In 2016, I completed a one-month study abroad program in Marseille, France. As soon as I got back to the States, I was trying to figure out how to get back to Europe. My friends from work were studying abroad beginning in January 2017 for one semester in Hatfield, England. I decided I would join them.
During that semester, I decided I wanted to stay and ended up finishing my studies there until May 2019. After my degree, I knew that I didn’t want to leave Europe. I researched teaching English abroad and decided I wanted to teach English in Madrid, Spain. So in July 2019, I moved to Madrid, and here I am.
If you’ve ever wanted to move abroad, DO IT! It is the absolute best thing I have ever done and would love everyone to experience it. Here are 4 ways you can move abroad:
1. Teach English
If you are a native English speaker, there are many opportunities in countries all over the world to teach in schools, academies, and companies. I was teaching business English in different companies around Madrid, Spain and made enough money to live here comfortably.
Also, you can teach online, with websites like Whales English, GoGoKids, and VIPKid, just to name a few. Apply online, and you can be teaching with them within 1-2 weeks. Now that COVID-19 cancelled my company classes, I began teaching online through VIPKid. If you use my link to sign up for VIPKid, send me an email or message on social media (@sarahsplanet_) and I will be able to help you pass the interview and mock classes!
2. Study
If you are in university, I am begging you to study abroad! Even if it is just for one month. It is such a great experience to be able to study in a different country. Maybe you have finished university, but are thinking about doing a master’s. Look into doing masters abroad! They can be the same price or even cheaper than in the United States!
You could also study a language in another country. I am currently on a student visa in Spain, studying spanish at an academy. That visa allows me to work 20 hours legally (I am able to work more). So even if you don’t want to study a master’s or a degree, you could study a language!
3. Au Pair
I wasn’t aware of being an au pair until I met many au pairs in Madrid. People from all over the world are living with Spanish families taking care of their children during the week. You receive free accommodation with the family, most meals, and also a paycheck from the family. Most au pairs I have met in Madrid have the weekends free as well! It’s a cool way to live in a different country for an extended period of time. Check out this website to find families in need of an au pair!
4. Work Away
Work away is a cool website where you can live with a host family in different countries around the world. You work for them doing a number of things–could be helping on their farm, could be watching kids, could be doing housework. It allows you to stay for free in a place from one/two weeks to longer periods of time. Sometimes they will even give you extra cash, depends on the job! Check it out here.
There is NO excuse to not move abroad if it is something that you really want to do! There are so many ways to do it and I have listed four ways above! Check out the websites I have mentioned and if you have any questions, you can always email me (visitsarahsplanet@gmail.com) or send me a message on instagram (@sarahsplanet_).