i want to work in africa for a year from Oct 2007. I need to earn enough to pay my mortgage. where to start?

Question

It's always been my dream to work in Africa (central if possible). I'm a Project Manager at home and i'm also a qualified ESOL teacher. I need to earn enough to keep my house, pay bills etc at home while I'm away. Most of the jobs i've seen so far are either voluntary or academic - requring at least a PhD. I have a BA in English and at the moment i manage a Day Centre for families in temporary accommodation in London. Any advice on how to get going would be much appreciated. Perhaps from people who've done a similar thing

Thanks

Answer 1

Many jobs will be, as you said, voluntary. I think it's a great ambition--my husband and I lived and worked in West Africa for a year and a half, but we didn't make much money, and actually had to raise all the money we lived on from outside contributions. We had to sell most of our stuff (including our car), and put a few things in storage before we went to make it work.

Are you affiliated with a church or religious group? If you are, that might be a good place to start. There are organizations such as World Vision or World Relief that may offer paid positions. I wouldn't expect to make enough money to continue paying for your mortgage, though. I think some of the others have some wise advice in trying to rent out your house while you are away.

This website is a great resource for those looking for work, etc overseas, but is focused on Americans. It may have some helpful info for you though: http://www.escapeartist.com/

Answer 2

speak to your mortgage lender you may be able to negotiate some time of no payments or interest only. you need to speak with them anyway if your house is going to be unoccupied for that long (also your insurance) an obvious option is to rent out your home but can have many downsides even with people you know - been there! if the house becomes without a tennant or non payment of rent you will still need to pay the mortgage! try and see what your mortgage conditions are you may be able to pay extra now which will give you freedom to pay less next year. if not go and speak to a finacial advisor and look to remortgage your home for a better deal with flexible options. when i moved away for 9 months after my divorce (not quite the same thing as work!) i was able to to get 6 months no payment with interest deffered to the end of the term then i switched to interest only payments as they were easy to manage. on my return i changed my mortgage back to repayment type and carried on. i would reccomend reviewing your mortage anyway the market is so competitive now...good luck i hope you enjoy africa i always have when i have been.......

Answer 3

Been there and done that. I worked for the Peace Corp and others I met there worked for church groups, Africa is a poor continent and people who work there from outside get a stipend, I had an MA when I was there. People there are wonderful, If you still want to go write a letter of inquiry to the various countries you are considering, but forget the money honey it won't be there

Answer 4

Many multi-nationals operates all over Africa and pays salaries that at times are competitive.

It is however unreasonable to expect to move to Africa, (Where salaries as a rule are LOWER) and to maintain a mortgage in London (One of the MOST expensive cities in the world).

Try to possibly look at rental options to cover your mortgage, and look for jobs from multi-national companies.

Answer 5

Speak to your mortgage lender to see if they can offer a solution regarding the mortgage. Also find a tenant whilst you are away but it requires a good letting agent that you trust to manage the property.

Answer 6

Get a well paid job and save up or rent it out through an agency while you are away.

Answer 7

Get a job as a freelancer in Nigeria - the pay is pretty good.

Answer 8

NGO's pay really well!...good luck!

Answer 9

rent for a little while until prices crash.

Answer 10

go beg for some money start there