Guide to taking a sabbatical abroad in 2023

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If you are reading this post, it means that you at least once considered taking a sabbatical abroad. But there’s probably something stopping you from actually doing it.

Don’t worry, many people feel the same. The biggest reasons for not seeing the world include the high costs, fear of the unknown, quitting the job, or not finding the right time.

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What if I told you these are just excuses, and that taking a sabbatical abroad is easier than it seems? I’ve lived in over 7 countries in the last 3 years, and I am here to help you get started.

In this guide, you’ll find advice on how to start planning your sabbatical abroad, where you could go, and what to consider when making your decision.

Let’s get started:

What is a sabbatical and why take one?

People tend to burn out after several years of doing the same job every day. Sometimes it gets to the point where all you can think about when you get up each morning is the moment you arrive home from work. And that’s not the right way to live your life.

This is where a sabbatical can change your life 180°.

A sabbatical is a period of leave taken by an employee from the job. It is typically used as a way to take time off from work to pursue personal interests and dreams.

Sabbaticals can be either paid or unpaid depending on the employer’s policy. They are often seen as a way to reward employees for their hard work and dedication, while also allowing them to gain new skills and experiences that can benefit the company in the future.

Taking a sabbatical can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can allow you to step away from your everyday routine, explore new places, and learn more about yourself.

A sabbatical can also provide you with valuable life experiences that will help you grow and develop as a person. With the right planning and preparation, it can be an incredible journey that will enhance your life in ways that you never thought possible.

How long is sabbatical leave?

The duration of your sabbatical abroad will depend on several factors such as the type of experience you want, how much money you have available, and what kind of visa restrictions may apply in the country you are visiting.

In general, it can last from 1 month to even two years.

Before you go on sabbatical

Prepare your strategy carefully before bringing up the idea of a prolonged leave to even one coworker. You can prevent professional mistakes by following the advice below.

Before starting to plan, it’s important to figure out whether you can take a sabbatical in the first place or not.

Sabbatical policies

The truth is there are no regulations regarding sabbaticals. Sick leaves, sabbaticals, and career breaks are benefits – not guarantees – that some employers provide, unlike maternity leave for example.

But things should be pretty simple if you work for a big company. Most companies have intranet pages or employee benefits websites that detail exactly what you are and aren’t entitled to.

If there is no sabbatical policy, things might become a little complicated.

If you work for a smaller company, you might be able to arrange a sabbatical nevertheless, but you should always have everything in writing if there is no clear policy to support you.

Also, keep in mind that the current economic environment has pushed many companies to reduce their workforce budgets, and an unpaid sabbatical could also be a great opportunity for them to reduce costs while ensuring they retain capable and talented people.

The entire idea of taking time off of work, defying cultural expectations, and temporarily abandoning the career ladder is rather uncomfortable.

On sabbatical abroad in Italy
(Rome, Italy. Photo by Maria)

However, as with everything in life, it depends on your priorities and how much you want to risk.

What to do on sabbatical?

Consider your reasons for taking a sabbatical and what you want to achieve.

How is relaxing on a beach, sipping tropical drinks while holding a little umbrella going to advance your personal and professional development?

You need to decide how you want to spend your time off. The three main reasons for taking a sabbatical are learning, traveling, or volunteering (or a combination of these).

1. Travel

Travel is usually at the top of people’s lists for their sabbaticals. You might dream bigger, and plan to see the world. Remember what is attainable and within your means.

2. Study

Many people also take time from work to study. It can be to develop your talents in your current line of work or to pursue a project you’re passionate about. Choose what you want to learn, where, and how long it will take.

3. Volunteering

Volunteering is a wonderful way to advance your personal development. We all have common values in which we firmly believe.

You will need to set aside money for unpaid work whether you volunteer with an environmental agency, an animal refuge, or a children’s charity.

Or you can find volunteering opportunities that offer accommodation and meals in exchange for work, which we’ll also explore further in this post.

When is good to take a sabbatical abroad

Avoid risking your professional reputation by leaving when the company most needs you. Examine your hectic times at work and whether you can take a sabbatical during the months of your choice. It’s helpful to be aware of potential obstacles.

Also, consider peak seasons. Traveling in the busiest period may provide the best weather, but it usually entails double expenses and crowded tourist destinations.

If any of these factors are important to you, think if you are willing to travel just outside of the busy season.

Establish a budget for your sabbatical abroad

Even though it’s not the most exciting part, it’s nonetheless vital. A budget will enable you to determine how long you can afford to be away, and if necessary, it will also help you exclude more pricey locations.

Even if it’s difficult to estimate the cost of your vacation at this time, having an overview of your money will save you from being overly excited now and disappointed later.

Costs of meals, accommodation, and transportation (both domestically and abroad) as well as the approximate costs of the “must-do” activities should all be taken into account. It’s always best to be ready since you never know what will surprise you – for better or worse.

Talk to your boss about your plans

After you’ve carefully analyzed each detail of your sabbatical, it’s time to talk to your manager at work.

Describe how the firm will profit from the new and improved you. Some employers might even pay for you to take a creative travel break that benefits the business by generating positive press.

A well-thought-out plan demonstrates to your manager that you have sincere intentions and are not simply setting out on a limb.

Get out there and leave your mark

This is my favorite part. After months and months of planning, dreams, and hopes, you get to actually leave.

You might feel extremely stressed in the beginning, but don’t worry, it’s completely normal. After all, you are about to radically change your life and go into the unknown. Keep in mind that challenges help you grow the most, and you cannot stay in your comfort zone if you want more from your life.

Accept your fears, everybody has them. In my own travels, I was always afraid of new beginnings. I frequently cried, not knowing what to expect. But one thing I learned is that I am capable of more than I ever knew. And you are too!

So put yourself out there, face the world, and at the end of your journey, you’ll be grateful that you did it.

Keep relevant

Yes, you’re taking a break to recharge, but you also want to come back to work with skills that are just as sharp as when you left.

While your wander the world, it’s easy to disregard your professional development. However, you do so at your own risk.

Contact your employer as soon as possible before you are expected back so that you can catch up and easily resume your work.

How to finance a sabbatical abroad

Let’s talk more about finances because money is one of the top reasons for postponing any travel.

Going on a sabbatical abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be expensive if you don’t plan ahead. With the right strategies and planning, you can save money on your sabbatical abroad and enjoy your time without breaking the bank.

Here are some tips to help you save money when planning a sabbatical abroad:

  • Research low-cost destinations
  • Look for cost-saving (or free) accommodation options
  • Take advantage of budget airlines and always compare prices
  • Use local transportation

By following these tips, you will be able to make your sabbatical abroad more affordable while still having a great experience.

But there is another great way to travel which combines free accommodation (and even meals) with volunteer work.

You can stay in a hostel or other accommodation for free while volunteering in the local community. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and make a difference while taking some time off.

It also allows you to explore new places and cultures without worrying about paying for accommodation. By taking part in this type of program, you can make a positive impact on the world.

Planning a sabbatical abroad

Use online platforms such as HelpStay which provide sabbatical free accommodation for people looking to take a break from their daily lives.

HelpStay offers the opportunity to stay in different locations around the world with hosts who are willing to provide free stay in exchange for help with tasks such as gardening, painting, cleaning, and more.

Here are 6 volunteering opportunities with HelpStay that provide free accommodation and great learning and development opportunities:

An amazing thing you can do during your sabbatical is exploring different stays and countries. You do not have to be bound to one place, but rather see the world.

A sabbatical is a life-changing opportunity and if you also love to travel and meet new people, it could be the best choice for you.

So write your goals down, start working on the plan, save money and go see the world!

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