You might have heard the term ‘digital nomad’, which often refers to somebody who works online and travels the world as they earn money. But what about a digital student? If you are torn between the idea of furthering your education and exploring as much of the planet as you can, then you might be wondering whether it’s possible to do the two at the same time. And the good news is that thanks to the wide range of online degree options now available, you can definitely study while you travel. However, studying as a backpacker isn’t always plain sailing, so keep the following in mind before you set off.
Is Your Degree Choice Suitable?
Most online degrees can be taken with you wherever you go. For example, if you’ve decided that it’s time to get your MBA, the majority of online MBA degrees are completely online, and as long as you have a good internet connection and a reliable laptop, you’ll be able to study wherever in the world your travels take you. Click here for some great reasons to get an MBA.
However, some online degree programs may still require you to be in certain places at certain times. Exams, for example, may require you to travel to a certain location to take them, or if you’re studying a program like nursing, you may be required at certain times of the year to work hands-on with a placement. Check the schedule for the degree that you are interested in and make sure that you are able to plan your travels around any commitments required.
Money Matters
Travelling doesn’t always come cheap, even when you stay in budget hotels and don’t go to expensive excursions. For most students who decide to take their degree program to explore the world with them, it’s important to have enough money to last for the entire trip before you go, or find a way to earn money while you are there. If you would rather earn money as you go along by taking a job, consider how much time this will leave you to commit to your degree program. You might want to consider signing up for a part-time online degree program if you’re in no rush to graduate and would rather make sure that you have time to study and explore the places you visit while working at the same time. The last thing that you want is to find yourself struggling financially and it having an effect on your degree. Don’t forget that you can always study at home for the first year while you save, and travel throughout the next 2-3 years of your degree.
Suitable Jobs
The good news is that there are many jobs suitable for you to take while you are a travelling student. Teaching English as a foreign language is a popular choice among many different kids of traveller and it can provide you with valuable experience for your future career, even if you’re not pursuing a career in teaching. All you need to teach English in many cases is a TEFL certificate, which you can gain online. Freelance writing, web design, social media management, graphic design, virtual assistance and travel blogging are also ideal ways to make money from your laptop while you study and travel. Or, you could find a local job like bartending, waiting tables, housekeeping or working as a tour guide; just make sure that you have the right documents to be able to work in the country you’re visiting. If you’re studying for a business-related degree, starting your own online business that you can run from your laptop while travelling is not only great for earning money, but also for gaining valuable experience.
Volunteering
If you don’t need to work because you have saved enough money to sustain you while you travel and study, don’t brush off the idea of getting work experience altogether. In fact, there are many ways that you can broaden your experience in a way that will be valuable to your future career while you study. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get work experience that’s relevant to what you are studying and there are many different options available. If you’re studying for a degree in a medical field like nursing, for example, travel nursing has many volunteer opportunities that you can plan your trips around, like working with disaster victims or helping to set up healthcare clinics and hospitals in impoverished communities. Not only is it a great experience to put on your resume for the future, but it’s also a highly rewarding experience that you’ll remember for life.
Are you considering travelling while you study online?
