Jobs That Let You See the World
Not all jobs are translatable to international positions without a little extra learning or language proficiency -- and you will need to acquire working permits and other legal documentation -- but here are some jobs that can take you away if you're up for the move:
1. Teacher
It's no news that teachers aren't highly paid, but if you're an instructor in South Dakota, you're among the lowest-paid in the nation, with an average salary of $33,236, according to a 2003-04 survey by the American Federation of Teachers. Try taking your skills abroad. Learning English is in high demand internationally, and Germany, Switzerland and South Korea are among the countries that pay the largest teacher salaries. South Korea's median teacher salaries range between $25,000 and $60,000, and the country has a positive reputation for providing high income to educators. Salaries in Switzerland range from $65,000 to $80,000. An added perk to employment in Germany is that state employees are regarded as permanent workers, meaning that they are paid necessary social insurances.
Requirements: A four-year degree in education or a related field, teaching experience and a TESL/TEFL certificate. You will also need an international work visa and work permits, which can be obtained personally or through the school that employs you.
2. Chef If you are an established chef, international hotels and restaurants may offer the opportunity to build on your career overseas while, in many cases, offering you room and board for a minimum costs. In the United States, the median annual income of a head chef/chef is $40,000, and $43,000 if you work as a chef for a hotel. Kingsbrook USA Inc. is one company that works to place chefs in international regions. They reported England's hotel chef positions as offering £14000, or roughly $26,730 U.S. dollars per year for Chef deParties. Kingsbrook also reported between $32,458 and $38,186 per year for Sous Chefs and between $38,186 and $47,732 per year for Head Chef.
Requirements: An associate degree and at least three years of culinary experience. Letters of Reference, transcripts and health records and exams will also be required.
3. Caterer
Catering managers make an average median salary of $35,590 in the United States, and while other countries offer this position, the commute from national to international can literally be a matter of taste. Caterers who create a name for themselves in the U.S. industry can earn a trusted reputation and follow clients to overseas events. Rock stars and celebrities may have a variety of different catering companies working for them throughout the United States, but larger acts and A-listers like to have a trusted source to make sure their diet is in line with their requests. Working for one of these companies may put you on tour with the band, and if national gigs go well, you could find yourself overseas for the next tour.
Requirements: Chefs and management have culinary training, but staff servers may have little or no experience. To garner a spot on a worldwide tour, a caterer will generally have a lot of experience. Passports are needed for international work.
Notes, 4 Jobs for Daredevils
Hotshot Crew Member
The job: Hotshot crew members exceed the typical training, experience and physical fitness of the average firefighter and specialize in fighting the toughest part of a wildland fire.
The risk: Pretty high. In addition to suppressing fires, which can entail flying to remote locations for weeks at a time with limited resources and heavy equipment, they often perform dangerous search and rescue missions.
The pay: $36,474/year and $41,829 with benefits and bonuses.
Hazmat Diver
The job: Hazmat divers swim through sewers, inside nuclear reactors, through toxic spills on coasts, and in waterways to perform cleanup of chemical spills, and repair and maintain pipelines.
The risk: Pretty high. In order to be exposed to any number of toxic materials and bacteria, these workers need only a minor breach in their drysuits, which takes skill to avoid considering the random shards of glass or syringes that may be found on the job.
The pay: $31,183/year and $38,189 with benefits and bonuses.
Rodeo Clown
The job: Rodeo clowns entertain the crowd at rodeos between sets and, more importantly, protect cowboys from getting trampled by an angry bull during sets. Rodeo clowns are charged with the responsibility of distracting the bull long enough for the cowboys can get back on their feet and back to safety.
The risk: High. In order to protect a cowboy from getting trampled, these bullfighters risk getting trampled themselves. To survive their job, these clowns must have nerves of steel and be faster than a speeding bull.
The pay: $31,054/year and $37,480 with benefits and bonuses.
Stunt Performer
The job: Stunt performers stand in for actors on film sets, performing specialized -- and often dangerous -- stunts.
The risk: Significant. The stunts often involve jumping from high buildings, driving and crashing automobiles and even catching on fire; however, strategic timing and prop use help to minimize these dangers.
The pay: $42,539/year and $53,026 with benefits and bonuses.
