When the excitement amounts...

By Nasiphi Sobahle

WOW, WOW & WOW…!!!!!

On a beautiful Tuesday evening (10^th September 2013) … Hundreds of successful Workaway candidates gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Durban for Their Pre- Departure Orientation…

One couldn’t help but notice the HUGE SMILES as everyone began coming into the Hotel, Eager Candidates, Keen, Smiley Faces…Everyone walked in Gracefully, All geared up for Information Overload regarding where to from the Pre- Departure Orientation ( Stage 6 )… I do know what everyone was thinking though…It is stage 6 out of the 8 stages on the Workaway Program, certainly we are almost at the end of the tunnel, Almost completed the race, Little did they know what really lies ahead from here…

Important information was given out by Charlotte & later on, we were separated according to our respective Country Clubs, This was social time after so much of information to program, some made friends during the Social while some managed to find roommates… In all of this being done, it was evident enough that the Durban Candidates Live by their motto “HUGE SMILES” and one couldn’t, not by any chance miss the excitement that filled the meeting room in which we gathered in, SMILES resemble HAPPINESS, JOY, EXCITEMENT… and this was definitely what filled the room, all the HUNTERS SMILES, BALLEN_SMILES & MIRA_SMILES (to name a few LOL) were no near being hidden, what an amazing crowd.

The majority of us began with our medical examinations the following day, as much as you know that you are somehow clear from what we have to be tested for, you can’t help but worry about the blood test results etc, My friends and I had a Monday (16 September 2013) GP appointment, I can’t really express in words how excited you become when you are informed that you have PASSED your medical evaluation, such an amazing feeling knowing that you are a step closer to the finishing line of the process. Now what is next???

At this stage, it feels like it is the beginning of the process, with so much to do in so little time.

DS_160 Visa Application Forms, Take Visa Pictures (The CORRECT size), putting your ties to RSA together and getting yourself ready for that US Consulate Interview.

It is stressful, that much I know, BUT, I strongly recommend that you listen to the advice that Workaway will give you closer to your interview and on the other side, your Girl “Nas” leaves you with this_ Think, Act, Speak Positively, against all Odds!!!!Cheers, Until we meet again J

Bubbles to ring in Spring

By Renee Van Der Watt

We're heading into Spring and things are really heating up at the Cape town office. The clubs have their teams and orientations are almost done. Now it's time for medicals and visas. Who would have thought that going to the doctor could be so exciting, right? I have been enjoying the activity of Facebook and it's so good to see how many of you have already made new friends. The visa might seem daunting at first but we are all here to help so relax and enjoy this last month. With every step you complete, the reality will start sinking in. I can't believe the final stretch is upon us. This recruitment period has flown by! All of you have been fabulous and I have truly enjoyed getting our 2013/2014 teams together.

While we all wait patiently for October to arrive, why not take a day to enjoy some bubbly at the House of JC Le Roux. Rain or shine I guarantee it would be worth it. The new renovation is gorgeous and the sparkling wine and champagne has been a SA favourite for many years. Think of it as sipping a bit of home before you experience all that the USA has to offer. The fiancé and I decided to visit them in April and enjoyed every second. 

The service was great and we felt welcome from the second we entered the building. After taking the tour and learning about how champagne is made, which by the way is rather fascinating, you then choose the tasting package that best suits your palette. Bubbles and nougat, I'll take that any day of the week. There is more to see. The new pink Le Fluerette cocktail bar, snacks on the outside deck and the gift shop. All in all one fun afternoon out. 

Well done again to all successful applicants. You are going to have the time of your life and I look forward to ready some blogs from the other side of the pond in the near future.

Our days are numbered...

By Janine Dawson

Wow, I have really gone through a roller coaster of emotions in these past few weeks! First the interviewing process which made me nervous and anxious, then waiting to hear if I was accepted, which seemed to take forever... and now finally after the pre-departure orientation, the confusion and excitement of hopefully leaving very soon!

Now that we're at STEP 7, everything seems to be real. Filling in the DS-160 form, going to the doctor, pathologist and radiologist. Hoping that everything is done properly is actually quite over-whelming. Besides all of that, time feels as if it has completely slowed down. I just can't wait for my interview with the consulate because after that it's time to get my ticket- yay! Now I have to start thinking of what clothes to take with, what I will pack and what I'll need while I'm there, so many decisions.

I seem to have so many lists: lists of things I still need to do, lists of things I still need to get, lists of things I need to pack and lists of things I want to do while I'm over there. Even though there is so much to prepare for and to remember, I feel like this is only the beginning... The adventure ahead is going to be amazing! It's going to be so exciting to meet the rest of my colleagues, to go to my country club, to see where I'll be living and to experience everything. I think the most important thing is to be positive.
"when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it"- Paulo Coelho

Safaris for Africa

By Nivedna Sewchurran

It's amazing to think what a beautiful place we live in Africa / South Africa. To think that we don't get hurricanes, earthquakes ect, I would say we truly blessed, but other than natural disasters I'm proud to say that I'm from South Africa simply because of our wildlife.

Although when you do go on the Workaway program you going to have people ask you "Do you have lions in your back yard?" It makes you wanna laugh, but you have to understand that what people see on discovery channel is what they think South Africa is all about. That's when you get the chance to educate them just a little about our awesome wildlife.

I have had the great pleasure of going on a few Safaris and my word it was breath taking. To come close to lions and zebras grazing on the horizon truly took my breath away. Elephants crossing the path hoping that they don't turn around and charge the jeep, to giraffes reaching for the tips of the trees. It's like being in a totally different world.  All the animals so majestic in their natural habitat.

So if you get the chance to go on a safari just do it.... I mean we do live in South Africa were the animals run free!! 

You've come this far...

Nasiphi Sobahle

Here you are, at stage 6 (Pre- Departure Orientation), who ever thought?

I guess once you receive that long awaited telephone call from Workaway, informing you that you have been accepted by a particular Golf Country Club, that is when it suddenly dawns on you that you will be jetting off to the USA ...SOON!!!!! 

It is always good reminiscing , looking back at where you come from and where you are at present, especially with a process so intense, so particular and up to date as the Workaway Process...You should be proud of yourself, having said that... REMEMBER when you first attended the presentations? I don't really think you had any slight idea that today you would be this EXCITED because a prestigious Golf Country Club has had an interest in YOU, an interest in getting you on board with them, That is Super Amazing...That was just stage one out of the 8 stages, You, For yourself saw the large amount that turned up in Stage 1, hopeful candidates who had the same dream as you, candidates who wished for the same opportunity as yourself but unfortunately, not all of us made it thus far.

Two (2) more steps (Visa Application + Departure to the USA) to go and you are all set, then your long awaited opportunity will be knocking on your door and becoming a reality. In all that you do... I say to you... I believe that self - improvement is a journey that anyone who wants to excel in life must take, look at the Workaway Opportunity as a road to Self - Improvement + Discovery , YOU can only get better from here and so will your journey...

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS for making it thus far in the process...