Finally

By Damian Green

After months of waiting in anticipation, long-winded interviews and numerous visits to the Workaway International offices, it is finally time to depart to the USA!

I cannot believe I will be flying halfway across the globe to sunny Florida to work as a Server at the gorgeous Addison Reserve Country Club for the next six months. My family is visibly nervous by the thought of me leaving the nest to fend for myself in the USA.

To be honest, I am feeling quite intimidated and slightly scared of what the future holds. I do know, however, that with the help of my fellow Workaway recruits and the amazing staff at Workaway International, I will be very happy in my new home. 

I am leaving behind my family and friends who I will miss terribly. My sister says she will not miss me but I know for a fact that she is going to miss me the most. My first flight from Cape Town is looming. The day is growing closer.

It is definitely going to be an experience of a lifetime. Wish me luck!

The wait before the wait...

By Arthur Devon Petersen 

This has been by far one of the most humbling experiences I have ever endured. From receiving confirmation of employment and the completion of various medical examinations to a successful visa application and booked flight to the USA. 

Workaway International has made this process so easy for first time applicants.  I can only imagine how stressful it must be to not only do this procedure for one person, but for over 600 other applicants from across the country.  I thank you for all your time and effort in making sure we are always updated on the status of our applications. I also would like to thank everyone at Workaway International for providing us with the opportunity to chase and achieve our dreams. You guys are the real stars of the show.

Now that I am packed and ready, it is time to say my goodbye’s and begin a new chapter in my life. As always, it is good to stay humble and uphold my values and principles. I thank God every day and pray He guides and protects us all throughout our journeys in the USA.

Goodbye South Africa

By Chevonne Kieser

This past week has been very exciting with all the successful candidates having their appointments at the U.S. consulate to find out if their U.S. visas were approved. Everything just feels so much more real once your visa is approved!

I started handing out flight packs to all candidates that were successful with their visas.

I cannot believe that tomorrow I will be catching the long flight back to sunny Florida once again. I cannot wait and I am so excited to reunite with everyone back at Boca West Country Club.

To all candidates still going to their appointments at the U.S. consulate, I wish you good luck. Remember to dress professionally, be polite and friendly. Even though I will not be there on the day, I will be leaving you in good hands. See you all in Florida!

Tips on what to bring along to the US

By Emma Seager

I recently got back from a trip to Las Vegas and like the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Now it is back to focusing on preparing for my next season in Florida.

Many of you may be coming to America for the first time and are possibly lost in terms of what to pack and what to expect. Firstly, go and exchange some money. As soon as you land in the US, you will be transported to your new apartment and will most likely be able to stop at a store on the way to grab some necessities. You will probably be starving so food would be first on your list! Do not forget to buy an adapter to be able to charge your phone if you did not bring one along. I would suggest getting some washing detergent so that you do not get stuck with heaps of dirty clothes. It is tough getting around without a car and your South African bank account will not work with Uber here so until you have been set up with an American bank account, you will be walking or will have to pay for a taxi in cash.

Pack light as you will want to buy everything here in America. When I first arrived, I only had two pairs of shorts and a few other clothing items.  You will not need much clothing as you will mostly be wearing your uniform.

Whatever you do, buy comfortable shoes that will support your feet and ankles for work as you will be on your feet most of the day. The working hours are long so being comfortable is key.

Bring some medication along from home as it can be confusing and overwhelming when you go to a store or pharmacy for the first time in America and you see tons of brands you have never heard of before. I just found it way easier to bring over what I am used to until I settle into the American brand. Here is a list of my top medical products:

Corenza C

Berocca

Med Lemon

Disprin or Myprodol

I suggest bringing a file along with some documents such as certified copies of your passport, ID, Drivers Licence, etc. It can also come in handy to store your pay slips as you will need them to apply for an extension.

I hope this information is helpful. I wish you all good luck on your preparations.  I will see you on the other side.

Ticket to anywhere

By Vasti Fourie

Thank you Workaway International for this amazing opportunity.  Thank you for my ticket to anywhere. Physically I did not receive a ticket to go anywhere in the world, but I have my foot in the door and the opportunity to turn all my dreams into a reality.

In just a few weeks’ I will begin this amazing new chapter. Yes, it will be very difficult to say goodbye to all my family and friends, but I know it will all be worth it.

Here are a few reasons why it is a good idea to travel abroad:

Working in a different environment, away from home will change you and help you grow.

The best way to learn is from your experiences. 

You get to learn and understand cultures other than your own. As your understanding of other cultures increases, your understanding of yourself and your own culture will increase exponentially.

You get to experience new places, so go out and explore on your off days.

You learn that communication is so important – especially when you are living abroad so talk to the locals and make new friends.

To my fellow Workaway International participants, while we are in the USA let us soak up all the life lessons, stay strong and always be positive.

Thank you Workaway International and the staff for your guidance and assistance throughout this process. You have given so many young adults a brighter future J.

Experiencing America

By Andrea May

I will never forget where my journey started. On the morning on 20 October 2015, I raced to the airport with my family. It was as if they were never going to see me again. I hugged them all goodbye, knowing that I will just be gone for 6 months.

It was a long flight to America. After three movies back to back, I was sure we were about to land but I looked at the time and saw we still had 10 hours to go! Eventually we landed and I met my house coordinator, Annie, for the first time. She has been truly amazing to me.

As we exited the airport, the first thing I saw was palm trees everywhere! We got to a store called Publix (which is similar to Woolworths) before we got to our accommodation.  Annie and her assistant helped us settle into our apartments. The apartments looked better than I expected. It was like a holiday resort – we had a hot tub, pool, creek, tennis courts, gym, pool tables and Apple Macs.

Time went on at Boca West and I must admit that Christmas was the most difficult time. I missed my family so much.  I felt disconnected from the people I love and I wanted to go back home on more than one occasion. However, I had the support of friends and colleagues and that made things much easier. I ended up making so many amazing memories of my own. I am grateful for the connection I made with my colleagues as they soon became family.

 

Being on the Workaway International programme has allowed me to experience things I never knew I would. I went on amazing road trips like driving to Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway! We also drove to Tampa. I went jet skiing in Mexico and attended Ultra in Miami, where I got to see the biggest EDM artists live. I traveled to the Caribbean and fed flamingos on one of the most beautiful beaches. As an animal lover, swimming with dolphins was one of the biggest dreams come true.

I went to Disney World, kissed Mickey Mouse and met my favorite Disney princess, Ariel. I even overcame my fear of heights by going on the SheiKra, a dive coaster at the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay amusement park. Going to Universal Studios was just as amazing as I got to see some of my favourite childhood movies come to life.

Workaway has also made it possible for me to move to New York. There is just something about the city that captivates me and makes me feel alive. I even attended New York Fashion Week. I have fallen in love with this city and I never want to leave, but sadly I have one month left.

Being on the Workaway International program has opened so many doors for me. I have grown up so much and truly found myself. I will cherish this experience forever. Thank you Workaway International for giving me this amazing opportunity.

America - We are coming for you!

By Mario de Carvalho

Hellen Keller once said; "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing". This is one of the many reasons why I decided to take on this once in a lifetime journey to the USA. I became acquainted with Workaway International through a friend who was on the program previously. I knew that a program as profound as Workaway International would be the perfect choice for me.

Workaway International has been exceptional, assisting me individually with whatever I needed. I received a call informing me that my application was successful and that I will be employed at the Boca West Country Club as a banquet server. I was overwhelmed with excitement. This is it. I am well on my way to the USA!

Since the orientation day in Johannesburg, the process has been expeditious. With the thought of leaving our home country, it is completely common to experience an array of emotions. From fear of homesickness and the unknown to excitement for what is to come. One thing is for sure - I am truly thankful and blessed to have been granted this opportunity. 

I want to thank each and every staff member of the Workaway International team. Not only for the opportunity but for their patience, helpfulness and guidance throughout the application process. They have made every successful participants dream come true! Thank you.