Work and Travel programs are recommended for young people over 21 with previous job experience. Why is that? If you get your very first job in another country you will have to deal with two experiences that by themselves are difficult, and you will do it at the same time. However, if you have no work experience and the organization and the company you will be working for accepts your application, go ahead, you will survive.

Do not expect to have high paid, fancy positions. You are likely to receive minimum wage, work long hours and, if provided, very simple accommodation. However, you can have a great time, gain a lot of experience and break even with your expenses or even save some money.

Also, the program introduction is usually short and direct to the point, with more focus on job-related issues than cultural matters.

What are the advantages of a Work and Travel program? Many, especially that you will gain work experience. Even  if you are studying medicine and you go to work to McDonalds in another country, you still are making huge international work experience. Especially if you go to a country where they speak a different language, being able to work in a completely different environment will totally boost your work skills.

The other advantage is that you get to travel for less money. In some cases, you will end up with more money than you invested. Normally the organizations that offer W&T programs charge an administration fee. You also have to pay for your flight, insurance and probably also for your food and lodging for the first weeks of work. If your job is correctly choosen in terms of compensation, you will be able to pay for your expenses with your paychecks and, if you plan and save, you can get your investment back and even save some money for travelling or for bringing it back home.

Summarizing, if you have limited resources to travel abroad, you want to pay for your exchange program while travelling, or you just want to gain international work experience, a work and travel program will suit you fine.

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