PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Get paid to work in New Zealand’s amazing and vibrant capital city of Wellington, an urban area rich with music, arts, cultural activities, and a thriving nightlife scene. A popular coffee house chain (think Starbucks… but the cooler, kiwi version) is seeking employees for several locations throughout Wellington, and soon in the nearby city of Auckland. This is your opportunity to get to know the local culture, dip your toes in the refreshing harbor, and experience a colorful life exploring New Zealand.

***HIRING NOW FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS***

Barista
Pay: Starting at $14 per hour        Employment Length: 6 to 12 months        Duties: Provide an excellent customer experience while preparing espresso drinks and lite snacks; ensure food prep areas are clean and organized; take orders and maintain a balanced cash register.

Cafe Chef / Line Cook
Pay: Starting at $16 per hour        Employment Length: 6 to 12 months        Duties: Wow guest with  your culinary expertise by preparing fresh foods, cooking, and baking; ensure food prep and kitchen areas are kept clean. Must have experience in quick food service/short-order cooking.

Assistant Training Officer
Pay: Starting at $18 per hour        Employment Length: 6 to 12 months        Duties: Assist with cafe staff training; ensure the team is aware of existing and new products, cafe policies and procedures. It will be your duty to make sure all standards relating to branding and product quality are met and maintained. Must have previous experience working in this type of role.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for responsible, reliable, friendly professionals that have an interest in exploring new places and meeting new people. If you take pride in what you do, love to learn, and often step in to lend a hand without being asked, then you’re a great candidate! Experience in the food service, hospitality and tourism, or customer support industry is required.

Program Requirements

To be considered for these jobs, you must:
– Be a US or UK citizen, between the ages of 18 to 30 with a valid passport, or
– Be a Canadian citizen, between the ages of 18 to 35 with a valid passport
– Willing to work in New Zealand for a 6 to 12 month term
– Have a high school diploma (or equivalent qualification)
– Obtain the required visa/paperwork prior to employment (cost described below)
– Have not previously entered New Zealand on a INZ 1085 visa
– Have related experience in the food service and/or hospitality industry

Housing

Housing is not included in this program. However, we can assist you in finding safe and affordable housing nearby.

Program Fee

These paid positions are offered under a cultural exchange program. Please be aware that there is a program fee of $1,995 but it may be recovered upon completion of your employment term (it will come in the form of a tax reimbursement).

As a non-resident of New Zealand, you are eligible for a refund for any income tax paid during your employment term.  In some cases, this refund is in excess of the initial program fee.  We will help facilitate this refund for you, making this an almost zero cost endeavor.

Here’s what the program fee includes:
– Guaranteed 6-month job position secured prior to departure
– We help with required paperwork and your work visa application
– We help you find and secure safe, affordable housing
– We provide travel insurance
– We provide you with on-ground orientation/training
– 24/7 support before, after and during your experience in New Zealand

The program fee does not include rent, meals, flight, or the visa application fee. To extend your employment term for an additional six months, the program fee increases by $750.

What’s the Application Process Like?

When you apply for one of these jobs, our team will review your initial application. If you are eligible for the program, you will be asked to pay a $250 deposit. Once submitted, a program advisor will contact you to answer any questions, discuss your program in detail, and begin setting up interviews. After you are formally offered a position, you will be required to pay the remaining program fee. We will continue to assist you through the process of obtaining your visa, planning your trip, and making sure you have everything you need prior to departure.

These positions are limited and in-demand programs fill up fast. So, if you are serious about participating in this program, we urge you to book now. If you are not yet ready and would like more information, you may request more information here.

It’s week 3 from Turkey! I have been spending time with my host family, doing a little exploring, and making some personal observations.

Based on that, here are a few Turkish Delights I would like to share:

• The Dolmuş – a wonderfully convenient mode of transportation to shuttle you around the urbanesque areas of Turkey. The Bodrum peninsula has many domluş stops – but if you don’t feel like walking all the way to the stop, just wave down the bus driver from the side of the road and he will scoop you right up! You can get anywhere on the peninsula in about 30 minutes and it will only cost you 3 to 7 Turkish lira (about 1.50 to 4.00 USD). You are welcome to pay the bus driver whenever you fancy, when you enter or exit the bus. The buses are air-conditioned and run 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 5:00 AM in certain areas! Don’t feel up to walking back home from the bus stop either? No problem, just tell the bus driver which sitesiyou are staying at and he can stop directly at your street. It has been a perfect place for me to practice striking up conversations with the locals! I am looking forward to more domluş rides in Istanbul, where they are equally as popular.

• Portabella mushrooms. Surprised? Well so I am! I have always classified myself as a non-mushroom eater…until my host aunt introduced me to a mouth-watering recipe for this delight. Looking for a Turkish recipe to rival that of the dolmaş (stuffed pepper)? Well this is quick, easy, and delicious enough to turn any mushroom enemy into a true believer. The mushroom tops are placed upside down and filled with a blend of white cheddar, cream, garlic, and onions; pop them into the oven for about 20 minutes and Voila! A cheesy truffle snack that will blow your mind, guaranteed.

• Sea swimming! I have recently taken my first ever sea swim and it was glorious. I’m not referring to lying on the beach with your toes in the water and splashing around in the shallows. No, a real swim. We recently visited my host family’s handmade wooden tekneand from there, jumped into the open sea water. I’ve never had a better swim in my life. The salt makes you so much lighter and swimming feels as if you are flying through the water. I can only describe the water as soft; it feels like a cool blanket wrapped around you. Given the opportunity, don’t pass up the chance to go for your own sea swim in the Aegean. You won’t regret it.

Gümüşlük Marina at sunset

• Foreigners and foreigner love. Since it is most of Europe’s summer vacation, you will find many foreigners visiting Turkey; there are some who love it so much they never end up leaving. Turkey seems to be a low-key, but extremely popular, destination for world travelers. In my short time here, I have already met people from Austria, New Zealand, Australia, and a few other Americans! The other part of this is, not only do foreigners love Turkey, but Turkey also loves foreigners – to my huge surprise….Americans are at the top of the list! If you live in the U.S. and are looking for your next travel destination, you should put Turkey at the top of your list. They will love you here.

Now a few things to note in a different vein:

• Rakı – Turkey’s own liquor made from aniseed. This has to be the strongest alcoholic beverage I have ever tasted. They say it pairs well with fish…I’m not sure if I believe them. If you greatly dislike the flavor of licorice, BEWARE. If you are looking for a very unique taste and are feeling adventurous, try the rakı. Good luck.

• Yoğurt. The Turks really enjoy their yogurt. Greek-style and on EVERYTHING. I’ve had plain yogurt, yogurt with pasta, yogurt with rice, yogurt salad, yogurt soup. They even have their own yogurt drink called Ayran! Yogurt is served with every meal. If you love yogurt, you are in for a treat. If you are like me, yogurt once a week is good enough.

•  Turkish driving style, prepare yourself. I thought Texas had crazy drivers, but I was seriously mistaken. I have really been taken aback by the way Turks navigate the road. You can pass anyone at any time on any road by just laying on your horn to let them know you are going around you – even with oncoming traffic. If you don’t feel like stopping a stop sign, then don’t, because no one ever really does. Drive whatever speed limit you like and in whatever lane that pleases you. If you are in Turkey, make sure to take a ride in a taxi, bus, or car at least once. It will definitely throw you for a loop and you will never know what’s going to happen next.

Gümüşlük, full moon

As you can tell, Turkey is full of surprises. We leave for Istanbul in the next few days and I am excited for the new adventures I will experience there. But I won’t forget Bodrum and Gümüşlük and all the beautiful things I have seen and learned here!

To learn more about our Teach Turkey program click here.

I’ve already been in Turkey for two weeks!  I travelled from Texas to Turkey, over 5000 miles, and it was so worth it.  This place is so much more than I expected!  My host family has done well welcoming me into their home.  They all are as beautiful as their view of the sea.  I am an English tutor for the children, the 8-year-old and the twins, 3.  The more work I do with the children, the more I am picking up Turkish and “bu ne?” has become one of my favorite phrases – what’s this? The twins are always pointing at everything asking “bu ne?”  What color is this?  What is this one’s name?  “It’s blue!” I say and they follow my lead shouting “Blueeee!”

We are currently staying in the seaside town of Gümüşlük, near Bodrum, until the end of the month when we leave for Istanbul.  The weather is absolutely perfect.  And so is the food!  They weren’t fooling when they named tomatoes their best produce – they are the juiciest tomatoes I’ve ever eaten. I am feasting like a king. Seriously. Three multi-course meals a day, with Turkish tea and coffee to boot!  We are all enjoying our sunbathing and seaside relaxation.  In these two short weeks, the family has shown me all they like to do on their summer vacation – visiting
the bazaar, horseback riding, and touring Bodrum to name a few.  And more to come as we wrap up our beach adventure. But don’t worry, I’m doing a little work on the side too

I am learning something new everyday, from the language to the culture to the food. Turkey is a hidden gem and I am so lucky to be here with such wonderful people. More to come in the coming month!

-Emily

To learn more about our Teach Turkey program click here.

PROGRAM LENGTH:

7 nights/ 8 days

PROGRAM START DATE:

September 15 – 22, 2012  -FULL

November 10-17, 2012 - *Book before October 1 and receive $100!*

November 17-24, 2012

January 5-12, 2013

 Inquire here for other upcoming dates.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR:

Hillary Wright, 200-RYT

Read about Hillary here.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Three vegetarian, local, healthy meals each day
• Accommodation in shared rooms (private rooms available)
• Two Vinyasa yoga classes each day
• Customized pranayama yoga workshop
• Volunteer placement at a local school
• Airport transfer from San Jose
• Private Bathroom (in each shared room)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Love of yoga and working with children

VISA PROCESS & COUNTRY INFO:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

All participants stay at a lodge on-site in shared room accommodations.

PROGRAM FEE:

One week (7 nights/8 days): $1,195

QUESTIONS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FAQ’S OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT.

PROGRAM FEE:

1 week $1,195

2 weeks $1,395

Additional weeks $250

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Minimum 2 weeks

PROGRAM START DATE:

Any Monday of the year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Contribute with the education and the care of the children of single moms. The mothers need support to be able to be the breadwinner. For that they need to be sure that their kids are taken care of and that are spending their time in a healthy environment for them to grow. By helping on this project you’ll help the moms and the children to have a better future and to develop their skills. You can do so much only by caring and putting your love and energy! 

Tasks could include:

• Watch the children during working hours
• Help children with their homework and reading
• Assist with the set up and clean up of projects and snack time
• Raise vital funds for the project
• Prepare recreational activities
• Put together presentations and educational games
• Spend free time chatting and playing with the children
• Assist the teachers and other volunteers on routine tasks
• Propose new ideas to improve the day to day work at the organization
• Make friendship with the kids
• Prepare educational material
• Teach the children about your culture
• Help preparing meals offered
• Watch out for physical and mental health of the disabled

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Volunteer project placement
• Housing
• Intercultural workshop
• Weekly tours & Recreational Activities calendar
• Volunteer certificate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Over 18 years old
• Basic level of Spanish

VISA PROCESS:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs that are longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

Your housing will be provided as a part of your project.  Accommodation included on package: Residence in Shared Room Without Meals.

Participant can upgrade type of accommodation to one of the following:

- Families & Homestay (Individual or shared room, without meals or with half board)

- Residence (individual room, or 3 or more room, without meals)

- Private Apartment (for 1, 2 or 3 or more)

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

We recommend that you arrive into Guatemala on a Sunday as your accommodation will run from Sunday to Saturday each week you participate.  The airport transfer service is also included in the program price. Once you are picked up, you will be taken to your accommodation site.  Before you travel, we will send you your housing confirmation, with addresses, details and information, and a transfer form with instructions on how to find the person picking you up at the airport.

There will be a welcome orientation session, which is held on the first Monday upon arrival. In this orientation, you will meet all other participants arriving that week, your local tutor, exchange important contact information, and will be instructed about general guidelines such as transportation, safety tips, location of placements, and you will also be given a city tour and a welcome lunch/snack.

QUESTIONS?

Take a look at our FAQ’s or Book an Appointment with a travel expert.

PROGRAM FEE:

One Month: $2195

Two Months: $2795

Additional Weeks: $165 per week

PROGRAM LENGTH:

Dependent on the needs of the host organization.

PROGRAM START DATE:

The program is rolling admission and can begin at anytime.  This may also be dependent on the needs of the host organization as well as the start/end of the school year in Peru.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Many public schools in Peru are over-crowded and under-staffed.  Schools are looking for interns to help with classroom activities at the elementary and high school levels.  Interns will be assisting teachers with regular lessons (math, art, music, Spanish) but are encouraged to bring a special interest or skill to the classroom.  We also work with an alternative school that encourages learning through music.  Anyone with musical talent or even just an interest in music would be a welcome addition to the staff at this school.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Accommodation and most meals are included in the program fee.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Intermediate Spanish

VISA PROCESS & COUNTRY INFO:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

You will be placed in a home stay for the duration of your program.  In the home stay you will be living with a Peruvian family and will be provided most meals throughout your stay.

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

If you are placed in Cusco, you should arrive on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. If you are unable to arrive on these days, please let your program manager know so we can make other arrangements.  If you are placed in Cusco, you can either book an international flight directly to Cusco or you can book an international flight to Lima and then a local fight to Cusco. You may have to use two separate airlines for this trip. The best option is to arrive in Lima late in the evening or early in morning and take the earliest flight out to Cusco the next day. This option does entail a layover in the Lima airport for a few hours overnight. The airport is a safe place, but if you are uncomfortable with this option, you can book your flight directly to Cusco.  Either your local coordinator or a member of your host family will be at the airport to pick you up. They will be holding a sign with your name on it and will take you back to your lodging.  Your arrival details will be confirmed with you before departing for Peru.

QUESTIONS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FAQ’S OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT.

PROGRAM FEE:

One Month: $2195

Two Months: $2795

Additional Weeks: $165 per week

PROGRAM LENGTH:

One to twelve weeks. 

PROGRAM START DATE:

The program is rolling admission and can begin at anytime.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Many teen mothers abandon their babies due to lack of support, or simply being overwhelmed and unprepared for the experience. The purpose of the shelter is to give the mothers another option by teaching them about childcare and the realities of motherhood. There is also a small workshop where the mothers produce artisan products. The skills they learn in the workshop can help them to find work outside the shelter, and the products created can be sold to raise money for the upkeep and running of the home. Volunteers may help in caring for the children as well as assisting with educational workshops for the young mothers.  This is an ideal placement for early childhood education students or anyone who loves children.  Volunteers should be sensitive to underprivileged children and women’s rights, and be willing to reach out, build relationships and foster growth.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Accommodation and most meals are included in the program fee
• Interest in working with young children

REQUIREMENTS:

• Intermediate Spanish

VISA PROCESS & COUNTRY INFO:

You will be traveling on a tourist visa which is valid for 90 days.  For programs longer than 90 days your program manager will work with you directly.

HOUSING OPTIONS:

You will be placed in a home stay for the duration of your program.  In the home stay you will be living with a Peruvian family and will be provided most meals throughout your stay.

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

If you are placed in Cusco, you should arrive on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. If you are unable to arrive on these days, please let your program manager know so we can make other arrangements.  If you are placed in Cusco, you can either book an international flight directly to Cusco or you can book an international flight to Lima and then a local fight to Cusco. You may have to use two separate airlines for this trip. The best option is to arrive in Lima late in the evening or early in morning and take the earliest flight out to Cusco the next day. This option does entail a layover in the Lima airport for a few hours overnight. The airport is a safe place, but if you are uncomfortable with this option, you can book your flight directly to Cusco.  Either your local coordinator or a member of your host family will be at the airport to pick you up. They will be holding a sign with your name on it and will take you back to your lodging.  Your arrival details will be confirmed with you before departing for Peru.

QUESTIONS? TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FAQ’S OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT.