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When searching for a job, people look for more than just a paycheck, with factors like salary, lifestyle, work-life balance, and sometimes even travel driving today’s job hunters. Most would-be candidates want to find a company that will allow them to be happy and prosperous in their work and personal life and not just pay them enough wages to live on.
Fortunately, many countries in South America can provide the opportunity to land a job that offers these benefits while simultaneously providing places worth exploring. Discover South American countries that provide golden opportunities, destinations to explore, and even places to call home for job hunters.
6 South American Countries that are Worth Exploring
1. Argentina
The South American country of Argentina is an excellent place to find jobs; particularly, the software development industry is booming in Argentina. With many companies in the United States and Europe searching for qualified developers and programmers to fill their job openings, Argentina makes the perfect fit.
Argentina has no shortage of historic sites and exciting places to explore too. Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires, is one of the most popular places to visit. It has many museums showcasing art worldwide, including paintings by artists like Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera.
There are also many theaters where you can see plays or musicals performed live by talented actors or musicians. On top of all that, the city also has many shopping centers where you can find clothes and jewelry made by local designers and imported goods from other countries worldwide.
If you want a place with a thriving technology industry and magnificent sites to visit, you must strongly consider working in Argentina.
2. Brazil
With its booming economy, Brazil is one of the most promising places for job hunters to look for work. The country’s economy has been growing steadily for decades, with a population of over 200 million people. So, there’s a lot of opportunity for people to find jobs and work on their projects.
Brazil is also known for being a diverse cultural hub, with many different languages spoken within its borders. This diversity makes it easier to find people who speak your native language if you plan on working in Brazil.
The cost of living in Brazil is low compared to most other Western countries, making it easier for people who are just starting their careers or who don’t earn very much to live simply while looking for work.
3. Mexico
The capital, Mexico City, has more than 25 million people and is rich in history, including being the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. It has a vibrant culture and is a very diverse country, giving it much potential.
It’s also home to many museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology and History and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), which hosts contemporary art exhibitions and other events throughout the year.
Many other cities in Mexico have unique cultures and histories as well. Guadalajara is known for being a city full of artists and musicians, while Oaxaca has strong ties to indigenous culture through its food and architectural styles.
Some smaller communities throughout Mexico are worth checking out if you’re looking for something different from what you might expect from this country.
4. Ecuador
Ecuador is a haven of opportunity for those who want to volunteer and teach English. There are plenty of opportunities to find good jobs in Ecuador, everything from being a tour guide to working in a hotel or restaurant.
As previously mentioned, if you have an English-teaching degree, you can find jobs that will allow you to teach English while volunteering at local schools. The South American country borders Colombia and Peru and boasts a population of around 18.3 million, with a GDP per capita of almost $6,000.
The country’s official languages are Spanish and Quichua, the official language of Ecuador’s indigenous citizens. However, English is still widely spoken in major cities such as Quito and Guayaquil.
Ecuador’s capital city Quito is known for its colonial architecture and museums that showcase Ecuadorian art. Other notable towns include Cuenca, home to one of the largest cathedrals in South America. Guayaquil, the largest Pacific Coast city in Panama, and Otavalo, a town known for its annual crafts market.
5. Panama
Panama is a great place to be if you’re looking for foreign affairs or international trade jobs. Many refer to the country as “the Gateway to Latin America” because it shares borders with eight other countries. Its capital city, Panama City, is only three hours away from Miami by plane, which provides easy access to neighboring towns.
The local Panamanian government has set its sights on making Panama more competitive in global trade for years now, and it seems to be paying off with more job-seekers and tourists frequenting the country.
Aside from the career opportunities it offers, Panama has a fantastic climate. Panama’s hot and humid all year round means there’s never a wrong time to visit this country. It also means that there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like surfing and scuba diving, and don’t forget the beaches.
6. Peru
The country is known for its ancient civilizations, which are the focus of many tours. It’s also a great place to look for work as an English teacher or translator.
Peru has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The country was home to the Incas, who built terrific cities such as Machu Picchu. It’s also where many of the first European explorers landed when they came to America.
Today, Peru is still home to some of the most important archaeological sites in all of South America, and these sites make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world
If you want to live in Peru and explore its ancient cultures, having a job is a must. Luckily, there are plenty available in this country, like teaching English, translating documents between Spanish and English, and for art lovers, working at museums are just a few of the many opportunities in Peru.
Places of Work and Wonder
For travel lovers looking to combine work with pleasure, these are some South American countries you should strongly consider.
There’s no doubt that work travel can be an enriching experience. Finding a job in a foreign country will surely open your eyes and make you appreciate the unique cultures and people you share the world with. Moreover, it will make you understand your own culture even more.
Whether it is through working abroad or simply traveling, both have something valuable to offer. It’s up to you to recognize those opportunities and take advantage of them.