Imagine: you live in another country for a few months, earn money, acquire useful skills, and meet people from all over the world. This is not a fantasy, but a reality for students and young professionals! You can work as a waiter in the United States, harvest crops in Germany, intern in hotels in Thailand, or even take care of turtles in Mexico. The main thing is to choose the right program, prepare documents and cope with bureaucracy. Let's see how everything works.
Work and Travel: Summer in the USA or Germany
USA: waiters, salespeople, lifeguards
Work and Travel is a classic of student programs: it appeared back in 1963.
The work is different: waiters in restaurants, sellers in stores, cashiers in amusement parks, lifeguards on beaches. The main condition is to be a student (full-time or part-time) from 18 to 28 years old. Knowledge of English is required, but its level depends on the vacancy.
The trip is organized by agencies accredited by the US Embassy, they also help to find a job, apply for a visa and housing. The cost of participation starts from $1,230, but you will additionally have to pay for a visa, air tickets and insurance.
Germany: Jobs in agriculture and services
An alternative to America is Germany: here you can work as a kitchen assistant, waiter, or go to the farm to harvest. Payment amounts to €900-2,000 per month.
The requirements are simpler than in the United States:
- The applicant must be no older than 25 years old,
- You need to know German at least at a basic level (A1=A2).
The registration process takes about four months, so it is better to prepare in advance. The cost of participation is from €400 + additional costs for visa, flight and insurance.
Internships: Thailand and France are waiting for young professionals
Thailand: Hospitality & Tourism
If you want not just to earn some money, but to gain real professional experience, you can go on an internship at Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton and other hotels.
- Duration of internship: from 3 to 18 months.
- Conditions: Accommodation and meals are provided.
- Stipend: about $280 per month (if housing is not included in the contract, the amount is higher).
- Target audience: students or those who have recently graduated from university (provided that no more than 18 months have passed from the date of graduation) up to 29 years old.
- The level of English is Intermediate+.
The program will cost from €800 for three months plus travel, visa costs and personal life insurance are paid by those who wish to pay on their own.
France: Marketing, Journalism, Finance
For those interested in media, PR and finance, there are internships in France from 2 to 6 months.
Payment:
- Short internships (up to 3 months) – most often without payment,
- Long-term (from 3 months) — a scholarship of €600 per month.
What is important:
- French B1 and above,
- Registration takes about three months,
- The cost of participation is from €700 + plus the cost of housing, insurance and tickets.
Volunteering: caring for turtles or teaching children
Mexico: Helping Animals and Children
Do you want to contribute to the protection of nature? In Mexico, you can take care of turtles, help children from low-income families, or participate in eco-projects.
Conditions stipulate:
- Spanish is not required, but basic English will come in handy,
- Accommodation is provided,
- It is advised to take $50-100 for personal expenses.
The cost of the program depends on the organizers, but in general it is always affordable.
India: Elephant Care and Medical Care
In India, volunteers are expected in several areas at once:
- Working with elephants, caring for these animals,
- English Language Teaching,
- Help in hospitals.
The volunteer must be of legal age, know English at least at the A2 level.
In return, the company offers accommodation and meals, but the volunteer pays the registration fee on his own. For example, a two-week program in Jaipur costs €865.
How to choose a program and prepare?
Checklist for work and internships
- Select a country and a program.
- Check the requirements (age, language proficiency, student status).
- Find an embassy-accredited agency.
- Collect documents (passport, resume, certificates from the university).
- Prepare a motivation letter (if necessary).
- Pass an interview with the employer/organizers.
- Pay for the program and related costs.
- Get a visa and buy tickets.
Checklist for volunteers
- Decide on the direction (ecology, education, medicine).
- Find out what costs the program covers.
- Check the language requirements.
- Pay the registration fee.
- Collect documents (medical certificate, resume).
- Get a visa and prepare for your trip.
Conclusion
Working, interning, or volunteering abroad is not just an opportunity to earn money or gain experience. It's a life-changing adventure! The main thing is to understand the details and prepare in advance.
Who knows, maybe a summer part-time job in another country will be the first step towards the dream of living abroad?
