Working in construction abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in construction abroad like?

• From participating in mega-projects to renovating local houses – working in construction can be incredibly varied.
• You often work with international teams, using different methods and new materials.
• Austrian timber construction, Australian traditional culture, and Japanese tatami mats – you can experience it all, and the work is done slightly differently everywhere. This makes the work varied, educational, and sometimes a bit chaotic.
• Duties: Tasks vary by country, project, position, and experience, but consider:
  • bricklaying, carpentry, painting, and insulation.
  • laying foundations and erecting structures.
  • renovating old buildings (sometimes very old, sometimes mainly dilapidated).
  • machinery (if qualified).
  • maintenance of accommodations, lodges, hostels, and houses.
  • simple technical tasks: replacing roof tiles, repairing leaks, providing electrical assistance.
  • site work: laying paths, tiling, and minor demolition work. Supporting local construction teams or international volunteers.
• Some projects are based on learning by doing; others expect professional skills. In many countries, your attitude is more important than your resume.
• Working Conditions:
  • In countries with a construction shortage (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Scandinavia), wages are high. You are often paid hourly, sometimes with overtime pay.
  • For smaller projects, eco-lodges, or community-building programs, you usually receive accommodation, meals, and a small expense allowance.
  • Construction can be highly seasonal. In Scandinavia, you work a lot in the summer, while in Southern Europe, you work less due to the heat.
  • Consider White Card (Australia), CSCS (UK), and OSHA (US). This is sometimes reimbursed by your employer.
• Builders often sleep in:
  • worksites or temporary cabins
  • staff houses or hostels
  • shared apartments with other employees
  • volunteer projects: shared bedrooms or tent camps
• Average wages vary by country, but construction usually earns well, or at least you're fully compensated.

What are the reasons for working in construction abroad?

• To be results-oriented: you immediately see what you've built—a visible end result every day is motivating and satisfying.
• To learn to be flexible: plans, materials, and weather conditions are constantly changing, so you learn to adapt quickly and stay creative.
• To collaborate in diverse teams: you build alongside local craftsmen and international colleagues. This broadens your horizons and your social skills.
• To increase your self-confidence: every new technical skill and every wall that's built gives you the feeling that you can truly make something.
• To be meaningful: you build something that directly helps others, from houses to schools, and that gives you a strong sense of purpose and involvement.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in construction abroad?

• Safety awareness: compliance with regulations is not optional.
• Communication skills: clear instructions, sometimes with gestures.
• Flexibility: materials out, rain shower, schedule changes? You adapt.
• Self-confidence: you stand strong in teams where directness is the norm.
• Results-oriented: deadlines are truly deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: you see what's needed before anyone asks.
• Helicopter view: construction projects consist of many moving parts, and you learn to oversee them.

What are the best countries and locations to work in construction abroad?

• Best paid: Australia (major shortages, high wages, many overtime paychecks), New Zealand (high demand, relaxed work environment), Norway and Sweden (high wages, but also high costs), Canada (many infrastructure and housing projects). 
• Best for those with little experience: Portugal (small-scale projects, many eco-builds), Spain (volunteer projects, renovations), Bali/Indonesia (eco-lodges, bamboo building), South Africa (community construction + eco-lodges).
• Best for sustainable/eco-building: Costa Rica (sustainable lodges, jungle construction), Canada/BC (timber construction, eco-standards), Malawi and Uganda (community infrastructure), New Zealand and Japan (earthquake-resistant construction, innovative techniques). 
• Best for easy entry: Australia (get a White Card and go), New Zealand (accessible for backpackers), the UK (many renovation projects), Spain and Portugal (seasonal construction and renovation work).

What are the risks of working in construction abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in construction abroad?
  • Physical risks often arise: falls from height, injuries from machinery, falling materials, hearing damage, or back problems.
  • Liability risks often arise: you accidentally cause damage to materials, machinery, or buildings—and that can be expensive.
  • Medical risks often are higher than at home: tropical heat, dehydration, infections, heatstroke, poorly adjusted machinery, and limited medical care.
  • Projects often lack insurance, leaving you personally liable for damage or accidents.
  • People often suffer uninsured sick leave: and without proper insurance, you won't receive compensation for long-term absences.
  • Work environments might fail to meet safety standards from your home country, resulting in a greater risk of injury, and higher costs if something happens to you.
  • Inflicting harm on others is common: think of a falling tool, a broken window, or a measurement error that proves costly.
• Are you insured while working in construction abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.