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5 Amazing Countries to Work Abroad in 2023
5 Amazing Countries to Work Abroad in 2023
Living and working abroad is a fantastic way to learn about the world, yourself, and what it means to be a global citizen. As the world becomes more and more interconnected, a growing number of people are seeking work outside of their home country, but deciding where to go abroad can be difficult.
To help you find your dream job abroad, we’ve compiled a list of the best countries to work abroad. In creating this list, we considered various factors, including work-life balance and happiness indices, the cost of living, the ease of getting a work visa, and the job opportunities in the country. With that, our goal is to provide a variety of options not limited to the most traditional expat destinations.
So, where will you go? Let’s check out the 10 best countries to work abroad to decide!
1. Great for seasonal work: New Zealand
Cost of living: $927 (1,563 NZD) a month + rent
💰 Average Salary: $3,323 (5,603 NZD) a month
⏰ Work visa duration: 12 – 23 months based on residency
😊 Happiness index ranking: 10
If you’re a young adult looking to expand your perspective through a grand adventure and plan to fund it with intermediate work along the way, New Zealand may be the perfect destination for you! From adventure sports companies to tour operators to farmers, there are seemingly endless short-term and seasonal employment opportunities throughout the country.
New Zealand regularly ranks among the happiest countries globally, including a 10th place ranking on The Global Economy 2022 Happiness index. The laid-back culture and emphasis on a healthy work-life balance create a truly unique atmosphere. Kiwis are also extremely friendly, and most travelers find it quite easy to adapt to life in New Zealand as a result.
As a remote island nation, the cost of living in New Zealand is high so it’s important to budget appropriately if you want to build savings while working there. You’ll find that most job opportunities outside of agriculture will be in or around Auckland, Wellington, or smaller, tourist towns like Queenstown. Work exchange programs are popular to mitigate this for those looking for short-term work opportunities to supplement travel.
✅ Pros:
- Relaxed work-life balance
- Progressive and welcoming government and citizens
❌ Cons:
- Limited career mobility within certain fields due to small population
- Life can feel fairly quiet and isolated
How to get a work visa in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a working holiday scheme to residents from specific countries throughout the world. The working holiday visa permits work and travel throughout New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you are a citizen of the UK or Canada.
To learn more about acquiring a visa to work in New Zealand, visit the New Zealand Immigration web portal.
How to find work in New Zealand
Start your job search well before the season you plan to be employed during. If you want to work during the ski season, check out NZSki. Agriculture work is often listed on Seasonal Jobs New Zealand. Additionally, check out the Go Overseas Job Board and filter by job type to find recent job postings.
2. Great for jobs in research and academia: The Netherlands
Cost of living: $975 (€972) a month + rent
💰 Average Salary: $3,025 (€3,017) a month
⏰ Work visa duration: Indefinent with a company sponsor
😊 Happiness index ranking: 5
A favorite destination among expats due to its quality of life and work-life balance, the Netherlands is another excellent option for working abroad. The Netherlands actively seeks out international entrepreneurs and has many great programs to help them invest in local companies or start their own businesses, big and small.
The Netherlands is a safe country with great social programs and a strong economy. Additionally, the Netherlands is on the cutting edge of research and academia, and expats will find abundant opportunities to work in these fields. With a strong focus on sustainable energy and a clean environment, the Netherlands is also a great place to find work in tech or energy.
Working in the Netherlands requires a company sponsor for non-European citizens, and the cost of living is relatively high, so this is a destination for career-minded international workers and is not as suitable for short-term or temporary work. If you dream of finding a career in the Netherlands but aren’t sure where to start, consider getting an internship there first.
✅ Pros:
- The vast majority of Dutch people speak English
- Low crime rates
❌ Cons:
- It can be hard to make friends with local people due to close-knit social circles
- Salaries are high but expenses are also high
How to get a work visa in the Netherlands
It can be a challenge to obtain a working visa in the Netherlands, but the rewards outweigh the effort if you’re up for it. A traditional work visa requires you to have an employer willing to sponsor you and will expire when you leave the company.
The Netherlands has other programs to help international workers enter the country. The start-up visa allows investors to reside in the Netherlands for one year to develop a new innovative business idea. The government also provides you with the assistance of a local mentor to help your business grow. The Netherlands also encourages small businesses through its freelance and self-employment visa.
How to find work in The Netherlands
LinkedIn is a great place to network and search for jobs in The Netherlands. As a tech-forward country, most openings will be advertised online and accessible through top international job search sites.
3. Great for teaching English (TEFL): South Korea
Cost of living: $962 (1,340,114 KRW) a month + rent
💰 Average Salary: $2,210 (3,078,640 KRW) a month
⏰ Work visa duration: 12 months
😊 Happiness index ranking: 55
While all types of jobs are available to international workers, especially those fluent in English, South Korea stands out as one of the best destinations to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Whether employed by the Korean Ministry of Education (EPIK) program or a private institution, English teachers will be paid a highly competitive wage and find students eager to learn. Additionally, work benefits and the low cost of living in Korea provide teachers with a high standard of living and the opportunity to build savings.
In Korea, be prepared to work longer hours than you are used to — as Korea has the longest working hours of any developed nation! This is a contributor to its relatively low ranking on the happiness index and means you won’t get the work-life balance in Korea that you do in many of the other locations on this list.
Despite the long work week, Korea has a lot to offer. From the bustling metropolis of Seoul to the stunning natural beauty of Korea’s interior, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have sizable expat communities, rich nightlives, and, most importantly — delicious food. Living and working in Korea is sure to be an experience of a lifetime for any international worker.
✅ Pros:
- Work environments are collaborative and friendly
- Jobs often come with great benefits like accommodation
❌ Cons:
- If homesick, finding grocery products from home can be challenging
- Employees often work longer hours than they are contracted for due to pressure to perform
How to get a work visa in South Korea
Obtaining a working visa in Korea is relatively easy. The fastest and easiest way to get a working visa in Korea is to become an English teacher under Korea’s “E-2” visa.
If teaching is not your cup of tea, South Korea has agreements with some Western countries that allow workers to enter on a “working holiday” visa for up to a year. A “looking for work” visa allows travelers to live in Korea for up to six months while seeking a job.
How to find work in South Korea
The Korean Ministry of Education and National Institute for International Education operate English Program in Korea (EPIK), with the goal of developing the English skills of Korean students. Apply directly through the EPIK web portal. Private teaching jobs are also available. Check out the Go Overseas Job Board for the latest listings.
4. Great for work exchanges; Australia
Cost of living: $996 (1,537 AUD) a month + rent
💰 Average salary: $3,684 (5,685 AUD) a month
⏰ Work visa duration: 12 months
😊 Happiness index ranking: 12
Australia consistently ranks highly as a country with excellent quality of life, standards of living, and overall happiness. Additionally, it holds a top-10 Human Development Index (HDI) ranking, globally. People here enjoy a great work-life balance – and it is not hard to enjoy your time outside the office in such a beautiful country. Even though the cost of living is quite high in Australia, expats can still live comfortably thanks to the relatively high minimum wage.
Australia is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a work exchange experience. With an easy visa scheme, Australia is one of the most convenient countries to find a work exchange program. Organizations like World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) align volunteers with farms in exchange for food and board. WWOOF has been operating in Australia for over 40 years, providing safe, rewarding work exchange programs to thousands of volunteers.
From its wide-open outback, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan cities, Australia has it all. Sydney and Melbourne are known for their multicultural population, making it extremely easy for an expat to adjust to life in Australia. Additionally, the need for labor in the agriculture industry across Australia and the lack of a language barrier for English speakers make Australia a formidable destination to beat.
✅ Pros:
- High salaries
- Fun and inclusive work culture
❌ Cons:
- Long wait times for public transport in major cities
- Expensive cost of living for certain things like groceries and produce
How to get a work visa in Australia
The process for obtaining a visa to work in Australia is roughly identical to that of New Zealand. Australia also has a “working holiday” visa scheme that allows foreigners of certain nationalities to enter the country for 12 months. Likewise, there are working visas available for international workers that pass a skills assessment similar to that of New Zealand.
To learn more about acquiring a visa to work in Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs visa finder.
How to find work in Australia
There are established organizations like WWOOF that will connect you directly with a work exchange host who provides meals and lodging in exchange for up to 36 hours of work a week. Workaway is another popular resource for matching travelers with homestays, work exchanges, and volunteer opportunities.
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5. Great for engineering jobs; Germany
Cost of living: $886 (€883) a month + rent
💰 Average salary: $2,908 (€2,900) a month
⏰ Work visa duration: 12 months
😊 Happiness index ranking: 15
As one of the leading economies globally (per GDP) and among the largest exporters of goods, Germany is filled with incredible opportunities for career-minded people looking to work abroad, especially engineers. Many global corporations have offices in Germany, meaning there are opportunities for English-speaking positions, although the job hunt will be more challenging. Fortunately, most Germans have strong English proficiency, so the language barrier is manageable.
The enriching culture and unbeatable work-life balance make Germany a great place to build a career overseas. People work less (about 27 hours per week) and live better as a result! Excellent healthcare, generous paid leave, and unforgettable experiences await you in Germany. You may also want to consider an internship in Germany if you’re a young adult looking to take your career to the next level.
The cost of living can be higher than what you are used to, but living in Germany can be less expensive than in many other European cities, depending on where you find a job. Every city has something different to offer, making it perfect for any expat. The larger cities remain the most popular among international workers, with Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt having the largest expat communities. Regardless of where you end up, you’ll get a taste of the eclectic charm that is characteristic of this innovative European country.
✅ Pros:
- Excellent social welfare system
- Quick and efficient public transportation
❌ Cons:
- Germans can be private and reserved at first, making it challenging to make friends
- High tax rate
How to get a work visa in Germany
Applying for a working visa can be challenging, but there are ways to obtain a permit to work and live in Germany. Nationals of most Western countries can apply for a job seeker (aka looking for work) visa that allows you to line up a job while in the country and then apply for a working visa after securing a work contract.
To learn more about acquiring a visa to work in Germany, visit the Employment in Germany web portal.
How to find work in Germany
Finding work within your career field in Germany will be more difficult if you don’t speak German. Linkedin allows you to filter available jobs by industry, type of work, and the language in which the job can be performed. Additionally, join expat Facebook groups and attend international job fairs in your local area
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adedayo Oketola, has said that a purported X (formerly Twitter) account attributed to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
In a public statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Oketola disclosed that a comprehensive, multi-layered forensic investigation conducted by independent cybersecurity experts has conclusively established that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.
He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , committed to a full forensic investigation, commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert, who conducted a multi-layered forensic and digital investigation using X platform data, internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis.”
Oketola stressed that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking him to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, forensically unverifiable, and technically impossible.
The controversy began on April 10, 2026, when viral social media posts alleged that the Chairman made a partisan comment — “Victory is sure” — in response to another user, supported by screenshots and purported digital records.
However, the CPS said the forensic investigation uncovered clear evidence of fabrication and impersonation, highlighting the following key findings:
· No Digital Linkage: There is no connection between the disputed X account and Prof. Amupitan’s verified email addresses or phone numbers, as multiple recovery and verification attempts failed to establish any link.
· False BVN/OPay Claims: Data used to suggest ownership of the account only confirms identity and does not establish control of any social media handle, making such claims a logical fallacy.
· Timestamp Manipulation: The alleged reply “Victory is sure” was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet it responded to—an occurrence that is technically impossible and definitive proof of fabrication.
· No Historical Record: Searches on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine showed zero evidence of the account or its alleged activity prior to April 2026.
· Non-Existence on X Platform: Live checks confirmed that the alleged reply does not exist and has never existed on the platform.
· Account Renaming Pattern: On the same day the screenshots went viral, the account was renamed @sundayvibe00, set to private, and labelled a “parody account,” indicating deliberate impersonation and damage control.
· Coordinated Multi-Platform Impersonation: At least seven fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity were identified, pointing to a sustained disinformation effort.
“The forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on X are fabricated. The account is a clear case of impersonation,” Mr. Oketola said.
Quoting one of the independent investigators, he described the development as “a coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign,” warning that advances in artificial intelligence had made it easier to fabricate misleading content.
He urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information, noting that “the fact that content goes viral does not make it authentic,” and called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy over speed.
Mr. Oketola said the independent forensic report had been referred to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to investigate the origin of the fake account and prosecute those responsible under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
He said, “Media organisations, in particular, have a duty to apply strict forensic verification standards to social media posts and screenshots before publishing them, especially when such content implicates public officials or carries serious consequences for public trust and institutional credibility. Accuracy, not speed, must guide reporting in matters of this nature.”
He reiterated that all official communications from INEC are disseminated exclusively through its verified platforms, including its website (www.inecnigeria.org), verified X account (@inecnigeria), official Facebook page, online news portal (www.inecnews.com), formal press statements from its headquarters in Abuja, and official media briefings. Any account purporting to represent the INEC Chairman in a personal capacity, he said, should be treated as fraudulent unless formally verified by the Commission.
How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders
For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed.
That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to transform their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders.
Conversion Programme: Turning Opportunities Into Careers
Needless to say that there is no desire for the 9-5er to remain in a temporary role when they can secure a full-time career. With FirstBank’s Conversion Programme, eligible non-core employees who have served for at least one year can transition into permanent positions. This initiative ensures that hardworking staff are rewarded with stability, growth, and the chance to contribute more meaningfully to the Bank’s success.
Leadership Programmes: Grooming the Next Generation
FirstBank has designed three flagship programmes to identify and nurture high-potential talents:
- FirstBank Management Associate Programme (FMAP): A 24-month fast-track initiative that grooms future middle managers. Upon completion, participants are promoted to Assistant Manager grade, regardless of their previous grade.
- Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP): Focused on preparing internal middle-management talents for leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Bank’s succession pipeline remains strong.
- Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP): A programme for senior managers who are proven leaders in their functions and critical to the Bank’s succession plan.
These programmes are not just training—they are career accelerators, designed to put staff on the fast lane to leadership.
FirstAcademy: Learning With Global Standards
Backing these initiatives is FirstAcademy, FirstBank’s corporate university, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Staff also benefit from partnerships with institutions like Rome Business School and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), gaining access to world-class training—often at discounted rates
A Workplace That Values People
FirstBank’s parent company, First HoldCo PLC, was named second in the Best Workplaces in Financial Services in Nigeria. The Bank remains firmly committed to responsible employment practices, ensuring that all colleagues are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
The Future Is Human
With these initiatives, FirstBank is showing that its greatest investment is its people. By empowering staff through various growth opportunities, the Bank is not just building a workforce, it is cultivating leaders who will shape the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.
FirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund
Lagos, 10 April 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state.
The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led enterprises.
The Innovation Enterprise Support Fund Initiative is structured as a three-phase programme covering ideation, pre-acceleration, and acceleration for about 60 startups. Each enterprise will receive financial support ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦1,200,000, enabling job creation, revenue generation, and market-ready product launches.
Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said “Entrepreneurship and Innovation are two of our core values at FirstBank. We believe MSMEs are enablers of economic growth and for 132 years, we have stood beside Nigerian businesses through every phase of growth, transition and transformation. We have remained committed to building stronger business through improved access to finance and capacity building; we created the SME Connect Platform to serve as a digital hub where Nigerian entrepreneurs find the resources to move from vision to value. We are excited about this partnership, and we see more than startups. We see future industry leaders, employers of labour, and perhaps our next big partners.”
The partnership aligns with FirstBank’s longstanding commitment to financial inclusion, SME development, and youth empowerment, with an emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, who represent 35% of Nigeria’s startup cohort.
FirstBank has been a consistent promoter and supporter of the innovation ecosystem and SMEs in Nigeria, providing notable interventions to help them scale their platforms and businesses. The Bank has designed multiple digital platforms for its SME customers to leverage on for business growth and expansion.
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