One of the Best Ways to Grow Personally: Working or Studying Abroad

Traveling to a new destination and immersing yourself in a new culture is one of the best ways to grow as an individual. Learning about different cultural norms and international practices helps broaden your horizons and open your mind to new ways of thinking. Although a simple week-long trip to an exotic destination is still an incredibly impactful experience, fully diving into a culture by spending a year abroad at that destination is the best way to truly get to know a new culture and grow personally. This is why many remote workers and students decide to take a year to work or study abroad.

Some of the more common destinations for work or study abroad include popular tourist locations like France, England, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Although these are all amazing countries that are definitely deserving of a visit, there are several highly underrated locations that are excellent for working or studying abroad that might be more to your liking if you prefer to do things a bit differently.

Here are five incredible yet underrated destinations for working or studying abroad.

1. Slovenia

Though it is small, Slovenia is world-renowned for its incredible landscapes and access to amazing outdoor recreational activities. The country is located on the borders of the Alps as well as the Mediterranean which means visitors and locals can enjoy activities like skiing, hiking, rafting, and biking without traveling too far. The country also offers up an intriguing historical background with an abundance of beautiful medieval castles.

You can only stay in Slovenia for up to three months with your passport alone. This means if you plan to spend a year in the country to work or study, you will need to apply for a visa. This process must be done before you enter the country. Planning ahead to ensure you will be able to stay and work or study legally in the country is an absolutely essential first step in planning your extended stay abroad.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam has a lively, young culture full of locals who are focused on forward-facing movement and progress. If you visit the southern half of the country, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Working and studying among the incredibly hard working Vietnamese citizens has been explained by former students as an incredible experience and lesson in work ethic and determination. Some amazing sites that must be seen while you travel through Vietnam include the Marble Mountains, Hang Nga’s Guest House, the Phong Nha caves, and Ha Long Bay.

You’ll need to apply for a visa in order to stay in this country as you work or study abroad. The process of acquiring a visa to temporarily live in the country of Vietnam is relatively simple. All you need to get started on the process of getting your visa is a passport that is at least six months old and the ability to answer a few simple questions about your plans for your stay.

3. Norway

The Norwegian coastal views are easily some of the most beautiful sights to see in our world, but that’s not the only reason this nation makes the list of one of the most underrated destinations to work and study abroad. The country is located between Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Denmark which means you’ll be in relatively close proximity to other major nations if you choose to travel a bit further and experience a few more cultures during your time as an honorary resident of Norway. The country also boasts a rich history that will make your visit all the more interesting and informative.

To travel to Norway, even for a short stay, a traveler must have a visa. In order to stay in Norway for more than 90 days, an individual must receive a residence permit. These are issued to travelers for study, work, or family visitation purposes.

4. South Africa

South Africa is home to an incredible culture of diverse citizens. With eleven official languages, the country offers up an unparalleled opportunity to interact with locals who enjoy different cultural practices and communication forms.

Sources also note that there are many work-based programs as well as universities that offer programs for students and remote workers spending their time abroad. Venturing to this country also gives you the opportunity to check off the awesome experience of exploring the African continent from your bucket list. Some of the must-visit areas you should check out during your stay here include Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. The process of obtaining a work visa for South Africa is a bit more complex than that of some other countries. There are multiple steps you must take and additional documents you will need to provide to get cleared to work or study in the country.

5. Austria

If you’re looking to get the full European experience during your time abroad, Austria might just be the ideal location for you to set up shop for a year. The country is bordered by Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland. This means you’ll have more opportunity to travel a little farther and explore different cultures when you catch a break in your work or studies. Visiting Vienna, the capital of Austria, is an absolute must during your time in the country. Other notable locations to visit might include Innsbruck, Graz, and Hallstatt.

The process for obtaining a visa to live and work or study in Austria will vary based on the nature of your work in the country. At a minimum you will need to fill out an application, send two passport photos, send copies of your passport with two blank pages, write a cover letter, send your flight itinerary and hotel reservation info, send proof of travel insurance, and provide proof of civil status and sufficient financial means.

Selecting a destination to work or study abroad is a major decision. After all, you’ll be spending the next year or so living in the country’s climate and interacting with its citizens while picking up new cultural cues. Aside from some of the obvious choices for spending a year abroad, it also offers up the opportunity for incredible experiences. Choosing one of these underrated locations could be ideal if you’re looking to have a cultural experience that is less focused on tourism and more focused on immersing yourself in the culture.