For some, the thought of laying on a beach while doing absolutely nothing is the definition of a good vacation. But that’s not you, is it? You’d rather spend your free time learning, gaining new skills, and — why not? — making some extra cash. Well, you can achieve all of these goals with working holiday programs!
Working holiday programs will take you to places you’ve only dreamed of — and you won’t go broke!
Working holidays are typically short-term work opportunities, from a few weeks to a year, and they’re a great way to gain work experience while also getting the chance to live abroad. Whether you want to learn more about the hospitality industry in Europe or you just want to make enough money to spend a year traveling around Australia, working abroad is a great way to enhance your resume, boost your cultural confidence, and maybe even learn a new language.
There are a ton of programs for working gap years out there, and the best program for you is the one that will grow your professional skills while also allowing you to explore a new country. From teaching ski lessons to practicing marketing techniques, each working holiday program is going to look a little different. While you’re figuring out exactly what your working holiday will be, it’s important to do your research, read program reviews, and ask a lot of questions.
Are you ready for the best year of your life? Check out these recommended working holiday gap year programs to get an idea of what’s possible:
- Instructor Training Program with EA Ski and Snowboard in New Zealand
- Work in Ireland with USIT Work and Travel in Ireland
- Work in Australia with BUNAC Work Australia
- Teach English in China with Intercultural Education Corporation
- Learn Japanese and Intern in Japan with Travel Hokkaido
- Work in Argentina with Greenheart Travel
- Dive and Learn Marketing in Bali with Paradise Interns
- Intern Around the World with ELI Abroad
- Au Pair in New Zealand with InterExchange
9 of the best working holiday programs this year
Editor’s note: This information on working holiday programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
It’s time to start thinking big, because the sky’s the limit when it comes to working gap years. Whatever you can dream up, there’s sure to be a program that’ll let you try out your dream occupation, or just have a little bit of fun while you’re making up your mind. With so many options to consider, here are some top programs to get you started:
1. Instructor Training Program with EA Ski and Snowboard in New Zealand — 10.0
Do you love to ski or snowboard and just can’t get enough of it? Luckily our planet creates perfect conditions on the slopes twice a year, and the southern hemisphere is a great place to get your fill of winter while your friends sweat in the summer heat back home. This program teaches you how to be a ski or snowboard instructor within a single season!
Whether you’re already a pro or just have a bit of experience carving down the mountain, you’ll be guaranteed a paid ski instructor job once you successfully complete the qualified ski instructor training. Accommodation and training fees are included in the program fee, so once you arrive, there’s nothing else to worry about other than how deep the powder is that day.
- Where: New Zealand
- Duration: 6 months
- Read EA Ski and Snowboard reviews
2. Work in Ireland with USIT Work and Travel in Ireland — 7.0
The Emerald Isle has drawn seekers to its shores for centuries, and who wouldn’t be intrigued by its reputation for castles, foggy coastlines, and friendly locals? The USIT program lets students or recent graduates legally work in Ireland in any industry, which means you have plenty of options to earn income while getting to know Irish culture.
The USIT team will help you obtain your visa, provide orientations, and give guidance on finding both a job and accommodation after you arrive. This program is great for individuals who are self-motivated and independent.
- Where: Ireland
- Duration: 4 months to 2 years
- Read USIT Work and Travel in Ireland reviews
3. Work in Australia with BUNAC Work Australia — 7.0
If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the land down under, the BUNAC Work Australia program is a great way to gain a deep understanding of this massive country. You’ll receive a visa that allows you to work anywhere in the country for up to 12 months, so you can travel and work at your own pace.
If you’d prefer to stay in one spot or you don’t want to have to find a job on your own, the Job Before You Go program will help arrange a hospitality job for you in a popular destination. From the beach to the desert to the mountains, there’s so much to explore in Australia.
- Where: Australia
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Read BUNAC reviews
4. Teach English in China with Intercultural Education Corporation — 10.0
If you’ve ever thought about teaching English, this program is a great way to find out if TEFL is the career for you. As long as you’re enrolled in college or are a recent graduate, you’re eligible for this fully-funded program and will get the chance to work in a kindergarten teaching English to youngsters.
All of your expenses are taken care of, including airfare, room and board, and weekend excursions. You’ll also get to learn Mandarin and meet Chinese locals, allowing you to find out what it’s really like to live in the Middle Kingdom.
- Where: Zhongshan, China
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Read Intercultural Education Corporation reviews
5. Learn Japanese and Intern in Japan with Travel Hokkaido — 10.0
This program for 18-29-year-olds is the perfect way to learn about Japanese culture, immerse yourself in the language, and gain personal and professional skills for your future. You’ll spend the first six weeks learning Japanese and attending cultural workshops before undertaking an internship or community service project.
The small-group dynamics and hands-on program staff allow you to gain as much as possible from each activity, leaving you with an unforgettable experience and a deep understanding of the Land of the Rising Sun.
- Where: Japan
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Read Travel Hokkaido reviews
6. Work in Argentina with Greenheart Travel — 9.0
If you’re interested in improving your Spanish skills or have always wanted to live in Buenos Aires — home to tango, parillas (steakhouses), and the Plaza de Mayo — then this program is an affordable way to make your dreams a reality.
By working part-time in a hostel, you’ll receive free accommodation in the capital city, making your stay much more affordable. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to add your hospitality work to your CV and give your professional skills a boost, too.
- Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Duration: 3 months with an option to extend
- Read Greenheart Travel reviews
7. Dive and Learn Marketing in Bali with Paradise Interns — 9.86
If you love scuba diving or just want to try it out, this internship is the best way to spend six whole months diving for free in Bali. What’s the catch? You’ll also become a pro at digital marketing, and after an intensive month-long bootcamp, you’ll intern with a dive company to perfect your skills and provide marketing services. Sounds like a win-win situation, especially for those who are interested in learning more about marketing or who want to transition to the digital nomad lifestyle!
- Where: Bali, Indonesia
- Duration: 6 months
- Read Paradise Interns reviews
8. Intern Around the World with ELI Abroad — 10.0
ELI Abroad offers internships on four different continents, making it easy to find an opportunity in the exact location you want. From animal rescue to teaching English to community service, there are plenty of professional development options to choose from. While not all ELI internships are paid, the program costs are typically quite low, allowing you to gain work experience without emptying your bank account.
- Where: 24 different countries
- Duration: Varies
- Read ELI Abroad reviews
9. Au Pair in New Zealand with InterExchange — 10.0
If you love children, why not spend your working holiday gap year in New Zealand as an au pair? This program is a great way to immerse yourself in the daily life of a Kiwi family, and you’ll be provided with accommodation, meals, and a weekly stipend in exchange for childcare duties. You’ll also receive extensive pre-departure materials, an orientation on arrival, and have access to social events with other au pairs in the region.
- Where: New Zealand
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Read InterExchange reviews
Not sure how to choose? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
Where will you werk it for your working holiday?
There’s a lot of potential for your working holiday. Where will you end up?
Do you envision becoming a hostess in a ski chalet, scouting out wildlife in the jungles of Costa Rica, or some other exciting adventure? Whichever option you choose, working holidays are great opportunities to meet locals, learn about a new culture, and gain work experience.
By taking some time off from your daily life to explore the world around you with a working holiday gap year, you’ll become a better candidate for college and job applications while also gaining a new perspective on the kind of work you enjoy.
This information can be priceless when determining next steps in your life — from choosing a college major to deciding if more schooling is right for you. Whatever you end up doing, one thing’s for sure — working holidays programs can benefit just about anyone!
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