The start of my new journey

By Zander Fritz

Hello everyone, I am Zander Fritz. I am excited to share my journey on the Workaway International programme. I will explain my feelings, experiences, day to day activities and any other thoughts that I feel are important for future participants.

I started my Workaway International journey earlier this year where I attended the Workaway International presentation. I heard about this presentation from a friend. This was an informative presentation that gave us a brief look into what our lives could be if our applications were successful.

After the presentation, we had a short screening with the Workaway International staff. This is important, as they get to meet us and gather information on potential participants to potentially recommend them for roles that would best suit them.

The recruiters then contacted us to arrange a more in-depth interview. Initially, I felt nervous and even considered dropping out, but I stuck with it and stayed determined. I went to all my interviews and did my best to show them why they should hire me. I made it through each stage, which included meeting the representatives from the country clubs.

In the end, I got a position at Boca West country club in the state of Florida as a clubhouse greeter in the golf department.

Now I must prepare to leave for America, which I will give more details of in my next post.

Stay tuned for the excitement.

My 4TH season on the Workaway International programme…

By Latella Smit

Coming home and seeing my family and friends again was worth it. Being away from home for a year and a half, you really do miss South Africa, especially the food. But, I have to admit, after a month of being home, I started to miss Florida again.

During my time on the Workaway International programme, I have made friends that have become my family and cannot wait to do another season with them. Florida feels like home now.

I cannot wait to return to Boca West Country Club for my 3rd season. Every season is different and this time I want to travel to places that I have not been to before.

During my previous seasons, I went to Universal Studios, Key West, Miami, Everglades, Naples, Marco Island, Jacksonville, New York, and Westchester.

There are so many things to do in each state. The USA is so big, and it is difficult to go everywhere but the Bahamas and Mexico are a MUST this season.

The time has finally arrived for packing and getting ready to fly back to the USA!

The flight is approximately 20 hours long and I recommend bringing things to keep you occupied. I always suggest keeping your electronics fully charged. Bring an adapter and a charger to use when you switch over at JFK airport. They have plugs and charging stations all over. If you do not bring an adapter, be prepared to pay more than $30 for one at the airport.

It gets cold on the plane, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket and wear comfortable clothing. Even though they give you meals on the plane, I like to take lots of snacks as well. I also like to be comfortable, so I usually take a pillow.

Most importantly, do not forget to exchange some cash and take Dollars with you! During my first season, I had to pull 2 suitcases, my carry-on luggage, laptop bag and handbag with my pillow under my arm because I did not have the cash to hire a trolley. A trolley at the JFK airport is $1!

See you on the other side!

3,2,1… Take Off!

By Sonia Marques

The time has finally arrived to depart for the USA and before you know it, you will be on the plane on your way to America. The flight is very long, especially if you are flying so far for the first time. This will be the 7th time I am doing this flight and each time it feels like it takes the full 7 months of the season to prepare to do it again after returning home.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when embarking on a long flight:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Take a jersey (cardigan) because it could get cold on the plane. 
• Do regular stretching while on the plane. If the seatbelt sign is on and you are not allowed to get up and walk around, you could do some stretches while sitting, a good exercise is drawing the alphabet with each foot.
• Even if the food is not so great on the plane, eat something. It is a long time to not have any food in your system and the food at the airport can be pricey. 
• Keep hydrated.
• Get to know the person you are seated next to, talking can help the time to go faster and make the journey less lonely.
• Keep your phone charger in your hand luggage as you can use the charging ports at the airport to contact your family. 

It can be extremely intimidating travelling on your own, or even travelling with people you may not know. In my first season, I was told to look for people with the red “Workaway” folders and I still do this.

There is something very comforting about staying close to people who are experiencing the same array of emotions and going through the same thing as you are. Whenever I am travelling, as soon as I get to the airport, no matter how long my layover is, I make sure I know where my gate is for my next flight. This is helpful, especially when you are in a big airport, like JFK, as some gates are in a completely different terminal.

As hard as it is to say goodbye to your family, leave your comfort zone and travel to the unknown, remember that this is supposed to be fun and that it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Make the most of it. Some people will never get this opportunity, so grab it with both hands!

“If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” - Harvey MacKay

With Love, 

My American Experience

By Nondumiso Sibanda

My American journey began at Quail Ridge Country Club in November 2018. I was nervous at first as I was in a foreign country away from my family and friends. 

However, when we arrived in the USA, we received such a warm welcome from the Workaway representatives, the country club management and staff. I had the best experience at Quail Ridge Country Club. I learnt a lot about different cuisines, and I met a lot of people from different cultures.

The club’s Christmas party is where I formed friendships with the locals and we even spent Christmas day with a few of them.

We were lucky enough for the country club to have organized an outing to Disney World. The trip was nothing short of amazing. The rides, the castle, the different parks, everything was breathtakingly beautiful. It was a day well spent!

My favourite trip was travelling to Key West. The views, the bars, the food, the shops, and the beach were sublime. Another highlight of my trip was being at the Conch Republic Southernmost Point Continental USA. The whole place is out of this world – I am definitely going back.

I was not going to leave before seeing the famous Miami beach everyone was raving about. The atmosphere and the beach were awesome – the cocktails were not bad either! I also got to see the Clevelander on Ocean Drive, the most hype place to be at apparently.

The season went by so quickly, but it was worth every minute. I came back home for personal reasons, however, I definitely cannot wait to go back for my second season.

My advice for new participants would be to be responsible, work hard, save as much as you can and of course travel and live your best life!

HOW TO SAVE SUCCESSFULLY WHEN YOU ARE WORKING ABROAD

Let’s talk finances!

Many participants aim to save as much as they can when they are on the Workaway International programme. In fact, we have had many success stories from candidates who went abroad and saved enough money to put a deposit on a house or pay off debt when they return. If this sounds like something you would want, then see how you can make the money you earn, work in your favour…

Set a goal

Have a clear idea of what you are saving for. You could be saving for a deposit on a house, for your dream car or well-deserved vacation. Once you know what you are saving for, then you need to determine how much you can afford to put aside each month.

Keep a budget

Keep a weekly or monthly budget to help you keep track of how much you are earning, saving and spending. A budget also ensures that you have enough money to comfortably see you through the month.

Know your priorities

When you are in the USA, you are there to work and knowing that this is your number one priority, will help limit some expenses such as eating out, entertainment, etc. You should also have a clear understanding of what your needs and wants are. We say, focus on your needs and save the rest.

Do not dip into your savings

Have you ever had money in your account and tempted to use it? We have all had these moments of weakness however, taking money out of your savings completely defeats the purpose. Watch your money grow and accumulate interest instead of decreasing to a very possible, zero balance. Create good money habits for yourself and you will only reap the benefits in the end.

Be consistent

This could be the most difficult and most important tip. Consistency is key to ensuring that your saving journey is a success. Saving does not mean that you cannot enjoy yourself when you are in the USA. It simply means that if you want to plan a trip or something fun, put it in your budget and save up for it, so that you do not end up spending your money frivolously.

Saving is not easy, especially when you are in a different country and want to experience all the amazing tourist attractions and delicious cuisines. However, we encourage you to keep your end goal in mind. Remind yourself how amazing you would feel when you have purchased that car or paid off that debt. The feeling is priceless (excuse the pun)!

Things to consider before leaving home

By Ernest Siya Gaehler

Yay! Congratulations! You have been accepted on the Workaway International programme. Your contract is signed, VISA is sorted and now you are just a flight away from your new temporary home.

Most participants cannot wait to jet off to the US. While it is exciting to experience new things, participants are not prepared for the little things they will miss at home. I suggest that you enjoy the following while still in South Africa:

BOEREWORS

If you are a South African, you most definitely love some boerie on the braai. Yes, there is a South African store in Ft Lauderdale but getting to it is easier said than done, so do yourself a favour and savour a few more boeries before you leave.

SODAS

Most of the popular soda brands are in the USA, but sometimes you just want your favourite thirst quencher and soon realise that only your country sells it. You could pack a bottle in your checked luggage; however, it is important to be aware of the risk of the bottle exploding all over your clothes and goodies.

PIE

As a South African, a pie is enjoyed in different ways. An easy snack from the petrol station for lunch, a homemade pie for dinner or the perfect binge meal on the way home from a late night. Be prepared to sacrifice the luxuries of edible pastries and warm food usually found at a petrol station.

SPORT

If you are a sports fan, it might be very difficult to catch your favourite game as you may be working, and you might not be able to stream it while you are in the USA. Consider using ESPN+ which has a $5 package for a small variety of different sports. This will help a lot but if it is not in your budget then you will, unfortunately, miss this.

DRINKING WATER

Strange, I know! Drinking water from a tap in Florida is not advisable and you will find yourself buying bottled water every two weeks from your local grocery shop. The water is not pricey but not having the simple convenience of opening the tap for a glass of water, will make you miss home.

ACCENTS

Another strange thing to miss is hearing a familiar accent. You will be surprised how much joy it brings. Meeting other South Africans from different clubs will most definitely be something to look forward to.

Undeniably, the one thing you will miss most are your loved ones, so make sure you make the most of your time and leave on good terms with everybody you cherish and love!

Work hard, play hard!

Sonia Marques

My holiday with my family in Portugal has been nothing short of AMAZING. Being away from home and family for 7 months at a time makes one realize how important and irreplaceable family is and therefore I cherish the quality time I have with my loved ones. However, just like everything else, this too must come to an end, but the memories will last forever. Hopefully, I will be able to save enough and return to Portugal next year.

Once I get home, there is no time to spare, as I will have to get ready to go back to the USA. If you are a new recruit there is no need to worry, as Workaway will host a pre-departure orientation, which explains the entire process. From your visa forms to housing options and some general tips. At the pre-departure orientation, you will also meet people from your city, who will be working with you at your country club. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and meet people who will potentially be travelling with you. 

Many country clubs undergo construction and renovation often during low season. Where I work, Addison Reserve Country Club has just finished building a brand-new lifestyle center and I have the privilege of assisting with opening a new restaurant in this beautiful facility. If you get the opportunity to be on the Workaway International programme, grab it with both hands! You gain so much knowledge about the industry and the international experience will look great on your CV too. 

I am very excited to see what my fourth season at Addison Reserve holds, as each season is unique in its own way and my role as a fourth-time returner will include more responsibility and opportunity for growth.

“Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”

~ William Pollard

With Love,