FIVE SAFEST COUNTRIES TO WORK OVERSEAS

Safest Countries

• Iceland
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Japan

Americans who are searching for the safest countries to work in do so because they are ready and willing to leave their home country behind to start a new adventure. While there are several ways to find out which countries are truly safe, such as the Global Peace Index, there is some value in looking at the list of countries below, each which have long been safe harbors for American workers.

1. Iceland

Topping the list of the five safest countries to work in overseas is Iceland. It has been one of the safest places for expats to go for the last decade and has a low number of homicides, assaults, and terroristic attacks. Because Iceland is an island, there are no border disputes as well. As for the industries available in Iceland, people who work in hospitality, tourism, finance, biotechnology, and software development will find the country ready to welcome them into the fold.

2. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom continues to be one of the best countries for Americans to work in, especially for those who work in the entertainment, finance, business, and tech industries. This is an English-language country that is one of America's closest ally and provides Americans with various employment opportunities and visas to make it easier for them to stay in the country. Most Americans choose to live in London, which can be expensive, but the countryside and Northern England is affordable and gives expats access to Europe and a newer, calmer approach to life.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is also one of the safest countries for Americans, with a safety index of 1.241. The country is known for the friendly locals, work-life balance, adventure travel, amazing beach views, and a strong job growth rate; candidates that work in the medicine, engineering, and IT fields will find employment opportunities around the country. New Zealand is also famous for welcoming foreigners, so there's no reason not to look for a job in this country.

4. Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful English-speaking country that is perfect for American expats; the Republic of Ireland is also one of the safest countries for work opportunities. Everything from IT and engineering jobs to teaching English and becoming part of the freelance community can be found in Ireland. And because the country recently got a 1.408 safety score, due to its low political instability, it is an incredible place to for Americans to begin a second career or even for a sabbatical from a traditional job.

5. Japan

Japan continuously makes the list of safest places for Americans to work abroad. With low homicide and assault rates, strict gun control laws, and a peace index of 1.408, this country continues to provide expats and foreigners with access to reliable employment in relative comfort. Professionals can find work as engineers, software developers, English teachers, and medicine; the freelance network in this country is also flourishing, allowing digital nomads to live and work in a stable environment. While learning Japanese is necessary for getting around, most Americans will find Japan to be a welcoming country that will help them make themselves at home.

Choosing to live in a different country as an adult can be a scary prospect, but as most expats will tell you, it can be the wisest decision one can make. As long as an expat chooses from the safest countries to work in, they will no doubt feel just as home as they would have in America; only now, they'll have a variety of life experiences not available in their home country.

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