With many graduates looking ahead and planning next steps, it’s the perfect opportunity to consider combining work and travel.
Kristian Webber, employment expert at youth-led work and travel brand, JENZA, says: “Travelling affords young people the time and space to reflect and decide what is right for their future, all the while gaining invaluable life skills.
“From volunteering to internships to vocational jobs, there are a range of options for those considering their next steps and thanks to the financial security provided by a work abroad placement, young people never have to choose between getting a job and going travelling.
“And for those who are confused about the opportunities open to them or how on earth they go about organising volunteering or a work abroad placement, help is always on hand. There are a range of organisations young people can lean on, relying on their experience in organising visas, arrival and accommodation support and even for providing guaranteed work placements once in destination.
“Travel opens doors not made accessible by more traditional paths.”
Below Kristian shares a complete guide to programmes that support young adults in finding and fulfilling their passions…
Working holidays
Thinking about a year of travelling, but don’t have the savings to afford it? Consider a working holiday instead.
Gone are the days of the blindly hopping on a plane to an unfamiliar country with hopes of finding employment to sustain periods of extended travel or facing a glaring gap in your CV when you return home. Travellers, now more than ever, can easily build up real life work experience all the while absorbing a range of new cultures and experiences, which they would be unable to do in traditional career paths.
From hospitality to nursing, beauty to marketing, and construction to finance or something in between there’s a role for everyone. The hard part? Choosing where to explore first!
Internships
Level up a CV by completing an internship abroad. In an increasingly competitive job market, a global internship is a great way to show adaptability and capability to tackle new challenges.
Not only is an international internship an amazing opportunity to gain professional experience, but it also provides the opportunity to explore a new culture and country.
Internships can be paid or voluntary, so if you’re keen to earn some cash to fund your travels make sure to read the fine print so you don’t need to go to your parents with the begging bowl.
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering abroad? Numerous companies exist for the sole purpose of facilitating volunteer programmes.
Volunteering offers students the opportunity to explore new countries and cultures while having a positive impact on local communities. Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation, education or simply want to experience life in a vastly different community, there are opportunities for everyone.
Explore the opportunities available through an organisation like the not-for-profit Voluntary Service Overseas.
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Whether you choose to volunteer, intern or work your way across the globe, a year living and working abroad will allow you to gain crucial life skills while earning money and adding relevant experience to your CV. And don’t forget about all the incredible memories and new friends to be made.
For more information or to book your own working holiday, visit the Jenza website.
About JENZA:
Founded in 2023, JENZA is a new youth-led work and travel brand that arranges flexible working holidays, summer camps and international internships with pre-arranged jobs and placements in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and UK.
JENZA exists so that young people never have to choose between getting a job and going travelling, encouraging them to earn as they explore. The brand is backed by 60+ years of work overseas expertise via its sibling companies BUNAC and USIT.
JENZA is proud to partner with Contiki, offering customers 10% off Contiki trips worldwide to ensure even more opportunities for travel.
To check out the experiences JENZA offers, visit www.jenza.com.