After moving countries more than once, I’ve stopped romanticizing the phrase “working abroad.”

I’ve done the wide-eyed arrival. I’ve signed contracts in languages that weren’t mine. I’ve built a version of adulthood in places that didn’t raise me – first in Vietnam for four years, now in Germany, where I’m raising a child who will grow up between cultures.

So when people ask me where they should move to “for the experience,” I hesitate. Because yes, living and working abroad can stretch you in ways your hometown never will. But it will also expose you – your loneliness, your pride, your financial fears, your assumptions about what “home” even means.

Still, if you’re considering it, here’s my layered take – not just where you can work, but what kind of life each place tends to shape.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a breathtaking country that is particularly popular with young people looking for seasonal work, such as adventure sports or farming. The country is regarded for its stunning landscapes and quality of life, outperforming the average across things like income, jobs, and social connections. This makes New Zealand one of the best places to move to for those looking to start fresh. 

France

France is home to an enormous expat community, which means it is never too hard to find English-speaking friends. While it is easy to get by without learning the language, it is worth learning the basics to make integration easier. A work visa can sometimes be difficult to obtain, but the effort is worth it with France’s natural beauty, thriving cities, and high standard of living. There are many jobs to consider here, including tutoring and au pair work. 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a competitive place for people looking to work abroad, but it is certainly worth the effort due to its beautiful natural scenery, lively towns and cities, low crime rates, and a place where many locals speak English fluently. The main industries here include international affairs, research, and tech.  If you intend to work while traveling or in local cafes, just make sure to use a VPN to protect your data and shield your online activity – this is a good practice in any country with cybercrime on the rise and becoming increasingly sophisticated. 

Austria

Not only is Austria incredibly beautiful, but it also has a high standard of living, ranking 7.8 out of 10 for life satisfaction. Key industries here include hospitality, engineering, and auto, offering many opportunities for both full-time and part-time work. The only downside is that the cost of living is quite high, especially in its larger cities.

These are a few of the best countries to consider for any US citizen thinking about traveling and working. This is easier than ever these days, but it is also daunting to choose a country as such a big decision. The above are a few of the best places to both live and work around the world, making it easy to settle and make the most out of this exciting new experience. Just be sure to spend time researching requirements and the standard of living before making a decision.