How to Live Abroad Anywhere (Visa Tips)

So, you want to move abroad.

Dreaming of it is easy, but taking the steps to make it happen can be hard. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as packing up your bags and getting a ticket to a new place.

How is it even possible and what are your options? Well, I'm here to tell you. Here I list all of the possible ways to get a visa to move abroad. Seriously, this is everything you need to know in order to make the big move. Trust me, I've lived in Italy, Spain, and the UK.

While countries can very on their policies, there are a few general approaches you can take in order to live in a new country. I also offer tips on how to get a visa to live in the UK, so check it out if the UK is where you want to relocate.

Otherwise, here are some ways to get a visa, so you can live anywhere...

1. Be a student.

As mentioned in my UK Visa post, this is one of the easiest (but most costly) ways to get a visa.

Why not study famous works of art where they come from?

It's common for Americans to do "study abroad" for a semester in undergrad, and in many countries it's common to do a full year.

Master's programs can be another option to easily get a visa. If furthering your studies is a goal of yours, getting a degree could be a perfect way to live abroad. Plus, there may be more countries to study in than you realized. Did you know Germany is one of many countries that offers master's degree programs in English? You can also find master's programs in Italy that are in English!

If shorter term study is something you're interested in, you could look for courses on teaching English as a second language. These courses are usually 1-3 months long, and could get you the visa you want, for a price.

2. Score an internship.

There are a few resources for you to research options, but these internships are usually unpaid.

BUNAC is a great one to check out, as they are famous for giving visas and helping with the process in many different countries. Be wary with BUNAC, as this is another costly option. Their internships typically are non-paid, which means you will probably lose money, but still gain some experience.

You can also try Internweb, or other job search engines, but the companies that advertise jobs may not have the legal ability to sponsor you for a visa. You'll need to research the company and country in order to find this out in detail.

Speaking of companies...

3. Get a company to sponsor you.

If you are offered a job by a foreign company, typical expectations include them sponsoring a visa for you. A lot of people think it works the other way around, that you somehow get a visa and then apply for a company, but it's actually the reverse: you need to apply, and the company needs to like you enough to sponsor you. This is how it works in most circumstances that I am familiar with (except #6 on this list).

While applying for a job gives you a chance at a visa, it's more difficult than it sounds to score the dream package of a job and a visa. It's easier for most companies to hire someone who can already legally work in a country, as visas require more paperwork and money.

PROTIP! Based on conversations I've had with people, and my personal experience in the job market, here are some things to consider before applying to a company abroad...

Tips for applying for a company abroad:

• It's easier to get a job in whichever country you are from and then be transferred within that company to one of their foreign offices, as they already know your work and have invested in training you. For example, Americans can work for a company in New York for a few years, and then be transferred to the Sydney office.

• You've got a better chance applying for a job with a company that comes from the country you are from. For example, if you're American, you'll have more luck working for an American company that has an office in London. This also goes for the US. If you're German, it's easier to work for a German organisation with an office in the United States. These foreign companies might need native language speakers, and are simply easier with sponsoring people.

• If you cannot do the latter two, remember that you are competing against people who do not need visas, such as people who are already citizens of the country you want to move to. You'll have to prove you have something to offer, even more so than you would for a domestic job. You'll have to show that you're necessary for the company and worth the time and money they'll use to hire you. In addition to your special skills, you'll also have to demonstrate that they can rely on you, and you won't get homesick and quit a few months in. I imagine being bilingual or having previous experience abroad can help you with this obstacle, but that's just my guess.

• If you're American, make sure you apply with a CV. They are much more common in other countries, yet we don't seem to use them (much like the metric system).

• Whether you're American or not, research CVs of places you are applying to. I've been told that in some countries (Mexico, Italy) it's common to include things like your birthday or photo, but it could be strange to include this information if you are applying in the UK or the US. Improve your chances by avoiding a CV faux pas.

If this is the path you want to take, also know that once you get the job, you may also need to learn the langauge of the place you're headed. Even if the place you're going to work speaks a language you're proficient in, there are additional thinks to learn, such as a potentially different work culture.

PROTIP! Some countries have special rules to gives citizens preference. In the European Union (EU), for example, companies have to give preferences to EU citizens. If you want to work in Europe, you'll need to prove that you offer something an EU job candidate cannot offer.

What if you could walk past this on your way home from work?

4. Teach English.

English teachers are a valuable commodity, as English (like it or not) is gradually making itself the global Lingua Franca. As a result, if you are reading this, you have a valuable skill that can be taught to others, which will allow you to make a living abroad. You can even teach English if it's not your native language!

There are plenty of resources to do this online. Some countries don't even require a visa to do this. It's my understanding that many countries in Asia and South America let their teachers work visa-free, and this is completely legal. I also have met people who have even saved thousands of dollars doing this, because the cost of living in some countries is so low.

5. Be an Au Pair.

Being an au pair, or nanny, is another easy way to make a living around the world. I know Americans who have done this in Europe, and have also made friends in my home town of DC who did this in order to get a visa for the US!

Being an au pair means busy weeks, but free weekends to explore!

Keep in mind this will probably mean living with a foreign family for a long period. If you want to be immersed in a new culture, this is a great idea for you!

6. Get a Working Holiday Visa.

Working Holiday Visas are offered by some countries which allow you to live and work somewhere for a relatively short period of time (typically up to a year). Depending where you are from, you can simply apply for a visa, move to a new country, and look for work.

These are truly amazing visas, as they traditionally represent an agreement between countries to encourage citizens to exchange with one another.

There are differences depending which country you are from and which country you are travelling to, but there are general similarities in what to expect. Things to know about your typical working holiday visa:

• For "young people"—aged 30 or 35 and under

• Temporary—for about six months to a year

• Limited work options—think: bartenders, waiters, baristas, or sometimes short time work for companies.

It's not one size fits all; the working visa varies by nationality. Your Canadian or Australian friend can live and work in Italy, France, or Greece, for example, but if you're American, you'll need to refer to another tip from the above if you want to move to Europe. See where you can go, based on your nationality, here.

Please note that you must apply for a visa within your home country. You cannot fall in love in Italy, and get a visa while you're there. Trust me.

Since publishing this post, I have also gotten some questions about moving abroad that I would like to take a moment to answer.

Moving Abroad: FAQ

Most of these questions come from my American friends, so I apologize that these questions focus on Americans abroad.

1. Can't I just go to Europe and get a job in a bar or something?

No. Unless one of your parents is European, or you are a student, or you are Canadian, or one of the other nationalities that quilifies for #6 Working Holiday visas, you cannot just up and move to Europe. A lot of my American friends ask me this, and unfortunately we need to get a visa via one of the steps above.

2. But I've seen other ways to work abroad on some blogs and websites!

You may see options for other ways to live abroad, including working on an organic farm (WWOOF-ing) or getting some short term work. These are options, but it depends on the laws of the country that you're going to, and they don't garauntee you to live somewhere, but rather keep some money in your pocket while on a tourist visa.

3. So how long can I go abroad without a visa?

If you are American, you can stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days at a time, without returning to the area for another 90 days. Most countries in the EU are in the Schengen Area. Popular places that are not include the UK, Ireland, and Croatia. Visit government websites or consulates for more information.

4. Is a working holiday visa really so easy to get? Yes! You apply at a consulate, get a visa, and get a flight to the country where you want to work! I know someone in Italy who got a working holiday visa for Australia in 27 minutes. As I mentioned, working holiday visa options vary, depending where you are from.

As far as I know, Americans and Europeans can get a visa to Australia and New Zealand. Canadians and Australia can get them for the EU, and vice versa.

I hope these tips have only encouraged your wanderlust, not stifled it. These are options I am aware of, but there could be plenty more. Please continue your search if none of these options suit you!

Do you know of other ways to live abroad? I would be happy to hear one of your tips in the comments section!

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