Leave the nest - experience the world

Published Sep 1, 2009

Share

You need to do your homework before you go to see what kind of work is available overseas and whether or not a work permit can be obtained in the country of your choice.

- A great working holiday option is the American camp counsellor programme that enables you to work as a counsellor at a US summer holiday camp. You usually have to go for a minimum of three months. All travel in the US, plus accommodation and food, is free and you will be paid enough money to enable you to take a holiday afterwards.

- There are several options. Working on a cruise ship is one, teaching English at a foreign school is another, working in a factory or in the tourism industry are others. If you don't mind hard work, you'll find a job.

- Trained professionals such as doctors, teachers, nurses, physiotherapists, engineers can organise working holidays within their professions. However, they might have to write an exam should they wish to practise in another country. Different countries have different rules and it also depends on the profession.

- Academic working holidays are also an attractive option. You might want to go on an archaeological dig, study a coral reef in the Caribbean, or check out the habitat of a rain forest. Usually those wanting to participate have to pay their own fares and their own way too.

- Volunteer holidays are a worthy and satisfying alternative. You could find yourself building a clinic in South America, constructing a road in the Amazon or a well in Africa. The options are many. Again, you will have to pay your own way there.

- Visit your local bookstore, where, in the travel section, you will find books with information about working holidays. There are always listings, websites and email addresses so you can make your own enquiries.

- Understand exactly where you are going and what is expected of you. It's no good thinking you'll be going off to party if you are working in an impoverished village. That said, you will meet interesting, caring volunteers like yourself, an experience not granted to many people.

- if you are going to a city in Europe or the US, investigate rail and bus passes. They are designed for overseas visitors and can usually only be bought outside the country you intend visiting.

Related Topics: