Working abroad during gap year...any experience anyone?

[Misfitless]

Not sure where to post this, so am trying here.

DD (almost 18) is thinking of working abroad next summer. I'm all for this, and in fact suggested it, as she's at a loss regards what to do after her A-Levels.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone's DCs have done this. If so, what type of work did they do, for how long, and did they use an agency to find work? She doesn't speak any languages; although she passed her GCSE French, she doesn't have a working knowledge of the language, iyswim.

TIA

[specialsubject]

the starter here is 'which country'? The well-trodden path is Australia or New Zealand (or both) with a working holiday visa. Loads of information online.

remember

• only one WHV per country per person in a lifetime. So don't waste it.
  
• only really worthwhile for a 'year off'
  
• needs suitable insurance
  
• don't pay any companies or agencies to sort it out. Part of the experience is to do all that.
  

nearer home, she could work for one of the British holiday companies in Europe. It is not too early to start thinking about this now for next summer. Doesn't necessarily need any other languages. Does she have any suitable skills; childcare, sports teaching?

[Misfitless]

Thanks Special.

Yes - loads of babysitting experience, was a sports leader at school, but not qualified, currently works in a pub as a waitress, good personable skills."

Thanks .. am going to have a browse around now!

[Dapplegrey]

Do get word of mouth recommendations.
My dd and her friend went to work for a riding safari in Kenya. They had to look after the horses, exercise them and school the young ones. They weren't paid - indeed they had to pay for their board and lodging (she paid for this with money she had earned from the two jobs she did for the first 6 months).
The deal was - or so they were told - was that their reward would be being taken on safari.
However, after 5 weeks without a day off, they were informed that they weren't being taken on safari as apparently there wasn't room for them - which was a bit odd as their employers were constantly complaining about how the terrorist activity in Kenya was putting off customers.
Dd and her friend decently worked out two weeks notice and then went round Africa in a truck which was inexpensive and great fun.
So, do check out any jobs thoroughly as people can be very unscrupulous and take advantage of young people.

Dd's previous jobs were first in the admin side of an art gallery which she got through a friend of a friend, and second she worked in Malaysia for a school there run by an English independent school. She got that by applying with references that she has got from her work experience placements.

[specialsubject]

also tell her to look on the lonely planet thorntree forum, lots of useful FAQs there. Especially read up on the perils of 'voluntourism'.

[Misfitless]

Have checked out the lonely planet thorntree forum, which I hadn't heard of before.

Thanks for that, specialsubject!