Many students dream of a break after graduating from school. Most are worn out from the stress of their final exams. Many are also put off by the idea of going straight on to college. Several months in Thailand, Australia or New Zealand sound tempting, but financing it is often hard. But there is a solution: Work and Travel! It lets you explore foreign countries while financing your trip at the same time. In this article you'll learn what the ideal Work and Travel application looks like. That way, nothing stands in the way of your adventure abroad!

The Preparation

Work and Travel application

Once you have chosen your destination country, you should start thinking about your future employer there. Depending on which company or industry you want to work in, your Work and Travel application has to include different things. If you apply to a zoo as a helper, you need different documents than for a cafe. What matters for you is to send off your first applications before the trip. That secures your stay abroad. Always tailor your Work and Travel application to the specific company. Still, there are general points you have to keep in mind when applying abroad.

Your Work and Travel Application

Make sure your application does not include a photo of you. This is standard in English-speaking countries, and including one would only cause unnecessary confusion. Unlike in Germany, applications abroad focus on the résumé. That is why in Canada and Australia, among others, only very short cover letters are sent. Another point is references. Since nobody in the region knows you, letters of recommendation are an important tool for your success. If you have already done summer jobs or internships, ask your employers back home for a letter of recommendation. If possible, this letter should already be written in English. That saves you the cost of a translator.

Certified Translations

Work and Travel application

That brings us to the next point: think carefully about which documents you need on site. And think about which documents are actually necessary. Before your trip you have to have the most important papers for your stay translated and certified. This costs a lot of money and time. That is why we have listed the most important documents you need for a Work and Travel adventure:

  • Proof of past education and training
  • Certificates
  • Bank statement as proof of financial means, no older than 4 weeks
  • Police clearance certificate, depending on the industry
  • Health certificate, depending on the industry

This list is not complete and has to be adapted to your destination. So check your documents carefully beforehand. On site it will be hard to find a suitable translator. Still, don't drive yourself crazy, because for many jobs your character matters more than your qualifications. When waiting tables in a bar, how likable you are will count for more than your grades. That is how your Work and Travel application will be a success!