Ready to start your overseas career?

Long ago, becoming an ex-pat took tons of effort and expenditure unless you had a transcendent skill that allowed you to get hired at a prestigious firm.

Nowadays, living abroad has become an increasingly viable choice, illustrated by record numbers of Americans deciding to forfeit their passports. Getting a job overseas is now easier than ever.

And part of the fun in becoming an ex-pat is being able to explore a new culture, which includes visiting both manmade and natural marvels.

Below we detail some of the most popular places for Americans to visit, live, and work abroad with a particular focus on natural sights. It’s now a better time than ever to pack your suitcase. Below is a list of the best countries with jobs for Americans abroad.

Find a Job Abroad: Countries with the Best International Jobs for Expats

Thailand

Whether you do or don’t happen to speak Thai, relocating to Thailand is a great option for active folks who are looking for overseas employment and want to have a low cost of living.

In terms of adventure, there’s a ton to do. Thailand’s ancient rainforests provide not only the ability to zip line, but you have a good chance of running into rare or endangered wildlife.

Meanwhile, the waters are pristine, beckoning visitors to kayak, raft, or snorkel along them. And if you really want to try something unique, you can ride an elephant through a local village.

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to outdoor adventure in Thailand. The perfect place for jobs for Americans abroad; getting a job overseas in Thailand is simple. Start your overseas career today!

Greece

When you think of Greeks, the first things that may come to mind are parties and ancient philosophers, but the southern European nation has a lot more to offer.

First of all, while nearly everyone in Greece speaks Greek, more than half of the population also speaks English, which makes getting a job overseas in Greece easy for travelers and ex-pats, because it's easy to adapt!

In terms of the sights to see, Greece has a number of ancient historical sites to visit, including the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, and Mt. Kronion in Olympia.

In addition, there are a bevy natural wonders, particularly on its hundreds offshore islands. Whether you decide to explore an idyllic cave in Ionia, or sunbathe on a beach in Crete, your trip or relocation to Greece won’t be wasted.

Portugal

Portugal, a nation of about ten million, is frequently overlooked as a destination for ex-pats — or tourists. They even have some of the best international jobs and jobs for Americans abroad available.

While known for its diverse landscapes on the mainland— you can expect to see everything from mountains to sand-lined coastline beaches— you also won’t want to miss some of its offshore sights on the islands of Madeira and Azores.

The Azores, which are comprised of nine separate volcanic islands, are best highlighted by the cluster’s biggest isle named “Sao Miguel.”

Portugal has many work abroad opportunities

Here, you won’t want to miss the various novelties, including caldeiras (hot springs), cozido (geothermally-heat stew), and Gorreana, said to be Europe’s sole tea plantation.

Madeira, interestingly enough, is known much more for its mountains than its beaches. Its elevation allows you to experience a number of things you wouldn’t otherwise, such as hanging amongst the clouds while hiking.

Ex-pats rave about Portugal’s weather, ease of life, and welcoming people. Start an international career in Portugal today!

Spain

Good news: if you’re bilingual in Spanish, you won’t have to learn a new language when traveling or moving to Spain.

In 2014, Spaniards selected seven natural wonders to represent their nation, after being snubbed by the international community in a poll conducted three years earlier.

These wonders are:

Gaztelugatxe (a small rocky island)
Somiedo Natural Park (a mountainous haven for wildlife)
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park (located in southern Andalusia)
Las Medulas (an ancient gold mine)
Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park (this site features numerous lakes)
Fuente De (located in the Picos de Europa mountains)
As Catedrais beach (a breathtaking beach located on Spain’s northern coast)

For tourists, whether you like to be active or chill on the beach, Spain clearly has something for everyone.

Meanwhile, ex-pats will find themselves in good company in Spain: 6% of the population is foreign-born, yet live and work in the country. International employment is especially easy to find in Spain.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, located in the thick of Central America, is a popular tourist destination, in large part due to its temperate climate and numerous sightseeing opportunities. A very interesting place to start an overseas career.

If you’re a fan of volcanoes, consider yourself in luck.

Ometepe Island, which was actually formed by volcanoes, is a good place to start. You can hike up a given volcano on the island for as little as $20— it’s not rare to see monkeys and other creatures scurrying along a trail.

Nicaragua is great for Spanish speaking expats

Daring adventurers may rejoice in their ability to try volcano boarding, which essentially consists of sliding down a wooden sled at speeds up to 30 miles per hours. It’s not as smooth or safe as conventional sledding, but it’s still something to check off the bucket list.

If all else fails, there are a ton of great architectural marvels in Nicaragua, many of which are centuries old. Find international employment in Nicaragua today!

Italy

You might go to Italy for the pizza and pasta, but you’ll leave a changed person.

Whether you end up exploring ancient sites— such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Peter’s Basilica, etc.— or choose to visit some of Italy’s renowned coastline, you won’t leave disappointed.

Italy is an awesome place to work abroad

Some natural spots you may want to check out include Terme di Saturnia (hot springs), Gran Paradiso National Park, Mount Etna (Europe’s most active volcano), and the Dolomites in the Alps.

In terms of beaches, it’s tough to choose, but for a more exotic adventure you may want to select a spot that is island-based (e.g., a Sicilian beach). Italy might be the place to go for the best international jobs!

Additional countries we were able to find Overseas Employment Opportunities available online:

Germany
France
Philippines
Vietnam
South Africa
Indonesia
Morocco

Examples of Work Abroad Opportunities we were able to find available online:

Account Manager
Social Media Advisor
Video Games Consultant
Sales Representative
Software Support
Technical Support
Business Development
Customer Service Representative
Account Executive
Web Developer
Financial Advisor
Accountant
English Teacher (ESL)
Internships!

Things to Take Into Consideration as an Ex-Pat

Once you have a destination in mind, and you're ready to start your international career, it’s important to take certain practicalities into consideration.

How to get a job overseas:

Have sufficient savings
Prepare living arrangements in advance
Be familiar with the host country’s tax laws (and your home country's if you don't want to become an ex-pat)
Have your passport and diplomatic ties sorted out
Be proficient in the host country’s native language
Be prepared to make new friends
Adapt quickly and be comfortable with cultural differences

If you feel like a fresh start is calling, becoming an ex-pat might be a wise choice. Being hired for overseas employment is now easier than ever. One recent survey by Business Insider found that 85 percent of American ex-pats felt like they had made the right decision by moving abroad, so if you have a yearning, go with your gut!

Best Countries to Work Abroad for Outdoorsy People