Expat Advice: Working in Loja, Ecuador

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Loja

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Loja and surrounding areas are known for tourism, sugar cane and coffee production. The foreigners who come here are mostly retirees but the younger ones can teach English, open a restaurant or other business, create a farm with organic produce or work online.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I am an insurance broker. I worked in the US for 20 years in health and life insurance. When I came to Ecuador I met one of the local brokers and since expats who live in Ecuador permanently are required to have health insurance I connected with the broker and have been working with his agency for the last 2 years.

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Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

I became a permanent resident with a Professional Visa based on my university education degree. That allows me to work.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

I am learning Spanish on my own and learning the culture by living here.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

I was self employed working through the Internet and found a local insurance sales opportunity on my own.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Find an online job and think about opening a local business or organic farm.