Asia is a favorite region for people looking to work and travel at the same time. There are numerous reasons why many choose Asia, including the affordable cost of living in many of its countries, abundant job opportunities for expats, unique cultures and traditions, as well as its enchanting destinations.
While moving to Asia for work and travel is not without its challenges, this land of diversity offers enriching experiences you may not find elsewhere – making it a worthy place for you to start your journey of working and traveling abroad.
In this article, you will find the perks of working and traveling in Asia as an expat; along with essential tips for first-timers who wish to begin their work and travel experiences in this vast and diverse continent!
The Benefits of Working and Traveling in Asia
Benefits of working and traveling in Asia.
Besides the valuable and enriching experiences that working and traveling in Asia offer to many people, there is also a range of benefits when you decide to work and travel in Asia. See the list of advantages here!
- Personal growth: Choosing to work and travel abroad in Asia means stepping out of your comfort zone to adapt to new environments, which helps broaden your horizons and fosters personal growth!
- Language learning: Another benefit of working and traveling in Asia is the opportunity to learn a new language. Being able to understand a foreign language can open doors to greater opportunities and, of course, make it easier for you to communicate with others and navigate your destination country.
- Cultural exchange: Working and traveling in Asia allows you to immerse yourself in a cultural exchange that exposes you to Asian customs, traditions, and ways of living, giving you a better cultural understanding!
- Career development: Here in Asia, you will get to experience working with people of different backgrounds and cultures, helping you develop a global perspective. This makes you more attractive in the eyes of employers, which potentially leads to career development.
- Network expansion: The opportunity to build your professional network and make new friends is wide open when working and traveling in Asia. Whether they are colleagues, industry leaders in your field, or neighbors, expanding your network can provide you with valuable advice and expose you to greater opportunities!
7 Essential Tips to Start Your Work and Travel Experience in Asia
Working and traveling abroad in Asia can be a bit of a hassle for foreigners, especially if they are first-timers. However, don’t let it stop you from pursuing your goal to take employment and explore Asia because we have prepared a list of essential tips to help you kickstart your work and travel experience there!
1. Know Your Destination and Its Culture
Know your destination and its culture.
Asia is home to more than 40 countries, each grouped into one of five regional divisions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia. This diversity of countries leads to a rich tapestry of cultures on the continent!
If you are planning to work and travel in Asia, the first step is to choose your destination within Asia. Then, learn about the country and get to know its culture, such as language, norms, and ways of interacting with others. For example, if your destination is Thailand, learn to practice the “wai”, the Thais’ form of greeting that involves a slight bow and the palms pressed together in a prayer-like gesture.
2. Research the Living Costs
Research the living costs.
Working and traveling in Asia means you will be living there for a specific period of time, and as a result, there will be living expenses. Although most Asian nations are known for their cost-effectiveness in terms of living, a few are exceptions.
Your living expenditures in Asia will be based on your selected Asian location, which is why it is important to research the average living costs in your chosen country. Conduct research on the expenses for meals, transportation, accommodation, and other aspects of residing in the country to gain a comprehensive understanding of how much you should budget while working and traveling there.
3. Start Your Job Search
Start your job search.
It’s time to embark on your job search! Asia is a continent with the fastest-growing economy, which means that jobs in various industries are abundant in this region. One of the strongest sectors in Asia is hospitality and tourism, offering plenty of opportunities, especially for foreigners.
Thanks to modern technology, you can find suitable jobs in hospitality and tourism just by browsing the internet! If you’re looking for short-term jobs like internships instead, you can find them here. We offer numerous internship and management training opportunities in Asia’s top hotels and resorts that include living benefits – and applying for one is just a click away!
4. Prepare the Work and Travel Documents
Prepare the work and travel documents.
Next, you need to prepare one of the essential documents to make your work and travel adventure come true: visas. Visas are obligatory permits that allow you to enter a country, each with its own specific purpose.
Since you will be working and exploring your Asian destination, this means you need to arrange for a work visa that will enable you to take employment and reside in the country during your job contract. You can find information on how to obtain a work visa on your destination country’s immigration website or at its embassy. Don’t forget about insurance, as it provides important coverage to help you manage any issues you may encounter while working and traveling in Asia. Speaking of which, we offer visa and insurance assistance in our internship programs!
5. Build Your International Network
Build your international network.
Networking is crucial wherever you go. Since you will be working and traveling in Asia, it’s important for you to start building your international network in your chosen country. Fortunately, you can now use social media as a means to connect with fellow expats who are working and traveling in Asia, just like you.
Having people you know in a foreign country would undoubtedly be a significant help; you can ask them for tips on living in the country, recommendations on recreation activities, or join a foreign workers forum to expand your network of friends to make your work and travel journey more colorful!
6. Organize Your Day Off
Organize your day off.
Remember, you won’t just be working in your destination; you will also be traveling around the country. The best time for exploration is during your days off, so it’s important for you to arrange the time off provided by your company.
Your job contract will include details about vacation time (and sick days), which may vary between countries and companies. Organize your days off to plan the best adventure and, of course, ensure you have the budget to explore the country!
7. Enjoy the Journey
Enjoy the journey.
Now you are all set! Embrace every opportunity that comes your way to experience new things, such as learning new cultures, making friends with locals, or exploring the beauty of your Asian destination. Working and traveling in Asia can be a challenge, but turning the experience into a fun one is in your hands – so, take the time to make the most of your stay and create unforgettable memories!
Wrapping Up
Whether you want to work, travel, or experience both, Asia and its countries are the ideal environment to do so. Asia offers plenty of benefits for foreigners who wish to take employment and explore the region, promising unforgettable experiences through its diversity and inclusivity.
Surely, going to Asia for work and travel purposes takes a lot of time and effort. However, there’s no need to worry too much about the whole process because you have come to the right place here with RMC Asia!
RMC Asia is a specialist in Cultural Exchange Programs, offering work-based internships and management training with a focus on the hospitality industry. Joining one of our programs means you’ll have the opportunity to work in top hotels and resorts across Asia while exploring the region’s stunning destinations at the same time! Our programs also provide assistance with everything you need to start your work and travel journey in Asia, including visas, insurance, and more to make the process seamless for you.
Well then, are you ready to kickstart your adventure of working and traveling in Asia? Find your calling here and join our successful participants now!
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