Getting a Job as an Expat

Foreigners in the Philippines usually come to the country to see the unique tourist spots and destinations, and to meet wonderful people from a different culture. Because of the beauty of the Philippines and its people, many expats decide to stay longer in the country. Some of them applied for extension of their visa while some look for expat jobs.

So, how does one look for expat jobs in the Philippines? In the Philippines, just like in other countries, there are jobs that require a specific college degree and license to practice, apart from relevant experience in the job description. Examples of these jobs are jobs in the medical field, engineering, accounting and other types of employment that require passing the licensure exams. Which is why, as a foreigner, it could be difficult to get expat jobs similar to what you had in your country.

If you don't plan to stay for a long time in the Philippines, you can start looking for expat jobs in the teaching field. Many foreigners now work in language schools training Filipinos in understanding, speaking and writing foreign languages. Who else would best suit expat jobs such as these but someone who has had experience in using the language. Not only Filipinos benefit from foreigners working in these expat jobs. There are also other foreigners who come to the Philippines to study in college or to learn a foreign language. Working in these expat jobs will lead you to meet people from different nationalities.

To make you more efficient in working in expat jobs related to teaching, it would be better to learn a bit of the Filipino language. This will make it easier for you to translate words and sentences for your trainees. Also, if you have been familiar with the Filipino culture, people in expat jobs who know how to speak Filipino finds it easier to mingle with Filipinos. Filipinos appreciate it when foreigners exert some effort in learning a bit of the local tongue.

To look for expat jobs, there are a number of Philippine job websites that you can check. Many language schools now look for language trainers who handle ten to fifty hours of language training. The most popular foreign languages that you can look into when checking expat jobs are English, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese and German. Some languages from the Middle East, such as Arabic, are also being taught.

Apart from language schools, you can also look for expat jobs as a trainer in call centers. Call centers prefer trainers who have experience in dealing with native foreign language speakers. The language schools and the call centers are your best options in looking for expat jobs.

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29 comments on “Getting a Job as an Expat”

  1. Hi,
    I have french skills and for now i am looking for a job since I live here in the philippines, in cavite. I do understand tagalog somehow and am already acwuented with the culture because i have been staying here for two years already.
    Thanks for you offer and i hope that soon i will read from you
    Thanks
    nzanzu

  2. I am currently living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with my Filipino wife and we would like to relocate to Manila, Baguio or Cebu.
    I am currently working now in a Travel Agency where I have been for the past 5 years, and am very committed to ensuring that the business runs to its fullest potential maximising its yield through careful yield management and ensuring that I run a harmonious and productive workplace.
    I have had extensive experience within a number of management, customer service and leadership roles and would like to further my current knowledge and skills within these areas. I am a self-motivated individual with excellent planning and organisational skills. I am able to help bring cohesion to teams that I work in, through my ability to think outside the square and my strong belief in the importance of teamwork and hands on Leadership.
    I ideally would like to stay working within the hospitality, Travel and Tourism industry or a Hotel property. My wife is also an Supervisor in a Travel Agency here in Dubai, UAE
    I am a young, vibrant and energetic person who love the Philippines way of life and would really like to relocate there with my wife.

  3. Yes, jobs for foreigners in Philippines are hard to come by probably because the country is swarmed by excess labor supply. However that's not necessarily the case in the slghtly higher levels.
    I know of one company that is planning to build a small division comprised entirely of foreigners. Don't jump for joy just yet. They are hiring on local terms. Those who hope to enjoy juicy expat packages keep walking.
    the name of the company is Yats Leisure (I can't be sure if I got it right)

  4. Hi,
    My name is Vincent, I`m a french student and I`m finishing a master in IT solutions and Web strategies in England.
    I`m looking to work in Philippines. I would like to know if you have any post, website, information.
    Thank you for your time,
    Vincent Pautre

  5. hi
    i am currently living and working in scotland and yes i am married to a filipino and we have a kid . i have been to baguio 3 time and now i want to live and work there just dont know how to get a job there . my job in scotland is a lifeguard with the RNLI so i would love a job close to a beach

  6. I am an american who spent two years in the philippines and learned to speak tagalog fluently. Now I have been communicating using tagalog for 9 years. I would like to relocate to the philippines. Is there a good paying job for me teaching english there? I am only a highschool graduate.

  7. I am Sri Lankan.Ex banker.Retired as an Assistant Manager, reputed government owned bank after 35 years of service.Served as Trainer of new computer based network to the bank,Front office and back office manager and In-charge of Foreign currency exchange office at Katunayaka International Airport.
    Seeking a short time job with relation to above experience.
    I love to stay your country for short term,with little earnings.

  8. i love the philippines alot. im working for a bank & i have customer service background..any jobs available for me?

  9. I am a European engineer with 2 years post grad experience I have a degree in maths and a Bachelors in engineering (mechanical and manufacturing) I have 2 years maintenance/construction experience in mining, steel fabrication and petrochemical shut downs. I would also not mind working in manufacturing.Where can I start to look? I am currently an ex-pat in the middle east but would love 2 work in Philippines? As there is more freedom and warmer people there. Can any1 suggest an agency or website?

  10. To whom it may concern.
    I have been to the philippines 5 times since March 2008 i am now engaged to a philipino girl whom i intend to marry at the appropriate time,i intend to settle in the philippines and am now looking for employment opportunities such as call centre work were my english language may be of benefit.
    I would very much appreciate any assistance you could provide.
    Best Regards.

  11. I would like to stay here in Philippines for good and I am now looking for a job. Im from France would like to try working in a call center industry as French speaking customer service or French QA. Im flexible, open for training.

  12. I am an american ex pat who specializes in cajun, pit bbq, and real tex mex having grown up in Texas and having lived in mexico for 5 years, looking for work with anyone who would like to expand there menu, 30 years in the business opening and running restaurants, will be able to help in area you would require thanks for your time mark

  13. for Nzanzu, Bryce and Kosh
    for Nzanzu, u could go to call center and have french account
    same with Bryce, call center would be nice for both of you
    Especially to Bryce as he can teach in language center or Kosh especially teaching english to koreans. For Kosh since you customer service bankground BPO in bank or call centers woul dbe great for you too heehhe

  14. Im a swedish girl, came to the philippines one year ago. Have been working in a bar, konsultant in a big hotel and now im the manager of a lodging/resto. I would like to move to another island. Have been in palawan,busuanga too long rome now. Any suggestion. Im single, 27years. old. Serviceminded, social skills and openminded. Thans. Nat

  15. I used to live in manila for over 9 years, Im a mech. eng, working on automotive business on components development and FEA. Hows the engineer field for expat in the Philippines these days

  16. Worked in Manila for 6 years and enjoyed every bit of it...They people there are wonderful,friendly and hardworking. I would love to return back to Manila and work there again.

  17. Hi , i have a Indian friend who's currently working at BPO in India and he want to come Philippines soon and look for a call center job here .. hope u can help us , thank u so much .. He is willing to spend for his working and alien visa , and his been here last 2010 for his studies

  18. Was in the Philippines about 8 times. I'm married to a Philippina. We would like to settle in Davao if i could find a good job there.
    I speak Dutch (mothertongue, Englisch and German (we live in Germany now).
    My skills are in the rehabilitationbusiness. Adapting wheelchairs, special beds, walking aids and so on for disabled people. At the moment i work as a servicecoordinator in this business.
    Before i studied to become a teacher (not finished)mechanical for agricultural machineries.
    Hope to be able to find some nice job in Davao.

  19. I have lived and worked in the Philippines for just over three years. Due to family reasons, I had to return to the UK earlier this year but would now like to come back. I was the General Sales Manager of Fuji for 12 years and taught English in the Philippines. I can also teach French, Italian and Music. Any suggestions or help would be much appreciated.

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  21. Having just left the Philippines after a 5 year stint as a business consultant, I am anxious to return to the culture and people I dearly love and respect.
    Rebuilding many small and large businesses via culture, marketing, guidelines and employee training, I have vast experience in bringing businesses in the 21st century.
    Donating my time to designing educational outreach programs for children and young adults as well a visiting children's hospitals and orphanages.
    I have never felt so fulfiled, loved and respected as a human and cannot wait to return.

  22. Hello, I and my wife who is originally from the Philippines are looking to relocate our small kit aircraft company to the Philippines for accessing the Asian market, we are looking for employment as a supplement income and would appreciate any opportunity.
    any job any where
    contact tony@bushcaddy.com

  23. Hello, We are looking for an American who are working or staying here in the Philippines with background in Medical billing. We offered a 2 months billing training in USA, all are company expenses.
    After the training, he will be back here in the Philippines to manage a Medical account.
    If you know someone who are qualified and interested here is our contact number 0948 5023 869 / 0905 3195 762
    our email - yvette@bpo-247.com ; my skype id bpo.yvette
    our website - bpo-247.com

  24. I am an auditor who speaks only English. I am a Certified Public Accountant. Is there a job for me in the Philipines?