The American Dream

By Christiaan Haasbroek

I did not know what to expect, when I got on the airplane at O.R Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg. I did as much research as I possibly could before I boarded on a 16-hour flight to New York City…and then off to West Palm Beach, Florida.

I did not know one single person on the plane and thought to myself: “This is going to be one huge challenge, to make new friends in a country that I know very little of”. I arrived in West Palm Beach around 2pm on the 10th of October 2017: we were picked up from the airport; taken to do some shopping for necessities at the local Publix; and arrived at our apartment, which completely exceeded my expectation!

Myself and all the other participants had the day to unpack, and to enjoy the Floridian scenery of stunning beach views and orange skies! I spent the day on the beach and got to know some of my fellow colleagues that have already arrived from Ireland and South Africa.

The next day we arrived at Admirals Cove Country Club, where we all worked together as a team. I was completely amazed at how beautiful the country club and surroundings were – I could not believe that I would be working here for 6 months.

The first 3 months, up to the Christmas Party hosted at one of the other country clubs, was an absolute dream. The friends I made became family. Work was a pleasure to go to everyday and we were offered great guidance and support from the country clubs management. At this point, I felt what “The American Dream” was all about…

The Beauty Through Your Eyes

By Robyn May

While marketing in Ballito, Durban, I got the chance to view the arts and crafts of a man who makes souvenirs. This made me realise, that often we forget to appreciate the simple things.

I watched the waves roll onto the shore which made me feel calm and allowed me to forget about all the negativity and appreciate all the good things that are taking place. Remember, when worries get you down, stop, think and acknowledge all the good and positive things happening in your life.

I challenge you to take the time to look around you and see the beauty, not only in the things around you but in the people as well. Never forget that after every storm there is a magnificent rainbow…

Sebonack, you feel Like HOME!

By Nasiphi Sobahle

Google defines a home as “the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household”. I would go further and claim that home is not a place, it’s a feeling, it is YOU. And Sebonack Country Club feels like HOME! One may wonder, how a workplace could feel like home – I am more than delighted to share the reasons!

Those who are very fond of me know that I am from a very small town in South Africa, a town that is nestled in the heart of East Griqualand, a small town that sits on the boundary between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, a town that boasts a population of 50 000... I am from a town called Kokstad and I am basically a proud farm girl.

Arriving at Sebonack Country Club in Southampton, New York, I really had no idea what to expect and I was certainly surprised. Who would have thought that one could find chickens in the Hamptons? I know I never did. But it turns out that Sebonack country club also practices poultry farming. We raise chickens for eggs and these are the very same eggs that we offer on our breakfast menu. Discovering this definitely took me back home.

As if learning about the chickens was not enough to leave me in awe, I was then introduced to Sebonack’s beehive. Yes, we produce our own honey, which is beautifully and proudly set on our tables in the dining rooms. Tell me that this is not impressive! This definitely sets us apart because we live in a world where the majority of people are now health conscious.

Kokstad is well known for its cold, biting, dry and bleak winters. Here, at Sebonack, they collect enough wood to last the entire winter. Walking into our staff housing, the beauty of the wood stacked in front of our building always catches my eye, and I think of how my hometown friends back in South Africa would love and appreciate this wood during the months of June and July. I can see them now, around the fire…

Sebonack, you definitely took me back home! Thanks for being my home away from home.

Final Countdown

By Megan Volker

As the season comes to the end; I look back and reflect on the amazing experience I have had and the amazing people I have met.

Majority of my colleagues and friends have either left for the recruitment season in North Florida or are already back home in South Africa.

We have had many farewells. This was the hardest part of the season - saying goodbye to your friends and especially your housemates. We have all grown so close and become one big family. 

Memorial Day was my last day of work and I was so excited to end my time at the country club on a positive note. Memorial Day celebrations in the United States of America takes place in honour of women and men who have died in the military service and is usually a big affair. After all the excitement, I am looking forward to my flight back to South Africa!

The packing has begun, and I am waiting anxiously to get on a plane home. It is going to be a long journey home and I know I will be leaving the states feeling content with my life.

I can already feel that I am going to miss Florida and I am not even home yet! Luckily, I will be back in Florida in a few months’ time which gives me something to look forward to. Even better, I get to do it all over again!

It has been great blogging and sharing my experiences. Goodbye for now, until next season...

Recruitment process in full swing

Tara Clampett

It has been a busy few weeks for the Workaway International team as our recruitment process is in full swing!

I have had a great time marketing the program and meeting candidates from all over Cape Town. Among the locations I have visited is the stunning De Zalze Estate where I met the students from the Swing Fit Golf Academy, The Golf School of Excellence and The SA Butler Academy. I would like to thank all the students and lecturers for their hospitality during my visits!

The Joburg and Durban recruiters also recently made their way to Cape Town for training and it was lovely meeting Christiaan and seeing Robyn again. I worked with Robyn at Mirasol Country Club in Florida and I never thought we would be colleagues again on South African soil! I was also fortunate enough to assist Robyn in Durban for the first presentation, which was filled to capacity with excited potential Workaways! We met fantastic candidates and I look forward to seeing them again for their Workaway interviews this week.

While winter has hit Cape Town I am longing for the beautiful weather in the sunshine state, Florida! I am looking forward to hopefully going back this season and seeing all the excited new candidates on the plane starting your journey to the USA!