Best Entry Level Jobs for Expats with or Without Experience

Living and working abroad can be an exciting experience despite all the challenges. Finding a contract or gig economy-based job can serve as a great way to explore new cultures while also gaining useful work experience. For an increasing number of adults—around 16% of the population, or nearly 900 million people—the dream of relocating and building a life abroad is becoming more than just an aspiration in the global village space which offers a variety of overseas jobs for the expats that need no experience. 

You may encounter a lot of challenges and uncertainties when working abroad but the benefits can outweigh any initial fears. Working abroad to gain unique and international experience while also becoming a global citizen are a few of many goods that can make you happy.

Thanks to the digital age that has made the world more interconnected than ever before. With the click of a button, people from virtually any profession can explore job opportunities in the farthest corners of the world irrespective of their degree and experience. Whether you're looking to launch a new career, switch fields, or expand your professional expertise, the global job market offers endless possibilities. No matter your skill level or experience, opportunities for growth and adventure are just waiting to be seized.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best expat jobs for those trying to settle abroad for work or study. Keep reading to learn more about the available opportunities and average salaries. 

Top Best Entry Level Jobs for Expats

1. Gig Workers/ Digital Nomads

Average Salary: Varies by role

Benefits: Tax benefits, schedule and location flexibility

Skills Required: Varies by industry

Gig Workers and mid-level IT professionals have countless limitless opportunities in online work. From freelance writers to web developers and graphic designers, the world is your office when you work remotely. Contrary to the fixed duration and contract roles that require your consistent physical presence at work, all these gig economy jobs need is an internet connection and you can work from virtually anywhere—making this an ideal job for those who seek both flexibility and adventure.

While this lifestyle offers incredible freedom, it does require strong self-discipline and effective time management to stay productive while enjoying the flexibility to travel and explore new places.

2. Hostel Worker

Average Salary: Typically unpaid, in exchange for free accommodation

Benefits: Free lodging, flexible working hours

Skills Required: Customer service, basic management

Working in a hostel is a great way to save money while living abroad. Many hostels offer work-exchange programs, where employees receive free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work each day. These jobs may include front desk responsibilities, cleaning, or assisting in the kitchen.

Although many hostel jobs start as unpaid or part-time, they can evolve into full-time paid positions, and they offer a unique way to meet new people and immerse yourself in a foreign culture.

3. Au Pair

Average Salary: $300 - $1,000 per month

Benefits: Free accommodation, meals, health insurance, monthly stipend

Skills Required: Childcare experience, CPR/first aid knowledge, creativity, patience

Being an au pair offers young adults the chance to live abroad with a host family while caring for their children. In exchange for childcare and light household chores, au pairs receive free accommodation, meals, and a stipend.

This role is ideal for those who enjoy spending time with children and want to experience family life in a different culture. The stipend is modest, but the opportunity to travel, explore, and gain valuable life experiences makes it a worthwhile option for many expats.

4. Teacher of English as a Foreign Language

Average Salary: $1,100 - $3,000 per month

Benefits: Housing, health insurance, flight reimbursement

Skills Required: Strong command of English, creativity, patience, time management, communication, empathy, sense of humor

Teaching English abroad remains one of the most sought-after jobs for English speakers. With the increasing global demand for English, there are opportunities for teachers in a wide range of countries. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, there’s a position for you.

Before applying, make sure to check the specific requirements for the country, as some may require a TEFL certification. While it's not always necessary, having a TEFL certificate can improve your chances of securing a job and ensure you're better prepared to teach.

5. Cruise Ship Crew Member

Average Salary: Varies by position

Benefits: Free accommodation and meals, health insurance, paid leave

Skills Required: Customer service, organization, enthusiasm, group management

Cruise ships are floating cities, and just like any city, they need a wide range of professionals to keep things running. From chefs and waitstaff to entertainers and wellness experts, cruise lines offer numerous entry-level roles that allow you to travel the world while working.

Positions can vary based on the cruise line and its focus, such as Disney Cruises seeking certified youth counselors or more specialized roles for older clientele. The benefits, including free accommodation and meals, make this a great option for those looking to combine work with travel.

6. Tour Guide

Average Salary: $8 - $15 per hour, plus tips

Benefits: Possible free meals on long tours

Skills Required: Communication, enthusiasm, local knowledge, time management, physical fitness (for walking tours)

Being a tour guide is an ideal entry-level job for those who enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for history, culture, and landmarks. Tour guides play an essential role in helping travelers experience a destination from a local's perspective.

Most of these jobs are freelance and can be based on tips, which means your income potential can increase depending on the number of tours you lead. It’s a flexible and engaging way to meet new people while exploring the world.

7. Landscape Laborer

Average Salary: $35,878 per year

Landscape laborers perform physical tasks such as mowing lawns, pruning trees, laying pathways, and assisting with general garden maintenance. This role requires physical stamina and a high school diploma. It’s an accessible entry-level job for those looking to work outdoors and contribute to beautifying landscapes abroad.

8. Sports & Fitness Instructor

Average Salary: $5 - $30 per hour

Benefits: Potential discounts on equipment, paid housing, and health insurance

Skills Required: Physical fitness, communication, group management

For those passionate about staying active, sports and fitness instruction is a fantastic way to work abroad. Whether you're teaching yoga, surfing, scuba diving, or leading group fitness classes, there are opportunities in countries around the world for instructors in various disciplines.

Fitness instructor jobs often come with flexible hours, but they do require physical fitness and an ability to engage and manage groups. If you love leading workouts and helping people stay fit, this could be the perfect job for you.

9. Hospitality Worker

Average Salary: $10 - $20 per hour

Benefits: Free or discounted meals, health insurance, paid holidays

Skills Required: Customer service, communication, organizational skills

The hospitality industry offers numerous entry-level jobs abroad, making it a popular choice for expats. Positions such as waitstaff, chefs, receptionists, and housekeepers are in demand in tourist destinations around the world.

Countries with working holiday visa programs, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, offer opportunities for year-round work in hospitality. These roles often come with additional perks, including discounted meals and flexible work hours, making them a great option for those looking to work abroad without much prior experience.

10. Farmhand

Average Salary: $48,010 per year

Farmhands provide essential support on farms by feeding animals, assisting with crop planting and harvesting, and maintaining farm equipment. Many countries hire farmhands without requiring prior experience. This role is a great option for those looking for hands-on work in rural settings and offers a unique cultural immersion opportunity.

More Jobs for Expats Seeking Work Abroad

A wide range of entry-level jobs await expats, regardless of their background or education. Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and dentists are in high demand, especially across Europe, where medical expertise is highly valued. Construction workers, including plumbers, electricians, and welders, also find ample job opportunities abroad. These roles often require some vocational training or experience.

In addition to technical roles, service sector jobs like those for animators, bartenders, and waitstaff are frequently available. Expats without foreign language skills can still secure positions on farms, at fish farms, or in poultry production, where physical stamina is key. English speakers, however, can access higher-paying roles in industries such as aviation and oil, especially in international companies or large hotels and restaurants.

Opportunities Abroad for Expats Without Language Skills

Not knowing the local language can be a challenge when applying for jobs that require constant communication, such as in caregiving or hospitality. However, expats can still find work in labor-intensive roles like farmhand, factory worker, or seasonal positions such as berry picking or cleaning. These jobs may pay less than those requiring fluency in the local language, but they offer the advantage of free accommodation and the opportunity to learn the language on the job.

For those just starting out, temporary work abroad provides a great chance to gain local experience and improve language skills. After a few months, many workers transition to higher-paying positions in larger enterprises, with some even leveraging their time abroad to qualify for more specialized roles.

Salaries and Work Conditions for Foreign Workers

Working abroad offers the chance to earn a significantly higher income compared to home countries, with opportunities in several European nations proving particularly attractive. Central European countries like the Czech Republic and Poland are popular for foreign workers, offering salaries ranging from €1,500 to €3,500 per month. These countries also have more accessible visa processes, making them a great option for those seeking an easier entry into the labor market.

For higher wages, Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Denmark offer salaries upwards of €4,500 per month. While housing can be expensive, the overall quality of life and earnings make these destinations desirable. The key advantage of working abroad is the often-inclusive employment packages that provide housing and meals, which can greatly reduce living costs.

Conclusion

Entry-level jobs for expats with or without experience or specific degree requirements are plentiful and diverse. Whether you’re interested in hospitality, agriculture, teaching, or remote work, there are opportunities across industries that allow you to earn an income while living abroad. By leveraging your flexibility, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm to learn, you can find the perfect entry-level job that suits your lifestyle and goals.

Keep in mind, being an expat isn't just about landing a job in another country—it's about immersing yourself in new cultures, expanding your horizons, and experiencing personal and professional growth. The adventure of living abroad is as much about creating memories and building connections as it is about building your career.