it’s important to choose the country that fits your personality, goals and interests. Whether you’re drawn to a fast-paced job in a city or something slower and closer to nature, you can find the right fit.
Popular types of work abroad
Across all destinations, some of the most common entry-level jobs for internationals include:
- Customer support
- Hospitality
- Sales and retention
- Content moderation
- Manual and seasonal work (like harvesting or events)
If you’re from the EU and speak a European language, your chances of finding a job abroad are strong – even with basic English skills.
How to get started
Before choosing where to work abroad, think about:
- Your passport (Do you need a visa?)
- Your language skills
- Your lifestyle preferences
- Your budget
Then, research job options, visa requirements and what kind of support employers provide. Many companies even offer relocation packages and help with accommodation if you’re coming from abroad.
Work abroad with Job Squad
At Job Squad, we help people just like you find their first job abroad – or their next adventure. If you have an EU passport and speak Danish, German, Dutch, French or another European language, we can connect you with companies across Europe and beyond.