Work and Travel in Mongolia

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN MONGOLIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Mongolia is known for its warlike history and its endless vistas with not a soul in sight. For many travellers, travel in Mongolia is a dream. You can make that a reality through work and travel in Mongolia.

We are going to show you everything you need to know about taking advantage of the opportunities available on the ground.

Read our travel guide to Mongolia and begin your next adventure.

1. Live and Work with a Nomadic Family in Mongolia

The Mongolian Steppes have been cultivated by nomadic tribes and families for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the nomadic lifestyle is becoming less common. You’ll be able to enjoy living and working with these nomadic families through a volunteering project in the country.

This type of work in Mongolia will offer you the chance to learn how to milk a cow, ride a horse, and learn Mongolian.

There’s no better way to experience the life and culture of Ancient Mongolia.

2. Teach English in Mongolia

Mongolia is often see as left behind by the rest of the world. But efforts are being made to change that through English teaching in Mongolia.

Understandably, there’s a lack of qualified speakers in the country. That’s why charities and NGOs are trying to attract native English speakers to the country.

You can make a big difference by deciding to come to the country. Ideally, you will possess at least a TEFL qualification, but it’s far from necessary to take advantage of these volunteering opportunities in Mongolia.

3. Work at a Medical Clinic in Mongolia

Mongolian medical care is lacking. Many Mongolians are forced to go to other countries in order to get the healthcare they need.

You don’t need to be a qualified medical professional to work in clinics here. There are a variety of medical internships that will enable you to work at a medical clinic.

By helping locals in their hour of need, you’ll feel like you’re making a big difference to the country and the community as a whole.

These medical clinics are nearly always in the capital of Ulaanbaatar.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MONGOLIA

Mongolia has a complex visa policy that you need to be aware of before you come to the country. There’s no uniform policy for different regions.

For example, all Western European countries require a visa before they travel. However, German citizens are able to come to Mongolia for 30 days without a visa. The same applies to Russian citizens, who can also travel in Mongolia for 30 days.

Canadians and the Japanese can come to Mongolia for 30 days, whereas US citizens are able to visit Mongolia for 90 days without a visa. Mexicans, on the other hand, need to apply for a visa in advance.

South Koreans, South Africans, Australians, and Kiwis must apply for a visa before they come to the country.

Take note that most nationalities may need longer than the initial 30 days, so it’s strongly recommended that you apply for your visa in your home country before you go. Visa extensions are not easy to obtain when you’re already in Mongolia.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN MONGOLIA

SPRING WORK

Anyone looking for volunteering opportunities in Mongolia should be aware of the changes in the seasons. The winter is typically longer than a Western winter, with the other seasons shorter.

Spring lasts from March until the middle of May in Mongolia. We recommend avoiding Northern Mongolia and Gobi due to the strong winter winds that continue well into spring.

The spring season is the best time of year for working on the Mongolian Steppes. Living and working with a nomadic family is a great way to spend spring.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season lasts from the middle of May until the end of August. Temperatures can be sweltering, especially in Gobi.

Archaeological projects are often active in summer, so if you have an interest in such a project you may want to consider applying for one during the summer season.

It’s also a great time of year to join Mongolian children as they go away to camps. Sports camps are extremely popular in Mongolia. If you’re good at working with children, this sort of work in Mongolia could be for you.

AUTUMN

Autumn lasts from September until the start of November. The autumn season is the time of year to visit Mongolia if you’re interest in teaching English.

If you want to work in a formal school, make sure you apply well in advance and have the appropriate qualifications and experience available.

For work on a more informal basis, you don’t need to have any qualifications other than being a native English speaker.

WINTER

The winter in Mongolia is the worst time of year to visit. Temperatures are freezing and the northern areas receive large amounts of snow.

You can teach English, but there are few other opportunities for work and travel in Mongolia.

If you still want to travel in Mongolia in winter we recommend that you opt for indoor projects. These could include working in a school, working in an orphanage, or working in a medical clinic.

Do bear in mind that the majority of these projects require you to commit to at least a month. There are volunteer projects where you have to be pay to join them with shorter durations, but we recommend that you avoid them.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN MONGOLIA

Mongolia happens to be one of the most intriguing countries because most people don’t visit it. Locals are always interested in meeting foreigners.

You won’t have any problems working or volunteering in the country. Take note, that there can be problems with driving around the country. Robberies have happened before, so make sure you take care as you move around the country.

If the sound of adventuring in Mongolia is irresistible, now has never been a better time.

Do you want to step into the unknown with a trip to Mongolia this year