Adventure is Worthwhile

By Christiaan Haasbroek

I got great news this past month: I will be going back to Florida for another season!

It has been the journey of a lifetime these past 3 months. I have been home and working as the Johannesburg representative for Workaway international South Africa.

I have met so many new people and they all share the same dream: to gain international experience, to travel and explore the world. Once you have traveled and experienced different parts of the world you realize what a small space you occupy.

I truly cannot wait to experience this amazing journey with all the new recruits. Going back, after working for Workaway as a recruiter, will be a different experience on its own, but definitely one I am looking forward to.

There is a quote by Ibn Battuta: " Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a

Storyteller."

I have never really understood the magnitude of this quote until recently… One Sunday in July, we were celebrating my father’s birthday with family and friends, I was talking to so many family members about my journeys and experiences that took place over the last 5 years, and that was when I realized that my traveling has truly turned me into a storyteller.

Like Tim Cahill said, "A Journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles."

From stranger, to friend, to family…

By Robin May

Travelling to the United States of America, on my own, was daunting at first. It was my first time being away from my friends and family. It never occurred to me that for the next 6 months, I would have gained so much more than just great memories but that I would also meet some amazing people.

At presentations, participants always ask: "What if I get home-sick and want to come home?" or "Will I get support from the programme?"

I tell all participants that there is always someone to talk to whether it be your manager at work, your colleagues or your housemates. There are even representatives from the Workaway International programme who are based in Florida to listen to any difficulties you may be facing. 

You make so many friends while in Florida and they quickly become your family away from home. I made such good friends, who are not only from South Africa but from the United States and as far as the United Kingdom.

So, if you have any fears about meeting new people, trust me you are going to make so many friends, have so many laughs and make such great memories that you are going to forget any fears you had in the first place. 

I look forward to returning to the United States of America! I cannot wait to catch up with my Floridian friends and hear all the summer tails, that they have to tell. Here is to many more memories with people that make my days a little easier being away from home.

The excitement of a Novice Golfer!

By Nasiphi Sobahle

Growing up, I have always had an interest in playing every sport one can possibly name however golf was not one of them. I grew up in an environment where golfing was stereotyped as not being a real sport, that it was boring and that golfers were not classified as “athletes”.

I have been brainwashed into thinking that the above was true and that the sport is for the rich and elite and that the middle-class individuals could not really afford to play. All of this has made me lose interest in all things golf related.

Six years ago, I ventured into the Workaway International programme and I was placed at the Hunters Run Golf Club. I am embarrassed to say that I still had no interest in learning about the sport even though I worked at a golf club and had all the information and resources made readily available to me.

Fast forward to today, I am now working at the Sebonack Golf Club for the summer, the members of Hunters Run could not believe that I was accepted to work in one of the world’s prestigious country clubs - they were happier than I was! This is a club where players like Mr. Tiger Woods & Dustin Johnson are regular guests. A club where the owner (Mr. M Pasccuci) personally selects who will become a member in his club and this is the very same club that allows the employees the opportunity to play golf. As I sit here and think about my journey, I am amazed at how far I have come with Workaway International and the country club lifestyle. 

I am excited to start my golf lessons after the US OPEN 2018 and I could have never dreamed of learning how to play golf anywhere else but the Sebonack Golf Club.

The Countdown Begins

By Tara Clampett

With just over one month to go before the country club interview process begins, I am sure many applicants are feeling excited and anxious. I am quite nervous and excited myself - I have decided to return to Florida and have applied for this year’s recruitment season.

While I am thoroughly enjoying my job as a recruiter for Workaway International, I am always up for a new challenge and ready to step out of my comfort zone. I have discovered through the recruitment process, for many of you (including myself), the step you take when applying for the Workaway International programme is the first step out of your comfort zone.

Leaving behind friends, family and all things familiar may feel daunting at first, but once you have settled in to your job and surroundings in the USA, you will never look back! One thing I realised when looking back on my experiences within the Workaway programme, is how sheltered my experiences and worldview was before I went to the USA. 

I clearly remember standing at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, overlooking the entire city; a lump formed in my throat as I realised how much I have grown and how many of my goals I have achieved. At that moment I realised, my dreams had now become a reality… all thanks to Workaway International.

My advice for anyone sitting on the fence about applying for the programme, is to take that first step out of your comfort zone and start the journey of a lifetime…As the saying goes: “Great things never come from comfort zones”.