UK’s regulations doesn’t diminish opportunity for international youth employment

For many young South Africans, the completion of Matric or a bachelor’s degree is celebrated by a gap year in which international travel is combined with employment on a working holiday. But with changes in the legislation which determines where and how young professionals can gain on the job experience while travelling the world, those with the wanderlust may wish to look to new shores to satisfy their adventurous spirit.

That’s the view of Marc Whitmill, Managing Director of YDP, an organisation that assists young people enrich their lives by assisting them secure international work and travel experience.

He concedes that increased restrictions are a reality, especially in terms of entering the United Kingdom where new visa requirements make it more difficult for young people to gain entry. “The UK is a ‘traditional’ starting point for many and the base from which South Africans travel Europe. The fact that the British Home Office has instituted entry and work permit regulations via a new points based system does complicate the possibility of living and working in these territories – but it doesn’t remove the opportunity,” he explains.

Since March 2009, only those with a Masters degree and R45 000 in available funds in their bank account qualify; this rules out the great majority of candidates.

However, Whitmill says the aspirant working traveller should be as flexible in their expectations as possible when applying for international work experience. “The other big destination is the United States; however, the recession is making this more difficult,” he notes. The ‘traditional’ drawcard of unskilled seasonal work is no longer an option; mostly due to recent visa changes as well as employers being encouraged to hire Americans as opposed to internationals,” Whitmill adds.

Income should not be the primary determinant for the working traveller, but rather the opportunity to experience other cultures; with such an approach, the US remains a distinct possibility for summer camp or au pair work.

Those who hold university degrees are able to secure internships, to some extent, but Whitmill says these opportunities come at not-inconsiderable cost. “A degree plus exposure to this sort of work is very advantageous for the individual’s career; however, the cost of up to R30 000 can put this option out of the reach of many youngsters,” he explains.

New opportunities for international work experience are coming from territories in the Far East, where a pronounced requirement for certain skills is emerging.

For example, says Whitmill, there is a need for English teachers in countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea, particularly with the increased interest in the people of these countries to themselves work internationally. “The emergence of these countries as economic powerhouses in the world economy is driving the requirement for their citizens to speak the language of international business – English. This creates a great demand for individuals capable of teaching the language,” he explains.

The Israeli experience of working as a volunteer on a kibbutz, or communal farm, is a well-known and recognised experience which many young South Africans have enjoyed over the years. “This too, remains a popular option, providing a rich experience of alternative ways of life,” Whitmill notes.

He says living and working abroad offers real advantages for young graduates seeking to broaden their cultural horizons. “Certainly there are changes to the requirements for travel and work, but these are minor challenges which can be navigated with the appropriate expertise; South Africa’s young people, however, remain attractive to employers internationally. And for those who do choose this exciting avenue before starting their careers, the chance to make a substantial cultural – rather than professional gain – provides for experiences which will last a lifetime.”

About YDP
“Youth Travel enables young people to enrich their lives with new experiences, to enjoy and to be educated, to learn to respect foreign cultures, to establish friendships, and above all to contribute to international cooperation and peace throughout the world,” Francesco Frangialli, former Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization. Founded in 1993, YDP is a specialist Work & Travel company which completely organises and manages work experience holidays to the UK, USA, Australia, Israel, China and Dubai for more than 2,000 people annually. An active member of the WYSE Travel Confederation, the largest and most prestigious global international youth travel organisation, YDP has access to 5,000 locations in 118 countries and international education specialists, bringing together organisations active in all aspects of working abroad programmes. YDP builds cultural bridges of understanding globally.

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