How to Work Your Way Around the World

If you’ve ever dreamed about working your way around the world, paying for exotic adventure by picking grapes, teaching English or signing on as a deckhand, one of your best sources of information is “Work Your Way Around the World” by Susan Griffith (Peterson’s Guides, $17.95). The revised eighth edition has just become available.

The 529-page handbook is packed with details on the types of opportunities that budget travelers can find, from picking fruit and vegetables in Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific, to mothers’ helpers, film extras, campsite couriers, ski-resort help, and restaurant and resort staff. Adding insight into the pros and cons of seeking work abroad are quotes from young travelers about their experiences.

But keep in mind that the guide is published in Britain. Young British travelers have it much easier than Americans. Citizens of any European Union country can work anywhere in the European Union, formerly the Common Market; there are more barriers for Americans.

The book will, however, teach young Americans a great deal about finding jobs or volunteer opportunities that may not earn them a wage but can offset the cost of living in a foreign destination.

And the Council on International Educational Exchange has an annual Student Work Abroad Program that goes beyond the European Union countries. The exchange operates in Britain, France, Ireland, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Jamaica and South Africa. You can get details by calling (212) 822-2659.

“Work Your Way Around the World” starts with an extensive section on bureaucracy, job qualifications and making contacts.

Griffith points out the difference between the “reckless arrivals,” those who land with next to nothing, and others who wait until they have substantial savings before they dare leave home, “which gives them the enviable freedom to work only when they want to.”

Both styles of traveler are touched on in this guide. American Bruce Collier, who had success finding work, warned of getting stuck in a tedious situation. “In Moscow, there was quite a bit of work proofreading and translating Russian-to-English legal and medical documents. . . . The jobs are very demanding. Remember, you’re traveling the world for the cultural experience and to have fun. If you wanted to hole yourself up in a room all day looking at paper, you could have stayed at home.”

Griffith also suggests that “It’s a good idea to take documentary evidence of any qualifications you have. Also take along a sheet of references, both character and work-related if possible, all on headed note paper.”

Even if you can’t work your way through the red tape to work legally, the guide will give you leads on other ways you can offset your travel costs. For example, many young travelers volunteer to work on a kibbutz in Israel. Even though you may not be earning a wage, it gives you a break from spending money on accommodations and meals.

One traveler said: “The kibbutz took us all on a three-day holiday to the south, gave us decent food, free beer and meals out. They were generous. We went sightseeing, snorkeling and hired out boats.”

A warning: Young travelers can be taken advantage of for cheap labor, working long hours for a fraction of their earning power at home. Your best bet is to travel with enough funds so that you never feel forced to remain in an unacceptable situation.