Giving “Living Like a Local” a Whole New Meaning
Adapted from Source: @brandon24
Travel as we know it today is drastically different from when our parents used to do it. We abhor travel agencies, ditch Lonely Planet guides and chant the mantra “I’m going as a traveller and not a tourist.” But with only a maximum of 10 days per sojourn, enough with the subterfuge – there’s only so much localization you can do.
Opposed to sussing out unconventional non-tourist haunts, why not indulge the idea of working holidays? Aside from getting paid, you’ll get to walk in moccasins you never would on our sunny shores – think fruit-picking on a countryside or helping to manage a ski resort.
Currently, Singaporeans can only officially pick up working holidays in New Zealand, but we managed to unearth a total of 10 places where you can score yourself a holiday job! So pack your bags globe-rover, your adventure awaits!
1. Work in agriculture in Norway
Without mistake, Norway’s allure lies in its vast expanses where nature flourish – just enter “Norway” into Google Images, and you’ll be returned with a grid full of scenic views. Naturally, the agriculture in this nordic country is on a class of its own and should be the direction you turn to when holiday work hunting.
Farm work is widely available, though those with green fingers will find themselves more attuned to working in a plant nursery, where planting, cultivation and harvesting are a daily occurrence.
Requirements:
- Proof of return air ticket after program
- Work for no more than three months
Learn more about the job here!
2. Get Paid To Live with a French Family
Source: @brandon24
For those new to the term, au pair is a homestay system where the traveller attaches himself to a local family, and is paid in return for helping out in light housekeeping or nanny duties. The chores you’ll be required to do will vary depending on your host, but most are menial tasks that you probably already do here anyway.
It may sound like you’re being hired as a maid; however, in exchange you get to experience life on the other side of the globe, where a seemingly mundane trip to the grocer can mean sights to marvel. Above all, the insights and inclusion your host family may provide will allow you to experience local life no travel guide can tell you and it might just feel like home isn’t that far away after all.
Requirements:
- Stay within visa period
- Have basic knowledge of French
- Show deep interest in French culture
Learn more about the job here!
3. Teach English in Japan
This is probably the most lucrative job out of this list and if you can speak English proficiently, you’re technically qualified! Initiated by the Japanese government, the JET Programme recruits native-English speakers from around the world to work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in local schools.
On weekdays, you’ll soak into work life, helping the teachers execute English lessons. Come weekends, the days are yours to steep in the bountiful cultures and exotic sights this land of the rising sun offers. Even better, your flight ticket is paid for, and monthly salary starts at Y28,000 (~SGD350). And you don’t even have to speak Japanese.
Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- High proficiency in the English Language (Written and Spoken)
- Have a vested interest in Japanese culture
Learn more about the job here!
4. Camp out in a Canadian ski resort
Source: @brynawang
Next to maple syrup and being uncomfortably polite, Canada is perhaps best known for their winter sports. When snowfall blankets the land in white, many flock to their plethora of ski resorts to make the most out of the chilly season. Most notable is Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, one of the biggest in North America and host to the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Snagging a job there is like joining a big warm family. Like cogs to a gear, every role serves its vital purpose and depending on your skills, you could be coaching tourists on skiing fundamentals or helping to manage the resort. Either way, just don’t forget to pack some winter wear!
Requirements:
- Aged 18 – 30
- Currently studying or graduated within 3 years
- Have at least CAD $2500 (~SGD3000)
- Proof of return air ticket after program
Learn more about the job here!
5. Join a farmland in the USA
As far as farming goes, the most an average Singaporean would have done were popping green beans on wet cotton, or hydroponics in primary school. For a slice of the rural life without sacrificing the comfort of the modern world, spend the summer in an American farmland.
The AirBnb of farming, the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) connects farm owners to travellers looking to give traditional crop planting a go and vice versa. Currently, there are over 2000 hosts across the US, which means you can take your pick from apple orchards or green plantations.
Requirement:
- At least 18 years old
Learn more about the job here!
6. Party for Work in Ibiza
Regardless of your geography knowledge, you’ve probably heard of the legendary Spanish island of Ibiza from today’s pop songs and singers. Extroverted party people listen up, here’s a great lobang.
To earn a quick buck to finance the island life you’ll be living, many clubs and bars offer ambassador programs where you can earn commision for selling tickets and mingling with the crowd. So yes, you are actually paid to party. Just remember to come back home when you’re done.
Requirement:
- At least 18 years old
Learn more about the job here!
7. Work anywhere in Australia
When it comes to keeping things chill, Australia oozes with laidback vibes. In the land that takes the phrase “a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met” quite seriously, Australia is ideal for those with a penchant for human interaction.
To experience the warmth this city harbours, we recommend a stint at a cafe along the suburbs. On the flip side, night owls too can easily find work in the throng of watering holes that dots the city. And with a little booze in the mix, you’ll experience true aussie hospitality even before saying “g’day mate.”
Note: Official working holidays in Australia for Singaporeans is expected to pan out in 2017.
– New Zealand –
New Zealand’s the only country* that offers working holiday visas to Singaporeans so we’re technically given carte blanche on the kind of experiences to partake. Applications start November and only 200 or so applicants are accepted each year. So, fastest fingers get to call dibs!
Requirements:
- Aged 18 – 30
- Currently studying or graduated within 3 years
- Have at least NZ $2250 (~SGD2260)
*Information accurate as of December 2016
8. Work on a Boat Tour That Brings Tourists To a Volcano
Establishing rapport quickly with utter strangers isn’t a social skill gifted to everyone, but if you can do it without trying, a boat crew/tour guide can give you a helluva satisfaction.
As crew, your job scope includes being the edutainer onboard on route the volcano and occasionally the ocean’s keeper, looking out for marine wildlife like dolphins and whales who decide to embark on the same journey as the group.
Once on land, you’ll be in charge of leading the tour towards the crater, guiding the group to heights where breathtaking views take place. Atop that, you’ll be the unofficial spokesperson for the volcano, feeding valuable information to the crowd and answering queries.
Learn more about the job here!
9. Be The Reason Why The World Has Wine
New Zealand may not claim top spot on the list of buzzwords associated with wine, but you don’t have to be a connoisseur to know it is home to some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll find that working in a vineyard isn’t just about harvesting the fruits of labour, but also prepping the land for the next round of planting too.
On the production line, you’ll assist the head winemaker with operation of machines, ranging from grape crushing to stamping the final label before shipping. But the best perk of the job that isn’t on the listing: free wine tasting!
Learn more about the job here!
10. Becowme a Milkmaid
The age-old question remains: what was the person who discovered milk doing? Whatever the case, the world thanks you for your morbid curiosity.
For cows to yield larger volumes of milk, it’s essential they live in environments where their necessities are well-taken care of. As dairy farm assistants, your job varies from cleaning the shed to doing deliveries, but most importantly, it’s watching over the cows and ensuring they’re all healthy and happy. Basically the cow whisperer.
Learn more about the job here!
The Right Way To Travel
More than ever, we embrace the notion of being a global citizen, broadening our horizons one destination at a time. While our global sojourn opens our eyes to a whole new world, these transient experiences can often leave much to be desired.
Before jetting off for a weekender next holiday, consider taking up a working holiday where you can immerse yourself in another culture at your own pace and perhaps learn something about yourself. Safe travels!