If you are a young adult looking to spend the summer a bit differently, then getting a summer job is a great option for you. In addition to learning some very important life skills around earning money and budgeting, you will have the opportunity to gain new experiences and build an excellent work ethic.
While some people are eager to take the summer off and enjoy some quiet time by the beach, others decide to take that opportunity to land a summer job overseas. This is the go-to choice for many young adults who want to build a professional network while gaining some vital savings.
In general, getting seasonal work abroad is considered the most effective way to improve career skills and learn how to be independent. In fact, people opt for these summer jobs to gain relevant experience in a particular field and prepare themselves for full-time employment at a later point in their life.
However, before you start your overseas adventure, you must do several things in order to find the perfect summer job. The entire process requires some time and dedication, so it is important that you do all the steps right in order to have the best experience.
To help you along the way, here is a step-by-step guide that will help you prepare for your new summer journey.
Get your paperwork ready
No matter where you decide to go, the first thing you must do is get all of your paperwork ready. Some of it includes your personal documents, medical records and any certifications that your potential employer may ask of you.
If you have found a job in a country where they don’t speak your mother tongue, it is advised that you use certified document translation services to have all papers translated into the official language of that country.
In addition to this paperwork, you must also write a CV and a cover letter to send your employer and let them get a good first impression of you. Here you can include all the qualifications you possess and whether you have had any work experience before. Having a well-written CV and cover letter will give you better chances of landing the summer job you are looking for.
Choose your summer destination
Probably the most exciting thing in this process is choosing your summer destination. Since you will be spending a few months living and working in a foreign country, it is simply right that you pick the one that will have the best summer job opportunities and the most adventure.
For example, the United States is a very popular choice among young adults for a temporary summer job. It offers plenty of opportunities from various fields in many metropolitan cities that will give you a chance to enhance your career skills while building on new cultural experiences.
Another very popular choice for a summer job is Spain. Its breathtaking landscapes, laid-back culture and never-ending sun are some of the reasons why many people choose this country as their temporary living destination. Working outdoors in places like Marbella, Barcelona and Ibiza is something no one can really resist.
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Look for a job
The destination you choose will basically help you determine what kind of job you should look for. Some of the most common employment opportunities abroad include doing hospitality work at resorts, camp counseling, teaching or working as an au pair.
For example, waitressing and bartending in a local bar are some very popular hospitality work options among young adults in countries like Spain and Greece. They teach people how to be responsible and fun at the same time which in most cases is rewarded with extra tips.
Another popular summer job choice is au pairing. If you truly enjoy working with children, this is the perfect chance for you to gain relevant experience while developing a relationship with a new family. Plus, they can be of great help for you to settle in nicely and help you get the most out of your time while living temporarily with them. Just make sure you do your research to find the right fit for you.
Go through the visa process
Although you will be living and working in a foreign country for a few months, you still need a visa and a work permit to be legally employed anywhere in the world. These documents are usually granted by the embassy of the country you have chosen for your summer job during an interview which you have to do before your travels.
In some cases, your future employer may even petition their government for a work visa for you. This way they will serve as your sponsor and guarantee your stay for the time being. If they are satisfied with your work, they may even petition for an extension of the work visa, so you can stay and work for them for a longer period of time.
In any case, it is important to note that the entire visa process may require a bit of money and time before you are granted all necessary permits.
Find accommodation
If you land a hospitality job as a housekeeper in a deluxe resort, you may be in luck when it comes to your housing situation. Such employers may offer you a place to live during your work engagement. If that’s not the case for you, then you have other options to choose from to find accommodation for the time being.
For example, short-term apartments are a very popular choice among young adults. You can rent a unit along with a couple of friends in order to pay a cheaper monthly fee. Such places can be found on numerous online marketplaces for lodgings such as Airbnb or other platforms that provide various living options.
No matter which type of housing option you choose, make sure you pick the one that will be closest to your work. Not only will you be able to save money on traveling, but you will also get to know your surroundings and enjoy the sights.
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Final thoughts
If you are a young adult looking to spend the summer a bit differently, then getting a summer job is a great option for you. In addition to learning some very important life skills around earning money and budgeting, you will have the opportunity to gain new experiences and build an excellent work ethic.
All you have to do is find the destination that is most appealing to you and send your application to land the perfect summer job.
In case you are struggling in the process, you can refer to this post and use it as a guide to having the best summer work experience.
Main photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels
