28 states in 2 years!

By Marco Loubser

My journey with Workaway International started in late 2017. I had just finished studying and thought it would be a great opportunity to experience a different country. Little did I know how amazing the next two and a half years would turn out to be.

I spent my first season in Florida where a group of nervous South Africans was greeted by the staff of the Addison Reserve Country Club. They were so nice! It can be very intimidating walking into one of the best country clubs in America, but everyone made us feel very welcome and all the new faces quickly became close friends.

I spent 6 amazing months in Florida. From playing on some of the best golf courses I have ever seen to soaking up the warm Miami beach sun. I was going back for more.

After Florida I spent my Summer season at Bald Peak Colony Club up in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. I traded my beach time for early morning hikes that led me to breath-taking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and instead of going to clubs in the evening we'd spend our time around the fire gazing at some of the brightest stars I have ever seen. It was a different experience but just as amazing in its own way.

I spent the rest of my time in New Mexico and South Carolina. They were all special in their own ways. What blew my mind was how different the people were from state to state. Always very welcoming but the diversity was something to behold.

Unfortunately, everything came to a standstill with the COVID-19 epidemic. Workaway International worked around the clock to get us home safely and have been in constant contact with us throughout our quarantine in Johannesburg.

Working abroad has been the best decision I have ever made. I have traveled to 28 States, seen monuments I never would have imagined seeing, played on golf courses designed by iconic golfers (like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer just to name a few), and met the most amazing people that will stay in my life forever.

If you ever feel like a new challenge or want some experience on your resume, give Workaway International a call. It will change your life!

The first season but hopefully not the last

By Melissa Fourie

After traveling an exhausting yet exciting 24 hours, my boyfriend and I finally arrived in Delray beach. We have been waiting for this moment for so long. Our apartment was amazing, fully furnished with the best view, especially when watching the sunset after a hard day’s work. 

There was no time to waste, we had one day to relax before attending the first day of training, I still remember how nervous we were driving to Addison Reserve for the first time, just knowing that our lives will never be the same. We met a lot of new, amazing people for all over South Africa and Austria. These will be friends for life.

We both were accepted in a country club up north. Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned. Everyone knows why. Although we would have loved to stay longer, it was time for us to head home. It was scary, but we made it. This was an unforgettable experience. I have learned so much about myself and the hospitality service industry. Thank you to Workaway International for giving Zian and I this experience. We hope to be traveling back to USA shortly.

This is a chance of a lifetime, if you get the opportunity to become part of the Workaway International family, do not hesitate.

Southwest Coast

By Connor Manthe

After travelling for a solid 24 hours, I finally arrived in Naples, Florida - fairly tired. Breathing in the hot humid air, I was ready to tackle another season and all the challenges that await. The excitement was unreal, it felt like my first season all over again. I met my new housemates and we got along instantly!  

It was a fast start to the season as we began working the following day. We received our uniforms and training commenced. I was situated at the fine dining restaurant and as a newbie to this type of service, it felt a bit intimidating. However, management was extremely encouraging, and they were great mentors. The items on the menu were unique. 

Unfortunately, my time in the US had come to an abrupt halt due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Everything stopped and safety measures were enforced. Overall, it was an incredible experience once again and I appreciate what Grey Oaks and Workaway International did for the participants on the programme. I await my return to the sunshine state of America.

This opportunity is a blessing, you will never know unless you try.

My dramatic return after 5 years!

By Tebogo Masisi

The 2019 - 2020 winter season has been a very remarkable and unforgettable experience for me. For my second season, Workaway International and BallenIsles country club welcomed me back with open arms.

I still remember when BallenIsles country club and Workaway International sent my departure date and told me to collect my travel documentation in Port Elizabeth. Saying goodbye to my family and friends wasn't easy, particularly saying bye to my children - but I knew it was for good. I knew there was no turning back when I got on the first flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. I had to make the best out of this season.

When we arrived in the USA, we went to our apartments. It was awesome because they took us to Turnberry. I remember saying; "Wait, this is 'The Fountains'!." It felt good when the lady, who was in charge of housing in 2014, remembered me.

As soon as I got to work, it felt like home. I had the best welcome from our outlet managers, F&B managers, and most importantly some of the guys I worked with in 2014. I returned in 2019 and they were still there. Work was challenging but good, and I enjoyed being amongst the best team. We call ourselves 'Circle 100'.

Of course, I had to have a little bit of fun and explore Florida. The most memorable experience was when I was in Miami for 3 nights and I was supposed to watch the Miami Heat game. However, due to all the distractions in Miami, I missed it but still ended up having a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, the season was cut short. Many, like me, had plans to go up north and due to the COVID-19 epidemic, our plans changed. I landed in SA on the 1st of May 2020 and was immediately quarantined. It was such an experience for me, as I have never stayed in 1 room for so long. I wouldn't want to do it again.

Thanks to Workaway International and BallenIsles country club for having our best interests at heart. I will be returning to Florida for the upcoming season! :)

The journey continues...

By Paige Pretorius

In 2017, I started a journey with Workaway International that would change my life forever. My husband (then boyfriend) already decided to apply and while I initially had no intention of applying, the company I had been working for just drained all the life and joy out of me. Deciding to apply to the Workaway International programme was something I did not realize I needed at the time.

After a couple of months (going through the recruitment process), I was on my way to the USA to work at Boca West Country Club in Florida. I started working as a golf shop clerk, where I learned so much. Halfway through the season, I ended up in the retail departments in both golf and tennis. It was an amazing opportunity and I grew so much.

The season at Boca West Country Club was not only about work. We also had plenty of time to play! This programme allowed me to meet incredible people that I would otherwise never get to meet. There was no shortage of amazing experiences with these special people.

During my season at Boca West, my boyfriend was working at Addison Reserve Country Club. I somehow managed to establish a great relationship with them and they so graciously offered me the opportunity to have an interview with a country club up north for the upcoming summer season. The interview went well, and I was offered the retail and shop clerk position at Bald Peak Colony Club in New Hampshire.

Towards the end of the season, we had a huge shortage of staff in the golf operations department and I found myself working in both retail and golf operations. Initially it was a challenge, but I managed in no time and was keeping up with all the guys.

Compared to Florida, everything about New Hampshire is different. The people, the climate, the food, the activities - absolutely everything. It was such a breath of fresh air. To anyone who plans to go on this programme, I truly recommend going up north for the summer season.

The summer season seems to fly by and before you know it you are most likely heading back to Florida for the winter season. Some may be returning to their previous clubs and some may be starting new journeys. Workaway International informed me that I had been offered the retail and shop clerk position at Addison Reserve Country Club. I decided that I would pursue my relationship with them, and it paid off.

The first season with Addison Reserve was truly such an incredible experience, not a day went by that I did not look forward to going to work. I was surrounded by a team that would hold me accountable and keep me in line but would also encourage me and push me to do better.

Instead of going up north for the next season, I went home to marry my best friend and boyfriend - the one that convinced me to take this opportunity with Workaway International in the first place. We had an incredible time back home, but we had to head back to Addison Reserve together for the 2019-2020 season.

  

This last season did not disappoint. I was given more responsibilities and as I took each one of these responsibilities head-on I received even more rewards. Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 epidemic. However, it was still full of so much excitement, opportunities, and plenty of twists and turns. 

My journey with Workaway International and Addison Reserve is not over because I will be recruiting for Workaway International while I am at home in Durban. I am so looking forward to sharing more experiences and advice with future Durban applicants.

Just the beginning

By Andre Pretorius

I can still remember the first day I ever got onto a plane. It was the 24th of October 2014 and the destination was Florida.  I can remember how incredibly anxious I was. A small-town kid, just turned 21 with a fresh diploma in Hospitality Management, flying to the United States of America to start a career in hospitality.

It all started with a manager I worked with while studying Hospitality Management. He was always calm, knowledgeable, and a great mentor. He told me about the Workaway International programme and what it had to offer, how it took him from a server to a manager of a large restaurant. The second I got home I had to get every piece of information. Fortunately, Workaway International is an AMAZING company and their website is extensive and easy to use, getting information about the programme was simple.

I decided to attend one of the presentations in Johannesburg. Charlotte was kind, amazing, and very helpful. I left the presentation knowing this is what I wanted to do, I have never felt so sure in my life.

The process was effortless and before I knew it, I had my first interview set up. With Workaway International’s help, I was able to get a job at the Polo Club of Boca Raton.

When we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, I remember how humid it was and refreshing it was getting into the vans with the AC on full blast. They settled us into our fully furnished apartments, I was in awe of just how beautiful our apartment and surroundings were. It was easy to make friends with the people we were with. I am still friends with some of them today.

We had staff transport pick us up every day, with an extremely nice driver named Carlos, he was always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable. We received extensive training over 2 weeks to make sure we have all the tools necessary to succeed. This gave me the confidence I needed to know that I can do this. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now after 7 seasons, 3 of them as a Server Captain, this amazing programme has given me the opportunity to be the Johannesburg recruiter for the upcoming season. I felt like I have truly grown not just in the hospitality space, but as a person. This program has matured me, taught me valuable life lessons, and allowed me to gain friends and mentors for life. It has given me the opportunity to travel across the US and take in all that it has to offer. I have made some of the best memories. I will cherish them forever.

Unfortunately, this season was cut short because of the COVID19 epidemic, but this will not put a damper on our positive attitudes as we will be back in sunny Florida soon! This is only the beginning of our journeys.

The importance of good hygiene in the workplace:

With the country slowly starting to return to a new form of normalcy and the food industry starting to recover, it is becoming more important than ever to observe good hygiene practices in the workplace.

Maintaining good hygiene in the hospitality workplace is expected, especially if you are working with food. By performing personal hygiene and implementing hygiene standards with staff you can gain your customers' trust. Due diligence must be taken, not only to comply with health and safety laws but also to ensure the safety of both the employees and consumers. According to the government, additional procedures must be put in place to manage the risk. Professional health, safety and hygiene training for staff are also essential in maintaining a safer working environment, which is ultimately better for business!

By not upholding hygiene practices, the business is at risk of producing unhygienic food and other produce, which ultimately lead to bad reviews and damaged reputations. This is especially important when you are operating during the COVID-19 epidemic and need to either regain or re-establish the trust of your customers, who are all still very wary of ordering food.

In addition to company policies, observe cleanliness and personal hygiene to protect yourself and those around you. Good personal hygiene practices help to prevent bacteria from spreading. Thorough hand washing is a priority, particularly before handling and preparing food. Personal protective clothing should also be worn to minimise the spread of dirt and bacteria.

In the end, the ultimate reason to maintain a hygienic working environment is to keep employees safe and healthy, this reassures them and keeps them happy. Your company will be able to maintain and improve a positive perception and limit the chances of sickness by preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Four seasons later

By Natasha Kretschmer

I started my 4th season at The Polo Club of Boca Raton, Florida in October last year. There’s something to be said about a club and your experiences if you choose to return to it for the fourth time. Before I get into how this season played out, I should give you a background story…

I come from a very small town in the Eastern Cape where there isn’t much to do, no movie theatre and a very small, unimpressive 'mall', but none the less a great place to grow up. I got my degree in education from the University of the Free State and 2 years into my teaching career, decided that I wanted to travel while I still could. This is when I heard about Workaway International. I was a successful applicant and before I knew it, I was on my way to South Florida. That was the start of a life-changing experience. Not knowing anyone else at The Polo Club, I quickly learned that no matter what, South Africans are family and I never felt more at home.

I was fortunate enough to be placed as a Recreational Aide in the Tennis Department. I went from Pro Shoppe Clerk to Tennis Concierge, to being a tennis/squash/pickleball pro. This is proof that if you work hard, you will continue to climb the ranks and learn new things. Being a teaching pro became a passion and something that I love, and it still allows me to use the degree that I studied so hard for.

I have been lucky enough to travel quite a bit while in the states. Some notable cities and states include the Florida Keys (an absolute must!), Miami, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New Orleans, South Carolina, Utah, New York, Washington DC, New Mexico, Tennessee, and California. Being a nature lover, I have also been fortunate enough to have visited The Grand Canyon, Bryce National Park, Zion National Park, The Smokey Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, and Yosemite National Park. If you work hard, save money, and plan effectively, you can travel while on this programme.

What I got most out of this program is how I’ve grown as a person. When you are alone in a “strange” country you learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of… fast!

The 2019-2020 season is not what anyone could have predicted and not how the Workaway participants wanted the season to end. The COVID-19 epidemic put a stop to everyone’s plans. Going up north for the summer season was an uncertainty and getting home to South Africa while on lockdown was considered impossible. Fortunately, the Workaway International team worked tirelessly and managed to get us all home safely and quickly. It is not ideal but necessary to stay safe and return before our visa’s expired.

After a long charter flight on Ethiopian Airlines, I reached my destination – Cape Town. Arriving at the shutdown Cape Town International Airport, we were greeted by friendly airport staff and in no time, our passports were stamped and our luggage collected. We arrived at our designated quarantine facilities around 12:30 a.m. and was once again greeted by friendly hotel staff welcoming us home. It is currently day 5 of quarantine and so far, so good. Friendly staff, good food, and a clean and safe hotel room make it just a little bit easier to be stuck in a room by yourself for 14 days. 

Once we are released, I will be going to Port Elizabeth on transport organized by Workaway International, where my parents will pick me up. Who knows what the future will hold for us as we are all trying to get used to the new normal. I will take everything day by day and wait for the chance to go back to Sunny Florida, and The Polo Club, for another adventure.

Always make the most of the opportunities given to you, because you never know where they may lead, and, in my experience, it’s usually towards something better than you could ever have anticipated.