Working abroad still popular among South Africans

5 Jun 2015

A gap year is likely to be one of the most exciting, nerve wrecking and inspiring times of your life, no matter your age. Working abroad is a trend that is fiercely on the rise among South Africans, and with the vast variety of working options available in countries across the globe, it's not hard to see why.

The most popular gap year options among South Africans

Teaching English in Thailand is a firm favourite among South Africans when it comes to working abroad options. Heading over to Thailand to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language (TESOL/TEFL) is a great option if you're looking to jump start your professional career in The Land of Smiles. You can work in corporate coaching, teach pre-school, high school or even be a guest lecturer at a university. Positions are available throughout the year and contracts range from 3-12 months.

Au pairing in America is another opportunity that is extremely popular among South Africans who are looking to gain working experience and exposure overseas. Seize the opportunity to live in the US for a minimum of 12 months as an equal member of your host family, work 45 hours of childcare per week and earn over US$10,000 a year. There is plenty of time to explore the US either during your two weeks paid vacation, your weekends off, or during the additional travel month on completion of your au pairing experience.

Another wildly popular option is participating in the Work & Travel USA program which allows South African full time students a challenging work and cultural experience in the USA during their university holiday's, for a period of up to three and a half months. There is an abundance of seasonal employers who hire high volumes of staff during certain seasons of the year, and you could find yourself working in hotels, casinos or even ski resorts.

Age limits and restrictions

Most of the work abroad programmes on offer are age limit specific. The minimum age for Work Abroad/Gap Year programmes is 18, but companies like STA Travel South Africa also offer some programmes that allow for participants up to the age of 44 years old. Some programmes require for participants to have a degree and work experience, and others just require a Matric certificate. Depending on these, the age limits differ.

The benefits of taking a gap year

Gaining knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly promote your future career development upon your return to South Africa is a big one.

Experiencing another land, culture and possibly even a language, while working and living in another country; a unique and diverse opportunity that will stand you in good stead in any chosen career path.

The opportunity to travel the world, make new friends, gain international practical work experience and earn and save foreign currency.

If you're unsure about which career path you intend to follow, a year away from home may alter your perspective on your interests and may give you more insight into what you'd eventually like to do.
As for disadvantages, these are very few and far between. If any, these may include some applicants being homesick and missing out on special events back home, but the Gap Year experience is richer and more rewarding once this is overcome. Many of the programmes have programme fees which require for you to pay for your air ticket, as well as have a set amount of finances available. Even though the earnings abroad are lucrative, you will need to have sufficient funds to cover initial costs.
Facilitation of gap year opportunities
Lee Cairncross, part of the STA Travel South Africa team and co-host of the #StartTheAdventure show on CliffCentral, notes that STA Travellers are passionate about travel, wanting to learn more about the world and about themselves, and because of this, the brand does things differently when it comes to working abroad option and opportunities.
"They are the reason we do things differently. We have built our exclusive product range from the ground up in direct response to the needs and wants of our travellers. We assist with linking applicants with our relevant Work Abroad programme partners. We have found that more people, not just students, want authentic, real-value travel options. STA Travel is for anyone passionate about fun, adventurous, educational travel; wanting flexibility, reliable service and support. Our work abroad programs offer, amongst other things, a unique forum for professional and personal growth within an international context, with benefits such as on the job training, international networking, cultural exchange, travel and a whole lot of fun too," says Cairncross.