Memories Last A Lifetime

By Tara Clampett

With most Workaway participants settled into their new job and lifestyle in the USA now it’s easy to fall into a routine…I find myself guilty of this and it is important to remind oneself that there are so many exciting adventures and opportunities at our doorstep here in the USA.

Living from paycheck to paycheck is no fun especially when you have no experiences or memories but only clothes and shoes to show for all your long hours worked. Although it may sound cliche, the saying goes “You can always make money, you can’t always make memories” is something I find that I need to remind myself and yes, it is possible to save money AND have fun and make memories throughout your stay in the USA…

One thing I am sure many new Workaway participants have realized is how many specials the restaurants in the USA have so taking advantage of these allows you to have fun with your friends, eat out, have some cocktails (because who doesn’t love a two for one cocktail special every now and then) for half the price you would usually pay…so play your cards right…websites and apps such as Yelp can help you find the best specials happening for any day in your area.

When it comes to adventures I have used a website called “Discover the Palm Beaches” which has loads of free and discounted activities to do in the Palm Beach County area…whether you are interested in the arts, outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, sunset cruises, concerts, the list goes on…there is something for everyone! Last season a friend and I bought a package deal which included a stand up paddle board session or kayak and a sunset cruise for a bargain and it will be a day that I will never forget!

So here’s to making memories that we will cherish for many years to come thanks to Workaway International!

The Workaway Recruitment Journey

By Nzuzo Mkhungo

My name is Nzuzo Mkhungo, I am 19 years of age and am heading for Florida for my participation in the programme for the first time. Excited but scared “scarecited”! The hospitality industry is my chosen home and the opportunity I am getting with Workaway is one that will shed light in that regard.

Well I was fortunate enough to be chosen to be a part of the programme. Admirals Cove is where I am going to shine and make the programme proud! It has not been an easy sailing but here we are……I wasn’t lucky enough to be chosen after the first interview I went to. I was a constant caller to the office, sent dozens of emails and it eventually paid off.

I will be flying for the first time, I will be out of KZN for the first time, and I will be out of South Africa for the first time all thanks to the women I cannot omit in this text. Charlotte, Michelle, Tahira, Lucy and Robyn thank you. You have given me an opportunity I never thought was possible. 

In a few weeks I will be saying “GOODBYE SOUTH AFRICA AND HELLO AMERICA!”. I cannot wait but I am so scared at the same time: I am telling you now, this is a choice I will not regret making. Do the same and trust me, the experience I’m about to share with you will become yours to live.

Adventure awaits!

By Tanita Dos Anjos

Only 10 more days until my feet will be on American soil, in the oh-so-sunny Florida! I’m sure I’m not the only one who is feeling overwhelmed by excitement and nervousness for this exciting chapter that is to come.

My name is Tanita dos Anjos and soon I’ll be arriving in Florida to begin work at one of the most prestigious golf courses in America “Boca West Country Club”! The journey leading up to this has been just as overwhelming as the countdown to leaving!

It all started with a presentation that left many in awe and eager to apply to get a chance to experience “The American Dream”. After that, it was interview after interview, each time the stakes would get higher and higher, and we began to climb to the ladder to the end goal-working in Florida. The most nail-biting interview was definitely the one with Boca West. 

Butterflies erupted in my stomach as I moved closer and closer to the interview room and as soon as I saw my interviewer I set my eyes on the prize and somehow managed to calm myself enough to seem like-able and suitable for the job. The weeks thereafter I checked my emails 24/7 and I constantly had my phone on loud, waiting in anticipation for any news if I had made it or not. Then the day came, it was quite ironic, because for a split second it was completely out of my mind and that’s exactly when I heard the buzzing on my phone and saw the number, from the head office in Cape Town, calling and my stomach flipped! “Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to work at Boca West! “A smile grew upon my face and I couldn’t wait to share the news with my loved ones! My excitement was uncontainable! 

From there on everything moved so quickly! Filling out forms about who’d I’d like to share accommodation with and zoning for the medical exams followed by an orientation, organizing all the paperwork for the VISA and to add more stress on top of that, I’m a student, so I had to tackle exams too! Once my exams were done, orientation was completed, and all VISA paperwork and medical papers were compiled the last hurdle was getting the VISA. It doesn’t seem like a difficult thing to obtain but the embassy was almost as nerve wrecking as my interview with Boca West! However, as soon as I heard: “Your VISA has been approved” it was like I could finally picture myself in Florida officially working and gaining experience!

The next call I’d be getting from Cape Town would be the call to tell me my date of departure and ever since I’ve received that call my emotions have gone into turmoil! Happiness, excitement, nervousness and uncertainty of what will happen, all mixed into one! All that’s left to do now is pack and prepare for the adventure abroad and if it’s anything like what I picture in my head I know that I won’t ever regret it!