Ways to pick up some money online while abroad?

February 4, 2020 12:38 AM

I am currently visiting a third world country and would like to stay a bit longer to attend a former-student's wedding. I am hoping that I might be able to earn some extra funds by doing work online.

I am volunteering and visiting friends in a country where I have volunteered in the past.

I have been asked by a former student to attend her upcoming wedding, which is soon but about a month after I had planned to leave (because of dwindling funds).

Although this is a considered a "third-world-country", I do have access to reasonably reliable internet access. I am wondering if there is a way for me to earn some funds by doing work online.

Unlike "digital nomads", I don't have any skills in computer programming (the closest I ever got was web page design), so that kind of thing is out. I don't know if there is something like proof-reading for student papers, or... honestly, I don't know if there is anything that is even possible, but I thought I would ask.

I am not looking to earn a "first world salary", but more a way to pick up $10-20 bucks here or there by working for a few hours (but I recognize that this is a first world salary, especially compared to the wages available in-country here).

Since I have a free place to sleep at the school I volunteer at, and I get one meal a day (lunch with the students), the additional funding would just be to cover other meals, incidentals, and finally for printing up copies of photos that I would take at my friend's wedding (as my wedding-gift). I could probably work a couple/few hours a day, depending on the pay rate.

Thank you in advance for any ideas or suggestions.

posted by anonymous to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

Italki is a good resource if you speak multiple languages and would be willing to video tutor formally or informally (they have two classifications of tutors based on a variety of factors). I'm not sure how they handle payment though.
posted by AlexiaSky at 1:09 AM on February 4, 2020

Use it to advertise locally for English tutoring or editing, if you're not in an English-speaking area?

The thing is a lot of the online work sites have an approval process that can take time, and then they might pay out monthly or every two weeks. Would that be workable for you? If not you'll need to search for sites that let you start earning immediately, or look for short-term or freelance work locally, which might be your best option.
posted by trig at 2:09 AM on February 4, 2020

Point of order, the phrase you're looking for is "developing country". The "third world" stuff (suggests third rate, lower class, of less importance) isn't generally seen as acceptable any more. In case you need to explain your circumstances again to someone who might be thinking of employing you.

You may be able to find some work writing SEO copy. It's pretty mind-numbing stuff but the methods are quick to pick up if you have average to good writing skills.
posted by doornoise at 4:34 AM on February 4, 2020 [7 favorites]

Teaching English online would definitely suit you if you have a degree at all. You'll need a computer with a decent webcamera, however, a headset, and a wired internet. Memail me for an extensive list if you're interested.
posted by Young Kullervo at 5:50 AM on February 4, 2020