3 Inexpensive Ways to Travel Abroad

By Stacey Ramirez
Web Content Contributor

Going into college I had one goal (well two if I count graduating) but more than anything I wanted to study abroad. Many of us say we want to study abroad, but sometimes things we can’t control get in the way like finding courses that are able to transfer, finding the right time, or financial burden. All of these are obstacles that can get in the way.

It’s disappointing to find out you can’t study abroad and that you might have missed your only opportunity to live in a foreign country. While you’re young is the best time in your life to do it. But studying abroad is not your only option and here are other ways you can travel that aren’t as expensive or difficult to do.

Teaching English 

Teaching English abroad is a great option because you are sharing a skill you know, and you get paid for your service. Some positions offer living accommodations while you’re there and will pay for your flight.

Countries in Asia usually pay higher wages.  But English teacher positions can be found in countries all over the world. You will need to complete a TELF course to get certified and you will still require a visa. You can get your certification online and look for jobs on your own, but you can also find services online that help you search for jobs.

Nannying

Technically this position is called an au pair, but it’s the same concept. You help take care of children for families abroad. In exchange you live and eat with them. Like other job positions you only work a certain number of hours and you still get weekends off. You can use your days off to travel which most au pairs do.

Au pairs are still paid for their services and this amount varies depending on the country you go to. There are services and websites you can apply to that will help you locate host families and these services will also connect you to other au pairs in the area so you can make friends abroad.

Workaway 

Workaway is an online platform that organizes volunteer opportunities from all over the world. Anyone can create an account. The only cost is a membership fee of $42 a year.

These hosts are people who need help with their business, farms, childcare or even looking to host someone just to have some exposure to a new culture or language. The locations and work possibilities are endless and can range from helping at a sea turtle sanctuary in Costa Rica to working at a meditation center in Cambodia.

In exchange for your work the host will give you a place to stay and food to eat. When signing up for Workaway you make a profile and then you get access to host opportunities from around the world. You apply to each host and then get connected with them to see if you meet the requirements and if you’re a good fit for a job. You can see pictures of the location and also read reviews from past volunteers about their experience.

If you’re looking for alternatives to living abroad or just want to travel, now you know three new ways to see the world.

Featured image by Stacey Ramirez.